What’s next for the Atlanta Falcons in 2020?

Atlanta Falcons fire head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff, effective immediately.

This is the first 0-5 start for the Atlanta Falcons since 1997, but fans already saw this coming for Quinn. Many think it should’ve happened last year when Atlanta started 1-7 last season. This has always been a team with plenty of talent, so there is no other option but to put the blame on the coach, right?

After the Falcons 23-16 loss to the Carolina Panthers, as media and coaches got ready for the post-game conference – everyone knew what was coming, it was just a matter of when.

Dan Quinn opened his press conference with this statement-

"“You have got to leave your mark on the game.”"

Many would say, that’s exactly what Quinn did in his time here as a head coach, but not in much of a positive way.

Even though the Falcons are 0-5, and currently do not have a General Manager or Head Coach, there is still something to look forward too. Can the Falcons still make the playoffs with an 0-5 record? Most likely not. So what is next for Atlanta in the 2020 season?

The Atlanta Falcons are too good to be winless.

The Falcons have to use this time wisely. Atlanta is now one of three teams without a win. Which would put them in a top-three draft spot in the upcoming draft. So here is where things get a little tricky. Do the Falcons continue to struggle throughout the season to maintain a good draft position? Or do they want to compete, and show that they can be a good football team.

The Falcons offense has been entertaining at times this season. This team has scored 25 or more points in three games this season. Getting Julio Jones back in a week or two will help the offense become less stagnant at times, and help fans cope with the loss.

Todd Gurley had his best offensive performance Sunday against the Panthers, and maybe this putting for Gurley will help Dirk Koetter realize that Matt Ryan doesn’t have to throw the ball 35 times a game. I am looking forward to how the team reacts with the firing of Quinn.

Many of the players stated that they loved Quinn, and took most of the blame for the losses. Atlanta may come out against Minnesota next week with a fire to them.

The rest of the season is crucial. Seven of the Falcons next 11 games will be against opponents who currently have a record above .500; five of those games are divisional opponents. Who knows, maybe now that Quinn is gone this team will start lighting people up.

But as for now, it isn’t looking so good.

The Atlanta Falcons will need to continue to compete throughout the 2020 season to show they will be ready for their next coach, and won’t need a long rebuilding period. But even while they compete, the Falcons will most likely find their way into the top ten when drafting.

The city of Atlanta is begging for a super bowl, and it just won’t ever in the books for Quinn after losing in 2017. Maybe a couple new faces will bring better fortunes. To all of the Falcons fans out there, don’t get down about the rest of the season. Always Rise Up.