2015 NFL Preview: Falcons eyeing return to NFC South prominence
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Atlanta Falcons
| 2014 Record | 2014 Finish |
|---|---|
| 6-10 | 3rd in NFC South/12th in NFC |
Alive to the bitter end in the historically moribund NFC South, the Falcons almost made the playoffs as one of the league's worst teams. Losing to the Panthers in Week 17 assured them the eighth overall pick, which they used to take pass-rusher Vic Beasley. So, all was not lost.
Highlight of 2014
This catch came during Week 5 against the Giants, and is a perfect demonstration of the leeway Matt Ryan has when throwing to Julio Jones. He can put it anywhere and it will be caught.
Preseason Power Ranking - #23
The Falcons are considered the third-best team in the NFC South heading into the season, commensurate with how things finished up last year. A hot start could change people's minds in a hurry, with the possibility of a dynamic offense always present. More...
2015 Season Outlook
Head Coach: Dan Quinn
Off. Coordinator: Kyle Shanahan
Def. Coordinator: Richard Smith
While the core of this once-perennial playoff team is still intact, many have moved on, meaning the Falcons' identity needed a face-lift. Enter Quinn, the former Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator.
Quinn, one of the hottest coaching hires of the past two seasons, is looking to rebuild this team quick enough to take advantage of Ryan's and Jones' prime years. If the defense can turn around and the running game comes back to life, the Falcons will contend in the NFC South in 2015.
Key Additions
- LB Justin Durant
- LB Brooks Reed
- DE Adrian Clayborn
- LB O'Brien Schofield
- DE Vic Beasley (1st round)
- RB Tevin Coleman (3rd round)
Key Departures
- RB Steven Jackson
- OT Sam Baker
- WR Harry Douglas
- G Justin Blalock
- LB Prince Shembo
Blalock and Baker, mainstays of the Falcons' offensive line over the past six years, are the biggest losses on paper, and the lack of additions along the line suggest the Falcons are confident with what they have.
Adding a new stable of linebackers will be a great injection of energy for a group that finished dead last in total defense last season. After ending 2014 tied for 30th in the league with 22 sacks, the 2015 Falcons should rush the passer far better this season, with Schofield, Clayborn, and Beasley in the mix.
Bold Predictions
Julio Jones will score 20 touchdowns. Fully healthy for all 16 games and in the prime of his career, Jones will pair with Ryan to torch NFL defenses en route to the highest touchdown total since Randy Moss caught 23 in 2007. - David P. Woods
Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman will each rush for 1,000-plus yards. The Falcons' two talented backs are going to split carries, and with Quinn emphasizing the running game and a stingy defense, both will get plenty of opportunities to carry the ball. Both have the talent to take it to the house on every carry, as well. - Joe Thomson
Vic Beasley will win defensive rookie of the year with 10-plus sacks. A weak pass rush has led to defensive struggles of late, but the Falcons landed an impact player to address that area in this year's draft. Beasley should be an instant contributor as the weakside edge defender in Quinn's defense, putting him in position to top double-digit sacks and take home Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. - Dan Wilkins