Atlanta Falcons: 5 ways to achieve deep playoff run in 2015

Sep 14, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws a pass in the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

There has been a lot of change in Atlanta since the Falcons’ season was emphatically finished by the Panthers in December. With the disappointment on 2014 behind them, the franchise enters a new, hopefully successful, era under Dan Quinn.

The Falcons have acquired talent as well as any team this offseason, not only stocking up on talented players, but filling their biggest needs in the process.

Of course, until we see the performances improve on the football field, we can’t say with any certainty how good the offseason was. For now, we can only speculate.

Even so, it seems unlikely Atlanta will struggle like it did in 2014 again. Not only will the additions to the roster help, but Quinn’s philosophy will also be beneficial to the defense going forward.

Many Falcons fans not only expect improvements, but believe this team can reach the playoffs in 2015. This optimism is definitely justified, and Atlanta will have a shot of winning the wide-open NFC South.

But what do the Falcons need to do in order to not only reach the postseason, but make a run?

Next: It starts with the basics