Falcons say they're not switching to 3-4 defense

The Atlanta Falcons have no plans to switch to the 3-4 defense despite acquiring some defensive line personnel that would seem best suited to that alignment.

"I think it's a non-question," Falcons coach Mike Smith told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "We are going to do what we've done in the past. We changed what we are calling the guys, but we are doing what we've done in the past. We are going to be very multiple."

The Falcons signed two players with 3-4 backgrounds: defensive tackle Paul Soliai and defensive end Tyson Jackson. Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan has a background in the 4-3 and 3-4 defenses.

The Falcons need to improve. They ranked 27th in the NFL in total defense last season and 27th in points allowed.

"We are going to have a lot of multiplicity in our defense," Smith said. "That's what Mike and his staff have done for two years."

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Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun

Aaron Wilson
Aaron Wilson covers the NFL for National Football Post, his second stint at the Post. He has previously written for Pro Football Talk and FOX Sports-Scout. Entering his 13th year covering the Baltimore Ravens, he's a beat writer for The Baltimore Sun. Wilson has also covered the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans.

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