Should Atlanta Falcons Fans Be Worried After Preseason Results?
By W. M. Lawson
The Atlanta Falcons are due to face Jacksonville on Thursday in what will be their 4th Pre-season game of this burgeoning 2017 season. The first three weren’t ideal.
I don’t think it is a stretch to say that expectations are high for our beloved Atlanta Falcons this year in the city. Most fans would nod knowingly when someone proffers that they could win the NFC South and get double-digit wins. That would be historic for our franchise to do that in back to back years. It would also give credence to the hope that Dan Quinn really is a special coach. It’s validation of dreams.
There’s a lot of trust Coach Dan Quinn and Co. have built with the fan base. In a few short years, the look of the deflated and confused Falcons of 2014 are a long-lost memory. No more hard knocks.
But should we pause about what we’ve seen, thus far, in the pre-season? I’m not talking about win/loss record. That doesn’t mean anything.
More from ATL All Day
- Atlanta Braves: Felix Has Already Shown Enough to Win a Rotation Spot
- Atlanta Braves Implode Late To Phillies, Cole Hamels Remains Sidelined
- Kyle Wright Shines As Folty Struggles In Atlanta Braves Loss To Red Sox
- Atlanta Hawks Sweep Back-to-Back Games Over Weekend
- Atlanta Braves: Grapefruit League Play Check Up
But the turnovers have crept in again. Maybe that is a function of wrinkle working the new OC Steve Sarkisian. There is always a period of transition with a coaching change. Better now than later. But not now and later. Should we worry?
Devonta Freeman has been out most of camp due to concussion protocol, and Tevin Coleman has seen light work, but the Falcons have only averaged a paltry 3.06 yards per carry this Pre-season. That isn’t good no matter how you analyze it. Should we worry?
This writer doesn’t think so. It would be surprising if Atlanta has too much of a drop off from last year. They might not get as many good breaks, and injury could plague, there is no way to know, but they are more talented than last year. Especially, on defense. In fact, it is possible that this could be the greatest Atlanta Falcons team in history.
But we shouldn’t ignore these things. If the turnovers and anemic run game persist during the season, and is a function of a transition in coaching, that could pose problems in a division of teams that are getting better.
Next: Atlanta Falcons: Set to Face Improved Division
Time will tell. And, thankfully, that time is getting shorter.