Look for these 5 NFL defenses to be greatly improved in 2020

In 2018, the injury bug bit the Atlanta Falcons secondary horribly to give them a season from hell. Last year, falling flat on their face with a despicable 1-7 start nearly got head coach Dan Quinn and his entire staff fired. But after owner Arthur Blank challenged the coaching staff and players to be better mid-season, Atlanta finished on a 6-2 run to finish as sweet, delicious Jeff Fisher 7-9 B.S.

Though Quinn getting a sixth season to lead the Falcons may have had some of Dirty Bird Nation pulling out all their hair to emulate their frustrating head coach, his staff’s retention may be a blessing in disguise. Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris was promoted from within to full-time defensive coordinator. He came over from coaching the wide receivers.

Morris was sharing defensive play-calling duties down the home stretch with linebackers coach Jeff Ulbrich, who now has an assistant head coach title to his name as well. The Falcons upgraded in the pass rush by bringing over one of Quinn’s former Florida Gator guys in Dante Fowler Jr. over Vic Beasley. Atlanta used its first-round pick on cornerback A.J. Terrell out of Clemson University.

With proven veteran stars on that side of the ball at all levels in defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, inside linebacker Deion Jones and strong safety Keanu Neal, Atlanta has the potential to be considerably better than the No. 23 scoring defense in football. Being top 10 feels like a stretch, but being top half isn’t out of the question. It’ll complement what should be a top-eight offense.