Jeff Ulbrich Outlines Strategy to Contain Jonathan Taylor and the Colts’ Offense
As the Atlanta Falcons navigate the mid-point of their season, one prominent issue looms large: the need to bolster their run defense. This vulnerability was starkly highlighted by the recent loss of Divine Deablo, a key defensive player known for his instinctual ability to fill gaps and pursue ball-carriers across the field. Currently, the Falcons’ run defense sits at the eighth-worst in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus, allowing an average of 124.2 rushing yards per game.
Tackling the Colts’ Offensive Threat
With the challenge of facing the Indianapolis Colts—a team boasting one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses—looming on the horizon, Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich is focused on tightening his unit’s defensive approach. Ulbrich understands that to effectively stifle the Colts, his players must remain disciplined and committed to their assignments in run support.
“From a schematic standpoint, I’ve got to devote resources to the run game. Provide enough hats in the box to handle them. But ultimately, you stop the run with fundamentals and mindset,” Ulbrich stated. “So, getting off blocks, setting edges… eliminating space, and being really good tacklers, that’s going to be the key.”
The Challenge of Jonathan Taylor
At the heart of the Colts’ offensive strategy is running back Jonathan Taylor, who is having a standout season with 895 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. Ulbrich expressed the difficulties that come with preparing for a player of Taylor’s caliber.
“Every time I’ve gone against him, he’s just given me nightmares. He’s a guy that is so explosive. He’s so fast. He has such elite vision. He has contact balance,” Ulbrich remarked. “They can block it for five, and he can make it 25. He’s complete in every way. Plus, he’s a good receiver out of the backfield.”
Despite the spotlight on Taylor, the Colts possess a well-rounded offense that complicates Atlanta’s defensive game plan. Quarterback Daniel Jones is having a remarkable season, leading the league with 2,404 passing yards and tied for sixth in touchdowns with 14. Since joining the Colts in the offseason, Jones has effectively utilized a diverse array of offensive weapons.
Dynamic Receiving Corps
Michael Pittman Jr. has emerged as a top target for Jones, showcasing his impressive blend of size and agility with 52 receptions for 561 yards and six touchdowns this season. Additionally, rookie tight end Tyler Warren has quickly made a name for himself, with 42 catches for 518 yards and two touchdowns, proving to be a versatile asset within the offense.
“It’s the completeness of the offense, because if you want to sit there and just stack the box all day long, they have receivers, they have a tight end that’s going to make you pay for that,” Ulbrich noted. “So, making sure that you devote the resources to the run game, but at the same time not compromising from a coverage perspective, can be very challenging.”
Recent Improvements Against the Run
In their last outing, a narrow 25-24 loss to the New England Patriots, the Falcons displayed some improvement in their run defense, allowing just 3.3 yards per carry, a notable decrease from their season average of 4.4. Ulbrich attributed this progress to a more measured approach, emphasizing sound fundamentals over aggressive tactics.
“I thought we were firmer and more physical inside. From a schematic standpoint, I took a little bit fewer chances on the third-and-two to sixes, on the second-and-seven-plus, where, typically, I’m trying to steal third down reps,” Ulbrich explained. “Played a little bit more normal ball in those windows, and it helped us against the run game.”
The Falcons are set to face the Colts on Sunday, November 9, at 9:30 a.m. ET, as they look to reinforce their defensive line and contain one of the league’s most formidable offenses.
