FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — John Abraham isn’t impressed with Atlanta’s defense this season and sees room for improvement.
He says ranking fifth in points allowed, eighth in takeaways and 12th against the run isn’t good enough.
Abraham believes the Falcons aren’t putting consistent pressure on quarterbacks and don’t tackle well, tendencies that could hurt them in the postseason.
A win over the Panthers (2-13) Sunday could set them straight and would give Atlanta (12-3) its first NFC South title in four years, the No. 1 seed and homefield advantage throughout the playoffs.
Abraham says Atlanta can take nothing for granted against the Panthers, who got 7.9 yards per carry from Jonathan Stewart and Mike Goodson in a loss to the Falcons three weeks ago.