Atlanta Falcons: Head coach Dan Quinn puts rookie RB Brian Hill on notice

LAS VEGAS, NV - NOVEMBER 12: Running back Brian Hill
LAS VEGAS, NV - NOVEMBER 12: Running back Brian Hill /
facebooktwitterreddit

After struggling in his first NFL action last week, Atlanta Falcons rookie running back Brian Hill was given some expectations by head coach Dan Quinn

After running for just 10 yards on nine carries, it’s safe to say rookie running back Brian Hill was less than impressive in his Atlanta Falcons debut. After putting up some monster numbers for the Wyoming Cowboys in his final two collegiate seasons Hill was a fifth-round selection, and looked to be a bit of a steal for how late he was found.

That could still be the case, but last Thursday’s game didn’t leave the best taste in anyone’s mouth. That could hold true not only for fans, but for the coaching staff as well as head coach Dan Quinn sent a subtle message to the power back during a recent press conference.

"“For us, when we play running back here, we have a real style with how we do what we call ‘on our track,’” Quinn said according to the team’s official website. “So, we’re a one-cut and vertical (style). When we stutter on those or don’t aggressively hit it (that goes against our style). So that’s a real emphasis for Brian this week to make sure our tracks are correct.”"

Quinn is referring to the amount of second-guessing Hill did in his first NFL game. Rather than trusting his blockers and going full speed, Hill stutter-stepped more than once and often gave the defense the time necessary to bear down on him.

In recent weeks the Falcons have signed former Florida Gators running back Kelvin Taylor — also the son of former Jacksonville Jaguars great Fred Taylor — and had a workout with former Minnesota Golden Gopher back David Cobb.

Next: Atlanta Falcons: Top Five Defensive Players

it’s clear they’re still willing to kick the tires on anyone that can improve the team, meaning Quinn’s words about how he expects a back to play need to be heard by the rookie runner.