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Atlanta Falcons: 2017 Training Camp Burning Predictions

By Raekwon Gilbert

Aug 1, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff (left) talks with team president Rich McKay on the field during training camp at the Flowery Branch Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 1, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff (left) talks with team president Rich McKay on the field during training camp at the Flowery Branch Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Atlanta Falcons secondary coach Marquand Manuel talks with defensive back Brian Poole (34) defensive end Tyson Jackson (94) and teammates in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Falcons won 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Atlanta Falcons secondary coach Marquand Manuel talks with defensive back Brian Poole (34) defensive end Tyson Jackson (94) and teammates in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Falcons won 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

What To Expect From Marquand Manuel?

Last season began the mark for a new and improved Falcons defense to emerge but there still stood some weaknesses within the coaching staff. Four games into the 2016 season, head coach Dan Quinn took over defensive play-calling from former defensive coordinator Richard Smith the indication that there may be a few changes due in the off-season. As expected defensive assistant Marquand Manuel was named defensive coordinator but was the move made because of Marquand understanding of game planning and executing defensive calls or did Dan Quinn wanted to keep the job in-house.

The answer may be both. Manuel has been praised by noticeable coaches in the past like Ray Rhodes, Dick LeBeau, and John Fox. All of who have praised Manuel’s dedication towards perfection and his understanding of the multiple of defense he’s played in over his career. Still we’ve countless players over the years who were considered to have the best understanding of the playbook being washed away as coaches. Any good coach will tell you that understanding X’s and O’s isn’t enough to lead an ambitious group of young players. So what makes Manuel so special to the Falcons organization to be named defensive coordinator?

Dan Quinn has made a persistent effort to build a relationship with the players beyond the football field and it seems that Marquand Manuel may have the attention of every player under his lead in his first year. As a former player himself, Manuel understands how to connect with players and able to help younger players develop far enough where if injuries were to occur then the next man would be able to step in and not miss a beat.

Must Read: Atlanta Falcons: Team foolish for praising Michael Vick?

Prediction:

Dan Quinn will certainly have his say on what goes on for every accounted defensive snaps but Manuel may be able to approach a more aggressive gameplan that Richard Smith wasn’t able to produce including more linebacker blitzes.

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