The Falcons were searching in all directions for help with their pass rush. Outside linebackers Demone Harris and DeAngelo Malone were worked into the rotation more against the Cowboys. The Falcons opened in a 4-2-5 nickel with Matthew Judon and James Smith-Williams as the outside linebacker starters.

As much as any team, the Falcons were expected to come away with a pass rusher at the trade deadline, linked to multiple targets. But with the deadline come and gone, Atlanta once again came up empty-handed.