The Atlanta Falcons returned from their early-season bye week with their defense leading the NFL in several key categories. Through Week 6 of the 2025 season, Atlanta is allowing an average of 244 yards per game, the fewest in the league. The Cleveland Browns are second, giving up 247.8 yards per game. The Falcons are among nine teams holding opponents to under 300 yards each contest.
At this point last season, Atlanta’s defense ranked 18th and was surrendering an average of 335.8 yards per game, marking a significant improvement over the past year.
This turnaround follows a major defensive overhaul during the offseason. The Falcons hired Jeff Ulbrich as defensive coordinator after his stint guiding the New York Jets’ defense to a top-five ranking from 2022 through 2024. Mike Rutenberg joined as defensive pass game coordinator and Nate Ollie took over as defensive line coach. In free agency, six of Atlanta’s ten outside signings were on defense, including edge rusher Leonard Floyd and inside linebacker Divine Deablo. Four of five draft picks were also used on defenders, notably first-round edge rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr.
The results have been immediate for Atlanta’s defense. The team leads the league in passing yards allowed per game at 135 and ranks sixteenth against the run (109 rushing yards allowed per game). Opponents have averaged 21.5 points against them so far this season, placing Atlanta fifteenth in that category.
On offense, Atlanta has shown some inconsistency but demonstrated potential in its Week 4 victory over the Washington Commanders. The Falcons currently rank seventh in total offense with an average of 362.8 yards per game; only eight teams are gaining at least 360 yards each week. Last year at this time, they were tenth with a 357.4-yard average.
The offensive unit began this season knowing Michael Penix Jr., who replaced veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins late last year, would be starting full-time after preparing throughout training camp for that role. While Penix has experienced challenges—such as during a loss to Carolina in Week 3—he responded positively with his best performance coming in Week 4.
Atlanta is sixth in rushing offense (136.5 yards per game) and thirteenth in passing offense but ranks twenty-sixth in scoring at nineteen points per game.
Coming out of their bye week with a record of two wins and two losses, the Falcons will next face the Buffalo Bills (4-1) on “Monday Night Football” at Mercedes-Benz Stadium; kickoff is set for 7:15 p.m., with live coverage available on ESPN.
