Atlanta Falcons fans knew it was time to prepare for the worst when defensive hybrid Kroy Biermann hopped off the field and was seen being carted back to the locker room during the team's win against the St. Louis Rams. Anytime the cart is out, something is serious and this time is no different.
Head coach Mike Smith announced Biermann would be placed on injured reserve and out for the season after suffering a torn Achilles. He also announced fullback Bradie Ewing would be out with a broken shoulder. The Falcons' injury list continues to grow and now the team is down two starters, marking a significant setback in the season.
Losing Biermann is a big blow to the Atlanta defense. Biermann is the heart of the unit, taking snaps as both a linebacker and defensive end. That hybrid role was effective last season and would be this year as well. Biermann was counted on in run stopping efforts as well as dominating on special teams. In the past five seasons Biermann was a versatile defender in Mike Nolan's more hybrid scheme. He put up 16.5 sacks in that time. Now the Falcons will rely on depth to get by without the "Duff Man".
For the moment, Jonathan Massaquoi will likely get the start against the Miami Dolphins, but the Falcons will look to add another free agent or two in the coming week. They have a few options for the time being. The 2012 fifth round draft pick saw action in eight games last year and recorded just two solo tackles. Malliciah Goodman is also another strong option as a starter. The Clemson product received strong reviews in the preseason from Mike Nolan, but was never considered a starter considering he was playing behind Biermann. Now could be his chance. Expect the Falcons to target linebackers in free agency throughout the week.
Jason Snelling will take over at fullback in place of Ewing. The Falcons went without him last year and that plan worked well. Snelling normally takes snaps as a running back, but is a strong enough blocker to play both positions. Ewing's first two years in the league have been met with season-ending injuries early. The Falcons have yet to see what he can offer.
The Falcons have cap space to make up for the losses, but losing both Ewing and Biermann is a big hit to the team. They can replace them in quantity, but likely not in quality.
