Cam Newton TD Score - CBS Sports
I have good news and bad news for Atlanta Falcons fans.
Let’s start with the bad news. As the Falcons coaching search continues, a point of emphasis with each candidate has to be a vision for improving the worst defense in the NFL. The Falcons were 32nd in the NFL in total defense. That’s dead last. They were also 32nd in the league in 3rd down defense. The team was also among the worst in the league at sacking quarterbacks as they were tied for 30th in the league.
As previously stated, that’s the bad news. Falcons fans are more than aware of their team’s struggles on this side of the ball.
Now for the good news that should provide some optimism for Atlanta moving forward. Recent history in the NFL has demonstrated that teams have been able to drastically improve their defenses from one season to the next. The same can not be said for offense as quarterback play often dictates the offense's production. But on defense, making a few smart additions in the draft and in NFL free agency can alter the future outcomes.
Let’s take a look at the worst teams in total defenses in the NFL over the past five seasons and examine what occurred. Each team was able to improve their ranking significantly the next season.
- 2013: Dallas 32nd 2014: 19th
Additions: MLB Rolando McClain (trade) – DT Henry Melton (FA) – LB Anthony Hichens (draft) – DT Tyrone Crawford (injury return) – DE DeMarcus Lawrence (draft)
- 2012: New Orleans 32nd 2013: 4th
Additions: DC Rob Ryan - CB Keenan Lewis (FA) – S Kenny Vaccaro (draft) – DT John Jenkins (draft)
- 2011: Green Bay 32nd 2012: 11th
Additions: OLB Nick Perry (draft) – DT Jerel Worthy (draft) – CB Casey Heyward (draft)
- 2010: Denver 32nd 2011: 20th
Additions: HC John Fox - LB Von Miller (draft) – S Rahim Moore (draft) – CB Chris Harris (rookie FA)
- 2009: Detroit 32nd 2010: 21st
Additions: DT Ndamukong Suh (draft) – DE Kyle Vanden Bosch (FA) – DT Corey Williams (trade) - CB Chris Houston (trade) - DE Willie Young (draft)
History demonstrates that if a team makes a commitment to get better defensively they can do so. While I noted the defensive additions in this exercise, there are ways in which an organization can make changes to their offensive style in order to help and protect their defense.
The 2014 Cowboys are not significantly better in defensive talent. But an organizational shift that moved away from explosive passing to running the football changed their time of possession numbers. In 2013, the Cowboys were ranked 26th in time of possession. With their improved running game, the 2014 Cowboys were ranked 1st in the NFL in the time of possession category. Holding onto the football means less plays for a vulnerable defense to deal with.
Once the Falcons have their new head coach in place, the improvement of the defense must be the first and primary topic he speaks of during his introductory press conference. If the next head coach also brings up that the Falcons organization must shift offensively, than the chances for this defense to improve becomes significantly better.