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Falcons-Saints MNF discussion: scouting the Ravens’ next opponent

Michael Penix Jr. delivered a strong debut for Atlanta, posting a +0.24 EPA per dropback in a 35-14 victory over Green Bay and showing the Falcons’ healthy offensive line and booming rushing attack.

The Saints’ secondary limited Baltimore to 233 passing yards in Week 2, offering a solid test for Penix before the Ravens arrive next week. Atlanta’s run defense has been dominant, surrendering just 47.7 yards per game (2.8 yards per attempt) and posting league‑best figures in rush‑stop rate and EPA per rush, a dramatic turnaround from last season’s bottom‑ten unit.

Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, retained by head coach Kevin Stefanski, has overseen the improvement despite modest front‑seven changes, while the addition of Gervon Dexter Sr. has bolstered the offensive line without being a standout run defender.

The Ravens may need to rely on their ground game if Lamar Jackson remains sidelined, and former Falcon Dwayne Ledford will be watching for exploitable gaps. Coach Jesse Minter’s philosophy of using nickel and dime packages to defend the run could be tested by Bijan Robinson’s 5.0 yards per carry and near‑zero EPA per rush as the Falcons prepare for Monday Night Football.

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