Former England rugby coach advises Falcons on tackling

The Atlanta Falcons are looking outside the box to help improve their team and prevent another second half collapse.

Former English national rugby coach Stuart Lancaster spent three days with the Falcons recently helping to provide a different look at tackling, according to Press Association Sport.

He analysed the Falcons' Week 5 matchup with the Washington Redskins from last season, and then provided some drills and alternative skills to make safer tackles. Lancaster remarks that the two sports are similar, but there are some spots in football that are lacking safe, proper technique.

"In rugby you are coached on effective tackling technique from a young age and I tried to pass on some of that to American football as the two are similar in many ways," Lancaster said. "There were lots of areas of good practice in American football, but also one or two areas that could be improved upon. The defensive coaches took on board some of the pointers."

Lancaster has coached professionally since 2001 and headed the English national team from 2011 to 2015.

Falcons head coach Dan Quinn was very receptive to Lancaster's advice and admired his experience as a coach. He recognizes how important tackling is in rugby compared to football.

"In a rugby game they are tackling constantly so we thought there was a lot to gain from Stuart," said Quinn.

The Falcons also invited members of the Navy SEALs to their offseason workouts in early May to give players a taste of military training.