Falcons Praise 'Very Hands-On' Coach Ryan Nielsen
With only 20 days left until training camp, the Atlanta Falcons are on the brink of unveiling their new defensive scheme, led by first-year defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen.
Players, including linebacker Troy Andersen, have already expressed high praise for Nielsen since he took over for the recently retired coach Dean Pees in late January. Andersen specifically commended the coach's football IQ.
"Obviously, a great football mind. Trying to pick up and learn from him as much as we can," Andersen said. "Very detailed and dialed in what he's asking us to do. Has answers to the questions we are asking of him."
Linebacker Lorenzo Carter also mentioned that Nielsen has been very hands-on in his teaching approach.
"He knows a lot about the game of football, especially the hands-on aspects. He's very hands-on," Carter said. "When we're sitting in meetings, he's putting hands on people. You have no choice but to take on his personality and take on that aggressive aspect."
Even a seasoned veteran like defensive end Calais Campbell receives the same hands-on treatment as his teammates. Nielsen corrected Campbell's technique during a routine footwork drill in minicamp.
"That's really good coaching that he can see that and help me with that," Campbell said. "One thing I like about coach Nielsen is he's really a stickler for the details."
Following a disappointing performance in most major defensive metrics last season, the newly transformed unit led by Nielsen aims to propel the Falcons to the top of the NFC South.
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