​In Atlanta, Georgia, during a December 7, 2025 game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Jessie Bates and A.J. Terrell of the Falcons showed their continued leadership on the field. Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a fan survey that taps into the views of Falcons supporters and NFL fans nationwide. Sign up to participate in the weekly email surveys and share your thoughts. This season, the Falcons’ defense is poised to be a well-rounded unit with considerable talent, though there are concerns about the front and how Kaden Elliss’s replacement will be handled. Jeff Ulbrich’s group made meaningful gains in 2025, and last year featured several players performing at Pro Bowl levels. Bates elevated his play in the second half of the season, contributing significantly to the Falcons’ four-game winning streak to close out the year. Terrell also had a strong year after earlier inconsistencies, and Divine Deablo emerged as a standout, anchoring the defense with his ability to shed blocks, cover ground, and display keen instincts. Historically, Grady Jarrett was the Falcons’ most valuable defensive player from 2018 to 2020, with Terrell adding to that conversation starting in 2021, and Bates earning the top spot in 2023 and 2024. Now, the discourse centers on which players currently hold the designation of the Falcons’ most valuable defender. Share your thoughts and vote in our survey.