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NFL 2015: How will the first-year coaches perform?

By Matt Verderame

Jan 14, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan speaks during a press conference at ADPRO Sports Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan speaks during a press conference at ADPRO Sports Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 3, 2015; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons new head coach Dan Quinn speaks to the media at a press conference at the Falcons Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 3, 2015; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons new head coach Dan Quinn speaks to the media at a press conference at the Falcons Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Dan Quinn – Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons’ job is terrific for a few reasons. First, the team plays in the worst division in the NFL. Last year, the NFC South was won by the 7-8-1 Carolina Panthers, only the second team in league history to ever win its division with a losing record. Atlanta had a chance to win the South, but was blown out in the Georgia Dome by Carolina in Week 17, ultimately sealing the fate of former head coach Mike Smith.

Quinn steps into a situation where he has a franchise quarterback in Matt Ryan and two studs at receiver in veteran Roddy White and youngster Julio Jones. Last year, Atlanta went 6-10 but it wasn’t due to a lack of offensive production. Ryan threw for 4,694 yards and 28 touchdowns while Jones hauled in much of the production, catching 104 passes for 1,593 yards and six touchdowns. If the Falcons can find anyone to run the ball consistently (and block, blocking really helps) they would have an elite offense.

On defense, Quinn doesn’t have a ton to work with. Atlanta ranked last in total defense in 2014, failing to stop either the run or pass effectively. However, defense is Quinn specialty. Over the last two years, Quinn has presided over the best defense in the NFL as defensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks, earning  a Super Bowl ring in 2013. While the talent level from the Seahawks to the Falcons is a drastic step down, the scheme alone should help Atlanta improve over its first season under Quinn.

It will be a project getting this team into the playoffs, but Atlanta isn’t a crazed sports town. The pressure won’t be squarely on Quinn to perform immediately as it would be in New York or Chicago. The Falcons are a long-term project defensively with the need for a few linemen and a running back on offense. The franchise quarterback is there, however, making this job a solid one.

Next: Let's go Buffalo

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