NFL.com’s tip for Falcons to reach Super Bowl LIII
After another disappointing playoff ending, NFL.com editor Gregg Rosenthal has a tip for the Atlanta Falcons if they want to make a run towards Super Bowl LIII. Rosenthal believes the Falcons need to let offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian "install his own offense."
Sarkisian took over the play-calling duties in 2017 after former offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan left to become the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. In 2016, Shanahan’s offense yielded the highest points per game average in the NFL (33.8), second-highest yards per game average (415.8), an MVP quarterback in Matt Ryan and a trip to the Super Bowl. With such a successful offensive scheme, Sarkisian was tasked with attempting to run Shanahan’s offense while implementing his own offense.
“The compromise led to a steep learning curve for Sarkisian and a copy of a copy of a copy of the exciting Falcons attack from 2016,” Rosenthal wrote.
The Falcons explosive offense wasn’t the same in 2017. The team averged more than 11 points less per game, while Ryan threw 18 less touchdowns and five more interceptions.
If the Falcons reach the 2019 Super Bowl, they will become the first team to play in a Super Bowl in their home stadium. Super Bowl LIII will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
