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Dan Quinn
Dan Quinn gained name recognition, after he helped direct and steer the best defense in the league, as the defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks. Atlanta fans predicted the hiring of Quinn would change the face of the team, and they were right.
Quinn stresses the importance of being a fundamentally sound football team, something that the team needed to rebuild after facing several embarrassing, and losing, seasons. After initial reluctance, the staff has decided to provide a more aggressive Atlanta team with a sudden insurgence of blitzes, blitzing on 21 of 63 plays against San Francisco during Week 9.
The defense is improving overall, as well. In the 2013-2014 seasons, the Falcons gave up 26.9 points per game. During the 2015 season thus far, the Falcons are down to 21.6 points given up, on average. Through eight games the Falcons rank 11th in the league in yards per game allowed, 15th in yards per play, 13th in points per game, 31st in sack percentage and 10th in turnovers forced. Last season the Falcons ranked 32nd in yards per game allowed, 32nd in yards per play, 27th in points per game, 31st in sack percentage and sixth in turnovers.
The new offensive scheme that Kyle Shanahan and Dan Quinn have implemented seems to be working in a positive manner for Atlanta, as they are almost 10 points a game better than they have been in recent seasons. Before Week 9’s loss to San Francisco, the Falcons’ offense was ranked third in the league, averaging 32 points per game.
The Falcons coaching staff is at an early crossroad, and must learn from their mistakes made apparent in the last few games. However, already the new staff shows promise and motivated ambition when it comes to improving a team with solid foundation and star building blocks.
Next: Reach for the stars