Fansided

1 reason every NFL team can win the Super Bowl

By Andrew Garda

Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; A member of the New England Patriots hoists the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; A member of the New England Patriots hoists the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Vic Beasley (Clemson) poses for a photo with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected as the number eighth overall pick to the Atlanta Falcons in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Vic Beasley (Clemson) poses for a photo with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected as the number eighth overall pick to the Atlanta Falcons in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons have played so much worse than they should have played the last two years. The result was the ouster of Mike Smith and the hiring of Dan Quinn.

The offense isn’t really the issue, even though the line was a wreck last season. It’s the defense that has to get on track.

After a hybrid 3-4 last season, they are switching back to the 4-3 base, which should help a little though it also makes last year’s acquisitions of guys like Paul Soloai seem questionable. Still, there is talent there if they can get them in the right position.

Quinn and defensive coordinator Mike Nolan have to find a way to improve the pass rush—22 sacks tied this defense with Oakland for second fewest in the NFL last season. On the plus side, they only allowed 20 touchdowns through the air—fifth least in the NFL.

That would be because the run defense allowed the most touchdowns last season at 21. While they were just a little below average against the run overall, those 21 touchdowns hurt them badly.

Ra’Shede Hageman is finally getting his feet under him and should help Soliai plus the middle up and help the run defense, which desperately needed it.

If Adrian Clayborn is healthy, he should be able to bring some serious pressure from the right side and Tyson Jackson needs to improve on the left.

Rookie Vic Beasley could find a role as a rotation player at least, though if Clayborn gets hurt, Beasley should get his spot.

So if this team is to find a way to win a Super Bowl, they need the defense to rebound this year—especially against the run.

Next: New York Giants

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