Atlanta Falcons: Final Thoughts on 2015 Preseason

The Atlanta Falcons finished the 2015 Preseason with a 2-2 mark, taking both home games and losing both away from the Georgia Dome.

While the final score does not matter in preseason play, I feel that Rise Up Nation saw more positive than negative with the 2015 Atlanta Falcons in their four exhibition games. We are of the belief that the changes coming in the Dan Quinn regime are better than what we’ve seen in the final two seasons of the Mike Smith Era.

Where it was most obvious was in the defensive front seven. It had been years since the Atlanta Falcons had any semblance of a pass rush. In Dan Quinn’s 4-3 Base, Atlanta was able to get after the quarterback from multiple spots, inside and out.

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Players like DE Adrian Clayborn, DT Grady Jarrett, and OLB Justin Durant look like they will thrive in Quinn’s defensive scheme. Guys like LB Paul Worrilow, DT Tyson Jackson, and DT Paul Soliai looked revitalized this preseason, playing at lighter weights and therefore able to make more agile plays on the football.

Most of rookies on both sides of the ball look like meaningful contributors in their first year in the league. 1st Round Pick OLB Vic Beasley flashed signs of brilliance in the pass rush, often setting up his teammates with his high football intelligence. RB Tevin Coleman missed the first two games due to a hamstring injury and played sparingly against the Miami Dolphins, but he had great vision to cut to the outside with many solid runs in Week 4 against the Baltimore Ravens.

WR Justin Hardy improved in every game and looks poised to become a featured target for QB Matt Ryan for years to come. DT Grady Jarrett, though undersized for his position, proved that he belongs in the NFL with his quickness and pass rushing ability from the interior of the defensive line.

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On the other side of the coin, Atlanta had a slap fight for the backup quarterback gig that ultimately went to former Duke Blue Devil Sean Renfree. Renfree beat out T.J. Yates and Rex Grossman for the 2nd string job. Though he looked efficient against the Tennessee Titans in Week 1 and confident against the Ravens in Week 4, his performance against the New York Jets in Week 2 left a feeling of dissatisfaction going against a strong defense.

The secondary had some bright spots, but was largely unhealthy and outmatched in most preseason games. Jalen Collins’ head was swimming in most games. Shutdown corner Desmond Trufant didn’t play a single snap in the preseason. The defensive backfield’s performance would drop off considerably when Robert Alford, Phillip Adams, and Ricardo Allen left the field. Secondary depth is still a major concern for this team.

However two biggest concerns for this team are on offense: the running game and the offensive line. Only UDFA Terron Ward played in all four preseason games among the running backs. He busted his tail to get the 3rd string job, beating out Jerome Smith and the injured Antone Smith. Tevin Coleman had a strong game against the Ravens, but his lack of reps as a rookie might stand as a cause for concern. Presumed starter, second-year tailback Devonta Freeman did not play in any preseason game due to a lingering hamstring injury. Health and inexperience leaves a massive amount of uncertainty in the Atlanta Falcons’ rushing attack.

The offensive line was frighteningly bad at times. The tackles struggled with health issues as Jake Matthews missed time, Lamar Holmes remained on the PUP List, and Tyler Polumbus came up limping a handful of times. Atlanta tried to mix and match on the interior to no avail. Joe Hawley was gradually being worked back into the rotation after a season-ending ACL injury last season. Jon Asamoah is on IR, Peter Konz received an injury settlement, and the cross-training efforts of both Mike Person and James Stone hurt more than they helped. Chris Chester looked promising at guard and maybe the trade to Andy Levitre might help, too.

The Zone Blocking Scheme of Offensive Coordinator Kyle Shanahan was ineffective this preseason. Though health and continuity played major roles in the scheme’s failures this preseason, perhaps the group grows together in the system in the coming weeks. The Atlanta Falcons offense is fortunate to have an elite aerial attack and an improved tight end group to lean on while the ZBS becomes a way of life up front.

Overall, the Atlanta Falcons have improved enough defensively in the offseason to allow Matt Ryan and Company the opportunity to win low scoring games and not just shootouts. Dan Quinn’s defense could force punts and long field goals, make confident tackles, and create turnover opportunities. The special teams unit looks like a Top 5 group in the NFL. Special Teams Coordinator Keith Armstrong is getting closer to a head coaching gig. Maybe it finally happens for him in the next two seasons?

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