NFL
Falcons Head Coach: Dan Quinn
2017 Record: 10-6, 3rd in NFC South (Lost in NFC Divisional Playoff Vs Eagles)
2018 Projected Record: 11-5, 2nd in NFC South
Falcons Biggest Offseason Task: Get the Offense Going
The 2017 offseason for the Atlanta Falcons was tough to say the least. After blowing a 28-3 lead in Super Bowl LI, the Defending NFC Champs suffered a number of setbacks in the following offseason.
Heading into last season the Atlanta Falcons were tasked with the challenge of replacing Offensive Coordinator, Kyle Shanahan. The young offensive genius guided a high octane Falcons offense that lead the league in scoring in 2016. Leaving behind an offense that scored 33.8 points per game in 2016, the Falcons had big shoes to fill.
The Falcons ultimately replaced Shanahan with surprise hire Steve Sarkisian. After stints with USC and Alabama, Sarkisian was on very few NFL radars before being named Atlanta’s signal caller. Sarkisian tried to replicate Shanahan’s playbooks and terminology instead of having the players learn a new system. While the plays were the same, the playcalling and flow of the game had changed as the offense frequently stalled throughout the season.
Most of all for this team to be successful, Sarkisian needed to find a way to mix things up in order to keep defenses on their heels. Unlike Shanahan, he was unable to do so and the offense took a major step back.
Drama entering 2018 Offseason
Entering this off-season, the Falcons biggest concern is an ongoing contract dispute with All Pro Wide Receiver Julio Jones. Jones signed a 5-year, $71.26 million contract extension in 2015 and has 3 years remaining. Given Jones’s mild mannered personality and team first mentality, this may come as a shock to many fans who follow the Atlanta Falcons organization.
In addition, with the Falcons having locked up former MVP QB Matt Ryan to an NFL record 5-year, $150 million deal this off-season with modest cap space. However, this could not have happened at a worse time. With that being said, Atlanta GM Thomas Dimitroff will have to be very creative in opening up cap room. Tops on this list are cornerstone players Jake Matthews, Ricardo Allen, and Grady Jarrett.
A Revamped Offense
Not only do the Falcons have to worry about keeping their All-Pro Wide Receiver in the building. In addition, they have to find improvements on an offense that had dropped from 1st in scoring 2016 to 15th in 2017.
The biggest downfall of Atlanta’s offense was not being able to score touchdowns in the red zone. They scored touchdowns on 49.18% of red zone trips, settling for 23rd best in the NFL. The most surprising stat is that Matt Ryan attempted 18 passes to Julio Jones in the end zone this season and only had 1 completion (6%).
Since Tony Gonzalez retired the Falcons have been average in red zone scoring (minus 2016).
Tight end Austin Hooper will be looking to take a step further into his development and improve on his 3 TD season in 2018. Hopefully this can open up things on the outside for WR’s Julio Jones, Mohammed Sanu and rookie 1st round pick, Calvin Ridley.
To pair with Ryan and the recieving core is a strong run game. With the majority of the offensive line returning, as well as two headed monster in Devante Freeman and Telvin Coleman in the back field, the Falcons will be lethal on the ground. The Falcons will look to build on a running attack that averaged over 115 yards a game in 2017.
If Jones contract situation is resolved before training camp and the Falcons are healthy, expect to see Atlanta towards the top of both the League’s offensive leader board, and the NFC South.
A Strong Defense
Defensively, Atlanta is thriving under fourth year head Dan Quinn’s cover 3 system. This speedy defense looks to be dominate again this year.
Having 10/11 starters returning on defense never a bad thing for chemistry, lead by 3rd year defensive studs Strong Safety Keanu Neal and Middle Linebacker Deion Jones.
This young Falcons D look to break into the “elite” conversation and continue to be one of the most consistent and complete in the NFL. Atlanta gave up 19.7 points a game (8th in NFL) as well as 318.4 yards per game (9th in NFL).
Vic Beasley and Co look to continue wreaking havoc on opposing NFL QBs and improve from their 39 sacks from 2017. Due to Atlanta losing Donatri Poe to the divisional rival Carolina Panthers in free agency, the Falcons are looking at 2nd year pass rusher Takk McKinley. In addition, defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, as well as rookie 3rd round pick DT Deadrin Senat to all chip in.
One knock on the Falcons D is their play making ability. With only 8 INT’s and 8 Fumbles recovered (29th & 18th in NFL respectively) it is hard to swing momentum in a game with minimal explosive plays.
Drafting Cornerback Isaiah Oliver from Colorado should help with pass defense a vast amount. Also, he has the size, toughness and genetics to be in the NFL (his father, Muhammed, former NFL DB). This frees up Robert Alford to the nickel corner and the defense can work with versatile coverages. Coaches always talk about protecting the ball, this Falcons team needs to talk about getting the ball.
With that being said, don’t be surprised if this is the defense people are talking about by November.
Our TSJ Projection for the 2018-19 Falcons
Projection 2018: 11-5, 2nd in NFC South
Between its’ star-studded offense and strong defense, Atlanta will again factor into the playoff picture. While not as complete a team as the Saints, Atlanta still figures to be a force in the NFC South.
Key Offseason Acquisitions:
Calvin Ridley WR (drafted)
Isaiah Oliver DB (drafted)
Dearin Sanat DT (drafted)
Ron Parker DB (signed)
Justin Bethel DB (signed)
Off season loses:
Taylor Gabriel (signed with CHI)
Donatari Poe (signed with CAR)
*NOTE* This article was written by former TSJ writer, Nick Iasenza
