Atlanta Falcons: 5 reasons why the defense will bounce back
Dec 21, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) carries the ball as New Orleans Saints strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (32) and inside linebacker David Hawthorne (57) defend during the second quater at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Better run game will swing time of possession
This may sound like an odd reason, but it’s completely true. The less time the Falcons’ defense is on the field, the better it will perform. The players will be fresher and under less pressure to make a stop.
Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman are battling it out to be the Falcons’ premier running back, although both are currently sidelined with hamstring injuries. This competition is healthy, as both players need to raise their game.
With Steven Jackson and Jacquizz Rodgers out of town, these two young backs are hungry and vying to improve the Falcons’ ground game. New head coach Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan have expressed their desire for a more balanced attack also.
A successful run game involves not only moving the chains and wearing a defense down, but also controlling the clock. If the Falcons’ offense can do this, the defense could face some favorable time of possession swings.
Time will tell whether the run game can improve adequately, but the signs are promising. We know the coaches are committed to this approach.
What do you think, Falcons fans? How good will the defense be this year?
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