North Fulton Today

Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Dante Fowler has a new number – six – the same one he had before reaching the NFL, the Falcons reported.

"I was No. 6 since I was 10 years old," Fowler said. "In little  league, in high school, at the University of Florida. When I got to the  NFL, I had to wear 56 but now they changed the rule."

There is hope in the Falcons ranks that the number change "may double as a symbolic of a  return to old form, to the Fowler that offensive lineman across the NFC West dreaded seeing at least twice a year when he was in L.A.," the Falcons said.

It's no secret that Fowler did not have a good season last year, the Falcons said. He only had three and a half sacks in 2020, "a far cry from the 11.5 sacks he racked up the season before with the Rams," the story said.

"My ankle was hurt last year and now going into this year and knowing it's not hurting; I can do what I want to do," Fowler said. "I haven't had to worry about lateral movement or getting off the blocks. That [Bucs] game last week showed me I was ready to go and I'm getting back to myself."

Fowler was able to slip through the offensive line, stripping the football from quarterback Tom Brady and sacking him. The strip sack "saved the game from getting out of hand early," the Falcons said. "A great sign for a guy who had to prove his worth coming into an entirely new coaching regime this season."

A new defensive coach, Dean Pees, "could be a major factor" in Fowler's improved performance, the team said.

"I love Dean's defense," Fowler said. "You're not just standing in one  place he's moving us around. He's put a lot of players in a position to  make great plays, it's up to us to make them. It's my favorite defense  since Wade Phillips in L.A. when we went to the Super Bowl. We did a lot  of good things and I had a really great season. I love this defense."