Atlanta Falcons: What’s next for Matt Ryan?

1. The good times will return for the Atlanta Falcons

It’s been a tough ride for Atlanta Falcons fans in recent years, and it felt for many that the corner had finally be turned after a 5-0 start to the Dan Quinn era. But all the fast start did was raise expectations and make it even the more puzzling when the same team that went undefeated for over a quarter of the season has only won once in seven attempts.

The Falcons’ arrow is pointing upward, and the team will continue to get better as Quinn continues to rebuild what was a pretty poor squad he inherited.

But right now it’s important to take a step back and put this season in perspective. The fact five victories have been followed up by six defeats so suddenly makes it seem much gloomier than it is. In Dan Quinn’s first year as head coach, the Falcons have made progress.

No longer do the Falcons own the league’s worst defense, or the worst offensive line, or the worst run game. Improvements have been made across the board, and they will continue to get better under Quinn. In football, you’re never far away from good times when your team is down, and when you’re at the top you’re never far from the bottom.

The Falcons’ arrow is pointing upward, and the team will get better as Quinn continues to rebuild what was a pretty poor squad he inherited. The defense will continue to grow into his vision with an emphasis on improving the pass rush; the run game will get even better with Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman. And in time, they will figure it out on offense.

While it’s not officially over yet, the Atlanta Falcons likely won’t make the playoffs this year. But that’s OK, because the team will be better in 2016. Soon enough, the good times will return.

Next: Using the run game