What New DC Jimmy Lake Brings to the Falcons: “Definitely Knows His Stuff”

A Los Angeles to Atlanta pipeline has emerged again under new Falcons head coach Raheem Morris.

After the former Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator plucked away Zac Robinson from the Sean McVay coaching staff to run the offense, Morris additionally found his defensive coordinator Monday: Jimmy Lake, who worked with the Rams defensive backs.

Jimmy Lake Credited for DB Expertise

The Falcons themselves confirmed that Lake is officially on board as defensive coordinator — coming on a day Robinson was named offensive coordinator and Marquice Williams was retained as special teams coordinator.

OC ✅

DC ✅

STC ✅ pic.twitter.com/XJILbxYYAx

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) January 30, 2024

It’s to be determined if Lake or Morris will be calling the plays on defense. It’s additionally not known if “Rah” plans to bring the Rams’ exotic odd-man front — which sometimes saw five defensive linemen across the line of scrimmage — over to Atlanta.

Lake also comes to Atlanta with this controversial moment: His 2020 exit from the University of Washington involving player mistreatment. Some Husky fans weren’t too fond of this Falcons hire, while others believe he can cross the line of being edgy. He was welcomed greatly by McVay and the rest of the L.A. staff after Washington.

One thing is certain, though. Lake comes to Atlanta with a strong pedigree of coaching up DBs.

While with the Rams, Lake was lauded for how he got the best out of young cornerbacks Derion Kendrick and Cobie Durant, plus Lake helped spark last-minute free agent addition Ahkello Witherspoon to tie for the team lead in interceptions. Fans have taken a liking to his hire.

“Jimmy Lake definitely knows his stuff. If the report is true, I’m getting more pumped about the Raheem hire by the day,” Atlanta-based broadcaster Jordan Watkins said on X (formerly known as Twitter). “Also would be good to know the input Raheem would have on calling the defense, but I guess we won’t know more about that until next Monday.”

Out west, one account recalls how stout Lake’s knowledge of producing DBs was, which dates back to his time at UW.

“Lake is known for elite DB development and was the UW DC from 2016-2019 when they had a Top 15 defense nationally all 4 years,” the account shared.

One fan, though, believes Morris will fall back and allow Lake to call the defense.

“They go way back, and I know he trusts him. I fully expect Morris to be hands off when it comes to calling defense. It will undoubtedly be Lake’s responsibility, and he has the experience,” the fan posted.

Lake will be at his third NFL stop with Morris, as the two were also with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Lake coaching the cornerbacks.

What Jimmy Lake Brings to the Falcons

Atlanta may have been eighth in the league in passing yards allowed, but the Falcons fell to 22nd in opposing passing touchdowns surrendered.

Furthermore, outside of safety Jessie Bates III, only two other Falcon players snatched an interception as Atlanta settled for a lowly eight team picks (six by Bates). Worse, none came from the cornerback unit.

That’s where Lake comes in.

While some may view this as a “buddy” hire from Morris, it’s still a strong business decision he’s making by bringing in a DB whiz over as the new coordinator. Improving the interception numbers and maximizing the most out of the Falcons’ DB unit moving forward is tantamount.

He’s already familiar with one Falcons CB in Clark Phillips III. Before he emerged as a late-season starter, the 2023 fourth-rounder Phillips III had his past Pac-12 battles with Lake as a star Utah Utes defender. Lake himself even tried to help lure the La Habra, California standout over to UW before he eventually committed to the Utes.

Lake will most likely take a liking to Phillips’ physical style of play at the line of scrimmage and fundamentally sound backpedal. Phillips went on to allow just 18 receptions on 36 targeted throws for 229 yards and two touchdowns. However, he didn’t allow both TDs until the final regular-season game of the year.

Perhaps he and A.J. Terrell will form a future CB tandem for Lake. Terrell, the longtime Falcon, is still under contract for 2025. Though he’s set to earn a base salary of $12,344,000 for 2024 per Spotrac.

KEEP READING: Atlanta Falcons Depth Chart

Outside of Phillips, Lake managed to produce his share of future NFL defenders in the Seattle region. One is a prominent name in trench circles: Super Bowl champion with the Bucs Vita Vea.

Lake once ran a past system where the linebackers are more on the standup defensive end side. Morris employed this scheme with the Rams the past three seasons coaching guys like Von Miller, Leonard Floyd, and more recently Michael Hoecht, plus key rookie Byron Young.

But again, Lake brings his most area of expertise to the third level of the defense. He’ll aim to hone instincts for press corners and safeties.

Overall, Morris made the first pivotal move in turning around a struggling unit by luring in Lake.

As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!