Where things went wrong for NFL’s Less-than-Magnificent 7
Atlanta Falcons (7-9)
2017: 10-6 (3rd place, NFC South)
What went wrong? The team entered 2018 as the only club in the NFC to reach the playoffs the previous two seasons. But the Falcons lost safety Keanu Neal and middle linebacker Deion Jones in Week 1 against the Eagles (the latter would return after a long stint on injured reserve). Two weeks later, safety Ricardo Allen went down for the year and Dan Quinn’s club just didn’t have the depth to overcome those big-time losses.
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It was also an injury-plagued 2018 for running back Devonta Freeman as well. All told, it was a very streaky year for a club that got a big years from quarterback Matt Ryan and wide receivers Julio Jones and rookie Calvin Ridley. But only four teams in the NFL allowed more total yards per game and the club surrendered 49 offensive touchdowns.
Moving forward: The team has already parted ways with coordinator Steve Sarkisian (offense) and Marquand Manuel (defense). While Dirk Koetter returns to Atlanta to run the team’s attack, Quinn will take over on the other side of the football. The club has also released longtime placekicker Matt Bryant, as well as cornerback Robert Alford and outside linebacker/defensive end Brooks Reed (the latter pair already latching on with the Arizona Cardinals).
The Falcons have nine selections in April’s draft, including compensatory picks in the fourth and fifth rounds, and should look to add some much-needed depth to the defense. Getting defensive tackle Grady Jarrett re-signed should be the biggest priority, followed by versatile running back Tevin Coleman.