Atlanta Falcons: Final Thoughts on 2015 Preseason

ByJohn Buhler|Sep 7, 2015, 7:00 PM EDT

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 theMike SmithEra.

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.

Falcons vs. Panthers prediction, odds, spread, injuries, trends for NFL Week 15

Blogging Dirty

Every NFL Team's Playoff Odds Following Week 14 (Two New Division Leaders in NFC)Betsided

NFC South Odds: Who Will Win the Worst Division in Football?Betsided

Atlanta Falcons have yet another chance to slip back into playoff pictureBlogging Dirty

NFL Week 15 Survivor Pool Picks (Trust Rams, Fade Panthers in Top Predictions)Betsided

Road to 272 Bets - NFL Week 15 Picks for Every GameBetsided

Players like DEAdrian Clayborn, DT Grady Jarrett, and OLBJustin Durantlook like they will thrive in Quinn’s defensive scheme. Guys like LBPaul Worrilow, DTTyson Jackson, and DTPaul Soliailooked 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 QBMatt Ryanfor 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.

More fromATL All Day

On the other side of the coin, Atlanta had a slap fight for the backup quarterback gig that ultimately went to former Duke Blue DevilSean Renfree. Renfree beat outT.J. YatesandRex Grossmanfor 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 cornerDesmond Trufantdidn’t play a single snap in the preseason. The defensive backfield’s performance would drop off considerably whenRobert Alford,Phillip Adams, andRicardo Allenleft 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 TerronWardplayed in all four preseason games among the running backs. He busted his tail to get the 3rd string job, beating outJerome Smithand the injuredAntone 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 tailbackDevonta Freemandid 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 asJake Matthewsmissed time,Lamar Holmesremained on the PUP List, andTyler Polumbuscame up limping a handful of times. Atlanta tried to mix and match on the interior to no avail.Joe Hawleywas gradually being worked back into the rotation after a season-ending ACL injury last season.Jon Asamoahis on IR,Peter Konzreceived an injury settlement, and the cross-training efforts of bothMike PersonandJames Stonehurt more than they helped.Chris Chesterlooked promising at guard and maybe the trade toAndy Levitremight 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?

More fromATL All Day

Add us as a preferred source onGoogle

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations

Home/Atlanta Falcons