Atlanta Falcons: Sarkisian wants more Julio Jones in the red zone

New Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian is taking over a great unit, but that doesn’t mean he sees no room to improve

After winning the NFC South and getting to the Super Bowl, the Atlanta Falcons lost offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan. The play caller took the open head coaching job in San Francisco and was replaced with University of Alabama assistant Steve Sarkisian. While much has been made of the similar style the two offensive coaches utilize, they aren’t going to be one in the same.

Despite still just getting his feet wet with this current roster, Sark is already discussing things he would like to see improve. The biggest one to stand out was his desire to get wide receiver Julio Jones more touches in the red zone — which of course means more scores out of number 11.

"“Can we get better on third down? Can we get better in the red zone? Is there a way to get Julio more touches in the red zone and finding those matchups,” Sarkisian said via Kelsey Conway of AtlantaFalcons.com"

This has to be music to Falcons fans — as well as those who take Julio Jones in fantasy leagues. He’s clearly one of the top players in the NFL at his position, which he proved by having three-straight seasons of 1,400 yards or more. For all the yardage he racks up though, Jones averages less than seven touchdowns per season and has only hit double digits once (he had 10 touchdowns n his second season back in 2012).

Sarkisian will have some great weapons at his disposal with reigning MVP Matt Ryan at quarterback, as well as the two-headed monster at running back in Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman. This is without even mentioning Mohamed Sanu and Taylor Gabriel at wide receiver or Austin Hooper at tight end.

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There are a lot of weapons to try and spread the ball around to, but that’s a great problem to have.