The band seems to be on the verge of getting back together somewhat, but it’s the restraint of the unknown member, Ulbrich, that is perhaps the most important. Owner Arthur Blank said at a Jan. 8 news conference that he would recommend Ulbrich to whoever would eventually be the team’s next head coach. However, he did not want to “dictate” any supervisor’s choice.
Nevertheless, Stefanski was on the scoresheet, which maintains some stability at the top for a promising unit.
Although the Falcons finished a dismal 19th in points allowed and 15th in yards given up, the defense is loaded with talent, with a good mix of young up-and-comers and veterans.
After struggling to get sacks the season before Ulbrich’s arrival, when the team ranked 31st with 31, Atlanta’s pass rush became a fine-tuned machine in 2025. The Falcons finished with 57, second in the NFL. First-round pick James Pearce Jr. led the way with 10.5, while fellow ’25 first-rounder Jalon Walker had 5.5 and Brandon Dorlus had 8.5. All three will be 25 or younger next season. On the back end are cornerback AJ Terrell, safety Jessie Bates and another promising junior, Xavier Watts.
There were certainly growing pains and inconsistencies in Ulbrich’s first season as DC, but the defense was one of the league’s best against the pass for much of the first half of the season, and it put up some highlight-reel moments in Monday night’s wins over the Bills and Rams.
When Atlanta’s talent pool is properly utilized, the ceiling is high.
Ulbrich showed that he knows how to use them and now he is sticking with Stefanski to build on the foundation that has already been laid.