**Falcons' Defensive Struggles Persist Despite Promising Record**

The Atlanta Falcons' record of 4-2 isn't reflective of a perfect season, considering their persistent issues with pass-rushing. Their recent game on Sunday ended in defeat, highlighting that their pass-rush flaw is just one of several components not performing effectively. Head coach Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot are now tasked with evaluating the team's potential if the defensive issues under coordinator Jimmy Lake persist.

Statistically, the numbers don't paint a positive picture. With only six sacks across seven games, the Falcons are averaging just 0.86 sacks per game. Maintaining this rate would result in a mere 15 sacks for the season, a figure that would be the lowest for any NFL team since 2018, according to Stathead. Historically, since 2000, no team has won double-digit games with fewer than 19 sacks in a season, and those teams that reached only 25 sacks have struggled significantly.

This isn't to say that the Falcons cannot succeed with a weak pass-rush, but it necessitates that every other facet of their gameplay must operate at peak efficiency to compensate. This reduces their margin for error, making close losses, such as Sunday's, more plausible.

The preseason acquisition of four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Matthew Judon was expected to bolster the Falcons' defense. Judon initially seemed to fulfill those expectations with 1.5 sacks and two quarterback hits in the first two games. However, his performance has since waned, recording no sacks and just one quarterback hit in subsequent games, including the recent match.

Ultimately, when it mattered most on Sunday, Judon and his teammates were unable to step up, underscoring the team's ongoing defensive challenges.