Atlanta Falcons: Coach Quinn Deserves Credit for Adjustments
The Atlanta Falcons Sign Bruce Irvin
The Atlanta Falcons finally added a significant piece to the defense, agreeing to terms with edge rusher Bruce Irvin today on a one year deal that will pay him 1.5 million for the remainder of the season. Bruce was released by the rebuilding Oakland Raiders after they were unable to find a trade partner before the deadline.
The Atlanta Falcons official Twitter account announced the moved and welcomed Irvin:
BREAKING: We have agreed to terms with Bruce Irvin.
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) November 7, 2018
Welcome to the Brotherhood, @BIrvin_WVU11!
STORY - https://t.co/D0JbVwvhtp pic.twitter.com/l5PnTiQ6RW
Bruce Irvin is a seven-year NFL veteran. He stands 6’3 and weighs in at 250 pounds. Bruce has an impressive 40 career sacks on his resume. He has had three seasons of seven or more sacks. Bruce notched eight sacks as a rookie in 2012, seven in 2016, and eight last season.
Bruce Irvin has forced 15 fumbles in his career. He forced a career high six fumbles in 2016.
This season Bruce Irvin was leading the Raiders in sacks with three, in just 250 snaps. For comparison sake, Vic Beasley has just one sack for the Dirty Birds in 401 snaps. Bruce had ten total pressures, four quarterback hits, and forced one fumble for Oakland.
Bruce Irvin is from the Atlanta area, so this signing marks a homecoming for him. He hinted that he may have been offered more money to play elsewhere but chose to play at home in the tweet below:
Man it’s time! You can’t put a price on the chance for me to play for my people and city! It’s bigger than money!
— Bruce Irvin (@BIrvin_WVU11) November 7, 2018
NFL.com Insider Ian Rappaport reported that the Patriots, Steelers and Seahawks all had interest in Bruce Irvin but he chose to sign with the Falcons in the following tweet:
The #Raiders tried to trade Bruce Irvin for a while and found no takers. Once him and his hefty salary cleared waivers, it was a different story. The #Seahawks, #Patriots and #Steelers all tried to sign him, but he opted for a 1-year deal with the #Falcons to resurrect his career
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 7, 2018
The best thing about the Atlanta Falcons signing Bruce Irvin, is the fact he and Dan Quinn have a true familiarity. Bruce spent the first four years of his career with the Seattle Seahawks, playing under assistant coach Dan Quinn. Irvin should have a seamless transition into the Atlanta defense.
Dan Quinn offered this statement on Bruce Irvin:
"“We know exactly how Bruce will fit into our team on the field, and just as importantly into our locker room. He will add to our rotation on the defensive line, while adding to our pass rush. He is familiar with our scheme and we are familiar with his strengths, so we are looking forward to getting him on the field as soon as possible."
In other great news, pro bowl middle linebacker Deion Jones returned to practice today. He will work with the scout team to prepare his teammates for the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Debo is eligible to return the following Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys.
Many people pronounced the season dead after the slow start, but Atlanta Falcons are far from done. With the adjustments by Dan Quinn, the signing of Bruce Irvin, and the return of Debo, the Falcons might just accomplish the ultimate, becoming the first team to play in, and win the Super Bowl at home.
What are your thoughts on the adjustments by Dan Quinn and the signing of Bruce Irvin? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below. Keep a browser window open to ATL All Day for the latest in Atlanta Falcons analysis, and updates on all of your favorite Atlanta area sports teams.
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