The Falcons were near the top of ESPN’s annual future power rankings just a few seasons ago. Last year they were ranked No. 6. Heading into 2019, they’re just No. 15 on the list. While Atlanta earned praise for its talent at the skill positions, its ranking suffered because of mediocre coaching, draft and front office grades this year.
ESPN analyst Louis Riddick says the Falcons’ recent failures can all be traced back to their struggles on both sides of the line of scrimmage. He does believe they still have a window, but if things go south this season he predicts a change in leadership.
Not being good enough in the trenches, both offensively and defensively, had become the obvious Achilles’ heel for this team and threatened to derail the prime years of their skill-position superstars. … they have a window for success, both short term and long term. If their plan fails, this team will be looking for new leadership in the very near future.
As usual, Riddick nails it.
The Falcons are as loaded at the skill positions as any team in the NFL. Their success — barring another barrage of major injuries — will depend on how well they are coached (especially with Dan Quinn calling defensive plays) and how the offensive and defensive lines perform.
General manager Thomas Dimitroff is probably going to be safe no matter how this season plays out, but Quinn is definitely on the hot seat and could be let go if Atlanta finishes with a losing record.
The schedule won’t do Quinn any favors. Pro Football Focus says Atlanta has the second-toughest path in the league this year according to ELO rating.
