The Other Side: Atlanta Falcons

Dave Holcomb of SI Falcon Maven gives his take on how things look from Atlanta's perspective heading into Sunday's game with the Panthers.

Q: It's been more than two years since the Falcons lost Super Bowl LI, a game in which it blew a 25-point second-half lead to the New England Patriots. Atlanta is 19-24 since -- how much of that can be attributed to a post-Super Bowl hangover (trauma)?

A: Lots of things have contributed to that below average record, including a Super Bowl hangover. I think the biggest loss the Falcons have been forced to overcome in recent years is the departure of Kyle Shanahan. It’s taken three years, but Shanahan now has a team Dan Quinn envisioned possessing every year when Shanahan was offensive coordinator in Atlanta — top-of-the-line defense, strong running game, playmaking quarterback. 

Q: There's been lots of speculation regarding the future of coach Dan Quinn. How has the team addressed his job security? And what do you think a coaching change -- offseason or in-season -- do to the direction of a franchise that has a first and third in the NFC South under Quinn along with a pair of second-place showings? 

A: At this point, Quinn should be allowed to finish the season. I’m just not sure what firing him before the season finale would accomplish because he made it through the bye week. Publicly, owner Arthur Blank supports Quinn, but NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported last week that the organization is evaluating Quinn on a weekly basis. It’s possible that Quinn saved his job (for now) with the victory against the Saints.

If Quinn is fired, I’d expect the organization to hire an offensive minded head coach. That would prevent Ryan, late in his career, from needing to learn another system again after this potential next coaching change.

Q: The Falcons are coming off a big -- and unexpected -- 26-9 win over the Saints. What did Atlanta do to pull off the upset?

A: In the victory against the Saints, the Falcons installed a ball-control offense that saw Atlanta post a time of possession of nearly 34 minutes. That kept Drew Brees on the sideline a lot. Defensively, the Falcons deployed new defensive playcallers — linebackers coach Jeff Ulbrich and new secondary coach Raheem Morris — to energize the group. It worked to perfection, as the Falcons recorded a season-high six sacks. Atlanta only had seven sacks coming into last week. 

Q: Running back Devonta Freeman suffered a foot injury during the win over New Orleans and tight end Austin Hooper suffered knee injury. Quinn says it's unlikely that either starter will play on Sunday. What will the Falcons do to adjust? 

A: Brian Hill will slot in at running back, but I’d expect them to use both Hill and Kenjon Barner equally in the backfield. Furthermore, rookie Qadree Ollison will finally get a chance to play. He’s been inactive all season, but he looked great during the preseason.

Luke Stocker should take over at tight end, but he’s not the same pass-catcher as Hooper. Third wide receiver Russell Gage will have an opportunity for additional targets. Freeman and Hooper combine for more than 12 pass targets per week.

Q: What must Atlanta do to win back-to-back games for the first time since closing out last season with three straight wins and what must it absolutely avoid? 

A: A similar game plan from last week could work again in Carolina. The Panthers have the 29th ranked run defense, so the Falcons will have a chance to control the tempo as they did last week. The question is can they do that without Freeman?

I’m very curious to see if the Falcons can repeat their defensive performance from last Sunday. Did the new coaching really make that much of a difference? Or was the game at New Orleans a fluke and maybe the result of the Saints taking a team too lightly coming off a bye?

Turnovers seem like the obvious thing to avoid, but more specifically, the Falcons must avoid poor defensive line play. Pressure on Kyle Allen will be key.

Prediction: Carolina 24, Atlanta 21

For more about the Falcons, visit si.com/nfl/Falcons and follow Dave on Twitter at @@dmholcomb.