Atlanta Falcons: 5 keys to get to Super Bowl LI

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Nov 9, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant (21) and cornerback Robert Alford (23) talk against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Atlanta Falcons defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Have the secondary become elite

For the 2016 Atlanta Falcons to possibly contend for a Super Bowl, Dan Quinn’s defense will have to become a top 10 unit collectively. The easiest way for that to happen is to have one of the three levels in the Falcons defense become elite.

Looking at the roster and the coaching staff, it seems like if any of the Atlanta Falcons’ defensive groups could take the leaps towards being an elite unit it is the defensive backfield. Atlanta’s lone Pro Bowler on the defensive side of the ball was shutdown corner Desmond Trufant.

Trufant’s position group has the highest ceiling of any of the three levels of defense on the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta kept its secondary coach in Marquand Manuel in Atlanta, as well as hired former Dallas Cowboys defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson to become the new defensive passing game coordinator in Atlanta. Former defensive passing game coordinator Raheem Morris takes over for the departed Terry Robiskie as the wide receivers coach.

In 2015, we saw flashes of brilliance in the Atlanta secondary. The front office may need to make another move or two to better bolster the defensive backfield, but this position group already leads this Falcons defense and should progress in year two of the Dan Quinn era in Flowery Branch.

Next: Win more than one game in the NFC South

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