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Atlanta Falcons: Can Dan Quinn Fix the Team’s Problems?

By Jordan Jackson

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 07: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons fumbles the ball as he is hit by T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter during the game at Heinz Field on October 7, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 07: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons fumbles the ball as he is hit by T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter during the game at Heinz Field on October 7, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons Vic Beasley Jr. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Pass Rush

The Falcons could also use help at defensive end, as their pass rush is tied for number 27 in sacks. Defensive end Takk McKinley, who grades 57.9 by Pro Football Focus, has five of the teams eight sacks.

Former NFL sack leader Vic Beasley has just one lone sack on the season. His grade is a paltry 43.2, making him the worse graded edge defender of the 100 with enough snaps to qualify.

The team would be wise to take a second look at defensive ends Kony Ealy and Robert Ayers, who they worked out last week. Jonathan Comeaux of NFL trade rumors wrote about the workouts here.

Strong Safety

Strong safety has also been a tremendous problem area for the Dirty Birds, after Pro Bowl safety Keanu Neal was lost for the season. His replacement Jordan Richards, who was acquired from the New England Patriots prior to the season, has played very poorly.

Jordan Richards ranks number 78 of 84 qualifying safeties with a grade of 51.8. He’s been especially deficient in pass coverage grading 48.2 by Pro Football Focus. That ranks him as the 5th worse coverage safety in football.

The Atlanta Falcons would be wise to take a look at TJ Ward who is a free agent. The team should also comb the trade market for a safety as well. A short-term rent a player solution would be best, as Atlanta already has Keanu Neal, Ricardo Allen, and Demontae Kazee under contract for next season.

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