Atlanta Falcons: 3 Biggest questions heading into 2018 training camp

Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn was clear about what the team needed to answer this offseason, but have they done that as they’re readying for training camp?

In his final press conference of the year, Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn laid out three main offseason focuses heading into 2018. These were questions that, if solved, he believed would lay the foundation for a successful 2018 campaign.

With three weeks until camp begins, let’s take a look at how the Falcons have answered those questions.

We start with the issues facing the once-potent offense in Atlanta.

1. Offensive Production Problems

Quinn said that recapturing the “explosive plays,” particularly scoring plays that originated outside of the red zone, would be critical in 2018. As a reminder, in 2016 Atlanta led the league with 19 plays that fit that description versus only being able to scratch out seven in 2017.

Getting into the red zone didn’t exactly ensure the Falcons would come away with points either, slipping from ninth in the league in 2016 to 23rd last season. Searching for an explanation the natural places to look are both at the person with the headset and the people with the headgear.

Offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian heads into his second season as the play caller and many hope that he can do his best Kyle Shanahan impression. Shanahan was much maligned during his first year at the same position before helping lead the Falcons record breaking offense in his second year.

This is a convenient and timely narrative that unfortunately for Falcon’s fans requires more a belief of faith than of facts. There is little evidence to suggest that Sark will be better in year two. Looking back over his history, there simply have not been dramatic increases in offensive or overall production as he became more comfortable with his players or they with him. He led mediocre Washington Huskies teams for five years and was only at the helm for one season at USC before his departure.

Adding Calvin Ridley surely brings back memories of the 2011 draft when Julio Jones was added to a receiving corps that included Roddy White (who was in his prime) and a solid third option in Harry Douglas.

Ridley, also from Alabama, was even more productive than Jones in three seasons in Tuscaloosa, catching more balls and scoring more touchdowns. Slipping Ridley into the slot receiver position vacated by Taylor Gabriel could create the most potent receiving corps in the game.

To answer the question, we will obviously have to play the games. But a wise man once said, “A good carpenter never blames his tools.” Sarkisian has some mighty fine tools. This year, those long yardage plays that are very impactful will rest squarely on the offensive coordinator.

2. Parity or Dynasty?

The NFL is a league of parity right? That is mostly true, particularly in the NFC — and it’s especially apparent in the NFC South where the top three teams where separated by a single game last year, sending those three teams to the playoffs. The 2017 Falcons were the only NFC team that would make a return appearance in the playoffs, no small feat considering the crushing end to 2016.

Getting to the playoffs three years in a row has only happened once before in franchise history (2010–12) and is by no means a guarantee. An examination of the schedule is as good a place as any to look for additional insight.

A cursory glance seems to indicate that the Falcons have a distinct advantage on scheduling. The Saints have the league’s second-toughest schedule. The Bucs have the fourth, the Panthers the 12th and finally the Falcons sit at No. 13. Not convinced? Me either.

After a closer look, not only are the Saints the only NFC South team to face the Rams and Vikings (both playoff teams a year ago), they also have back-to-back Thursday night games, one of which is the Thanksgiving Day matchup with the Falcons.

Tampa Bay may have a slightly tougher schedule than the remaining divisiona teams, but the first five games of the season may be too much to overcome. Opening with New Orleans, followed by visits from the Eagles and Steelers is a daunting way to open the year — especially with Jameis Winston suspended. There is a slight reprieve when they take a trip to Chicago in Week 4, but they have not won at Solider Field since the Gruden days. Week 5 takes the Bucs to The Benz, and I think starting 1–4 is a best case scenario.

Back to the question, can the Falcons make it three trips in a row to the playoffs? Yes. I think the Falcons win the division, narrowly, with the Saints and Panthers both finishing in a similar fashion as last year. I would think a single game separates first and second place yet again.

3. Being a more “Player-led” team

Julio, Julio wherefore art thou Julio…

Seriously though, where has Julio Jones been? I know he has been “training” in Tuscaloosa. But this is not in line with the “Brotherhood.”. Having the player that is arguably the most identifiable with your franchise not show up for OTAs or minicamp is not a minor thing. In fact, the complete list of players skipping OTAs could be counted on your two hands. And the most notable, Tom Brady, Odell Beckham Jr. and Le’Veon Bell, all have had significant offseasons in not the most positive way.

Bell and Beckham have been outspoken about wanting new long-term deals while Brady has been outspoken about…being Tom Brady. Regardless of reasons, each of the players not attending workouts that are supposedly voluntary are creating a distraction for their teams.

Next: NFL 2018: Biggest offseason mistake for each team

One of the key traits of successful organizations is a culture of accountability. Not only was it a goal of Quinn at the end of last season, but it is a foundational element in great teams. Total commitment, led by the people executing the strategy. The answer to this question so far has been a resounding no.

The Falcons have not evolved into a more player-led team. Not only has Jones decided he does not need to be a part of OTAs and minicamp, but everyone interviewed about his absence has been complicit. Not one person has said Jones should be there. Not one person has said it is critically important. Make no mistake, it is important and he should be there.

Hopefully the answer to our final question will not erase the prediction from question two.