Canales Prepares Panthers for Falcons’ Tenacious Pass Rush
Dave Canales, head coach of the Carolina Panthers, is acutely aware of the formidable challenge posed by the Atlanta Falcons’ defense as they gear up for their upcoming matchup. While the Falcons have displayed some vulnerabilities this season, their pass rush remains a key strength that Canales is taking very seriously.
A Relentless Pass-Rushing Attack
The Falcons may have some weaknesses, but their ability to pressure the quarterback is not among them. Ranking just outside the elite tier of pass-rushing units according to Pro Football Focus, Atlanta boasts a blend of promising young talents and seasoned veterans. Players like Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. have emerged, complemented by established contributors such as Zach Harrison and Leonard Floyd.
As the Panthers prepare to face the Falcons on Sunday, Canales emphasized the importance of addressing this relentless pass rush. “This is a Falcons defense that’s really gotten after the quarterback. That’s what jumps out when you watch them on tape, and how do you negate that? Yeah, it’s effort and depth,” he noted.
Impressive Depth and Variety in Pass Rush
Canales highlighted the depth and versatility of the Falcons’ defensive front. “They have a really good group of rushers, whether it’s inside or outside, and then Elliss comes in there and he’s got an excellent way of being a part of the stunts and adding himself into a five-man rush,” he said. The Falcons’ defensive coordinator, Jeff Ulbrich, has been praised for his ability to mix in various blitz packages, utilizing defensive backs like Dee Alford, who has two sacks, to apply pressure from unexpected angles.
Additionally, Atlanta’s interior rushers, such as Brandon Dorlus and Ruke Orhorhoro, have also made significant impacts, with Dorlus recording five sacks and eight pressures, and Orhorhoro contributing two sacks and 17 pressures. This diverse pressure strategy keeps opposing offensive lines guessing and can create significant challenges for quarterbacks.
Balancing Pass Rush with Run Defense Struggles
Despite their prowess in pass rushing, the Falcons have struggled against the run, surrendering the sixth-most rushing yards in the NFL this season. This presents a unique scenario for the Panthers, who have been one of the league’s top rushing teams, currently ranking fifth in total rushing yards.
As Canales prepares for the contest, he recognizes that while it is crucial to formulate a strategy to counter the Falcons’ pass rush, Ulbrich will face the same task in trying to contain Carolina’s run game. The upcoming clash promises to be a tactical battle, as both teams will seek to exploit their opponents’ weaknesses.
Looking Ahead to Sunday’s Showdown
The Panthers and Falcons will meet on Sunday, November 16, at 1 p.m. EST. With both teams having distinct strengths and weaknesses, the game will undoubtedly hinge on the effectiveness of their respective defensive and offensive strategies. Canales knows that his team must be on high alert to navigate the challenges that the Falcons’ pass rush will present while simultaneously capitalizing on their own running capabilities.
