After spending what was effectively a redshirt rookie season with the Atlanta Falcons, defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus has made a notable impact on the team’s defensive line, significantly increasing his performance in an expanded role this year. Currently, Dorlus has accumulated 7.5 sacks, placing him second on the Falcons roster and seventh among interior defenders in the entire NFL.
The Falcons’ coaching staff had anticipated Dorlus’s emergence long before the season commenced. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich praised Dorlus’s potential as a pass-rusher, emphasizing his ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. “Dorlus is a guy that you know, he came into this league as a highly regarded inside pass rusher,” Ulbrich remarked. “For a big man, he has impressive movement and understands how to rush effectively.”
Dorlus’s performance has been instrumental in the team’s pass-rushing success, contributing to a season total of 50 sacks, which ranks second in the NFL. This impressive figure is a considerable surge compared to last year’s total, with two games still remaining in the season.
Interestingly, Dorlus’s 7.5 sacks have already matched the career high of veteran Grady Jarrett, who achieved the same number in 2019 while playing nearly twice as many defensive snaps—805 compared to Dorlus’s 443 this season. This statistic not only showcases Dorlus’s efficiency in generating pressure but also highlights his rapid development as a key player.
“Being in the same category as Grady means a lot,” Dorlus expressed. “You know it’s a blessing for sure.” He attributed much of his success to the guidance provided by Jarrett during his rookie season, citing the importance of embracing the opportunities given to him.
With two games remaining on the schedule, Dorlus is in a prime position to surpass Jarrett’s previously set mark and further establish himself as a crucial component of the Falcons’ defensive strategy. Regardless of whether he breaks the record, Dorlus’s contributions have already cemented his role in the team’s remarkable defensive turnaround this year.