There wasn't much to like from the Atlanta Falcons' season debut on Sunday. Offensively, only Bijan Robinson put in a strong performance. On special teams, rookie Zachariah Branch looked promising as a return specialist. Otherwise, you'll have to look to Atlanta's defense if you want to be impressed.
Jeff Ulbrich's unit did a sensational job given the difficult situation they were in. Worst of all, the Falcons were missing their two best edge rushers, with Jalon Walker on season-ending injured reserve and James Pearce serving the first of an eight-game suspension.
The Falcons needed someone to step up on the edge, and they got it from recently-signed long-time veteran Za'Darius Smith, who posted both of the team's sacks against Aaron Rodgers.
Here's ESPN on Smith's big debut for Atlanta.
"...Smith retired in the middle of last season with the Eagles due to his mother's illness. Despite the time away and having just turned 34 years old, the 2020 All-Pro second-team selection showed Sunday that he can still get to the quarterback. He sacked QB Aaron Rodgers twice, helping lead a defense that mostly bottled up the Steelers' offense."
Smith's big game brought his career sacks total to 72.5, to go with 178 quarterback hits. During his prime with Rodgers on the Green Bay Packers Smith made two NFC Pro Bowl squads, followed by another with Minnesota in 2022.
That was the last time Smith was an All-Star, but he clearly still has a lot left in the tank. Signing him might go down as one of Ian Cunningham's best moves of the offseason.
That said, the Falcons could still use more firepower at this position - at least until Pearce returns to the lineup. Hitting up the waiver wire or free agent market for the best edge on the board isn't a terrible idea.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: ESPN highlights one bright spot from Falcons' loss to Steelers
