The Falcons reached the NFC Championship game and came within 10 yards of going to the Super Bowl in the 2012 season, before descending to the bottom ranks of the NFL over the past two seasons. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Mark Bradley dubbed this period: “From Rise up to rock bottom.”
It was one of the quickest falls in league history and led to the dismissal of Mike Smith, the coach with the most wins in franchise history. Former Seattle defensive coordinator Dan Quinn was hired to replace Smith and the front office, which failed to rebuild the offensive and defensive lines, was re-organized.
After a crafty free agency period, which was devoid of any major splash moves, and a draft, which is being lauded league-wide, there was one question for our panel of experts: Can the Falcons rebound in 2015?
Here’s what they had to say:
Jamie Dukes, NFL Media and 92.9 the Game: Yes. The team that has had the easiest schedule in the NFL the last three years has found itself in the conference championship game.
Alex Marvez, Fox Sports & SiriusXM NFL Radio: Yes. I still think Matt Ryan is a franchise quarterback. Although, he needs some fixing because he was just too sloppy at times in 2014. The defense should be able to pressure the quarterback better, which was obviously a huge problem the past two years as they were last in the NFL in sacks. I love the (running back) Tevin Coleman pick, and I really think he'll fit well in Kyle Shanahan's office.
Charles Davis, NFL Media analyst: Yes. They have to continue shore up the offensive line. I like what they did in the draft in terms of getting another runner. If Tevin Coleman works out, and I'm not saying he's Michael Turner … but, if Coleman can be a little bit more of a high-volume runner and help them control the ball more, that would be great. With Coleman and by picking up (wide receiver Justin) Hardy to replace Harry Douglas, the Falcons are trying to re-create what they already did offensively before. … Dan Quinn's energy and ideas will help. Drafting (outside linebacker Vic) Beasley, of course, gives the Falcons an opportunity (to rush the passer).
Gil Brandt, former Cowboys executive and NFL.com analyst: Yes, I think they can. They have a lot of prideful people on that team. They have a good quarterback. They'll have some new enthusiasm on defense. They made a great choice with Beasley. I like Hardy, who they took in the fourth round. I think he'll be a big plus for the team. They start against Philadelphia, so we'll see what kind of defensive (the Falcons) have as a head coach.
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