3 ways the NFL will change if Falcons win the Super Bowl
The Atlanta Falcons finally reach the mountaintop and capture their first Super Bowl title in franchise history, instantly enhancing the credentials of quarterback Matt Ryan, receiver Julio Jones, and head coach Dan Quinn.
On the strength of the second-best offense in the league, the Falcons gunned their way to the championship.
As a result, expect some drastic changes to the NFL moving forward, all of which will be beneficial to those who enjoy offense:
Elite QB, O-line essential for Super Bowl hopefuls
So what vaulted the Falcons from contender to Lombardi Trophy defender? They've had Ryan in uniform since 2008 and Jones has been dominating the league since 2011. Why now are they owners of the throne?
As the rest of the NFL is learning, it's not enough to have an elite quarterback. If he's to produce an MVP-worthy season like the one Ryan put together, he needs to be protected by an offensive line just as worthy of the "elite" tag.
The Falcons used their sixth overall draft pick on left tackle Jake Matthews back in 2014. Their list of 2016 offseason additions wasn't flashy, it was led by center Alex Mack. However, the four-time Pro Bowler has solidified the unit tasked with protecting Ryan and opening up holes for running back Devonta Freeman.
As the Kansas City Chiefs and the Seattle Seahawks learned this postseason, pairing a top-level quarterback with a strong offensive line is essential for a Super Bowl run.
The search for the next Kyle Shanahan
Kyle Shanahan was already the hottest name in coaching circles before the Falcons' playoff run. As architect of the offense that led Atlanta to a Super Bowl triumph, it'll take no time before the rest of the league clamors for the next offensive wunderkind.
Young offensive minds are the feature du jour. 30-year-old Sean McVay has been given the keys to the L.A. Rams and Adam Gase turned the Miami Dolphins into a playoff team in his first year. Shanahan, 37, will be able to pick his next destination.
It won't be long before a coach in his 20s is entrusted with an NFL franchise.
More RB duos
The pairing of Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman has many benefits. Not only do the two running backs keep opposing defenses guessing, they keep each other fresh.
Opponents can't predict where the next ground strike will come from. Freeman, the lead back, totaled 11 rushing touchdowns on the year, but Coleman, his backup, had eight. They also were used heavily in the passing game. Freeman caught 54 passes for 462 yards and two scores while Coleman had 31 receptions for 421 yards and three touchdowns.
That kind of production is hard to ignore and the rest of the NFL will spend the offseason and the coming drafts trying to replicate the offensive philosophy. Tandem, dual-threat running backs will grow in popularity after Freeman played in every game of the season and ranked ninth in rushing yards despite having an equally effective substitute to share duties with.