Let's look at the context first. There is a phrase in verse 3 that shows the seriousness of deadness. In other words the things we have done to bring the wrath of God upon us we have done by nature. We need a Savior not just because we have sinned, but becaues we are by nature sinners. Which is another way of saying that disobedience is in our spiritual genes.
Rebellion runs in the human familiy.
It is part of our sinful nature. It sounds like we were very much alive and active in our rebellion and disobedience. Indeed we were. But in being alive to disobedience we were dead to obedience. In being alive to rebellion we were dead to submission.