Earlier today, NT Dontari Poe signed a 1 year deal with the reigning NFC champion Atlanta Falcons, replacing Tyson Jackson up front. The deal is for $8 million with another $2 million in incentives. He chose the Falcons over the Raiders, Dolphins, Jaguars and Colts.
Poe came into the league as a premier run stuffer for the Kansas City Chiefs, totaling 156 tackles and 13 sacks in his first 5 years in the league. But in the last 2 seasons, his game has really dropped off, only totaling 2.5 sacks and 47 tackles over that time span. Part of that can be attributed to a drop in play, but part of it can also go to the defensive line of the Chiefs, which sustained a few injuries this season. Still, Poe can be a dominant force for a defensive line that really came alive towards the second half of last season, which includes Vic Beasley, who led the league with 15.5 sacks. For as much coverage Poe used to see in Kansas City, the Falcons offer more pressure from the defensive line, limiting the amount of double teams that could be focused on Poe. This looks like a great move for a Falcons defense that is coming off a devastating loss in the Super Bowl, but looking to make it back to the promised land to try and come away with a victory this time around.
The Hardwood Turf 