The Atlanta Falcons are heading into the 2015 season with high expectations, and the hope to get back to the top of the NFC South. Last season, it was the worst conference in the league but the Carolina Panthers were able to come out on top and make the playoffs. That was a big disappointment for the Falcons, and they made some major changes this offseason.
Dan Quinn was hired to replace Mike Smith as their head coach, and that will completely change the way that the Falcons play. He is much more defensive oriented, and will focus on running a much more balanced offense as well.
Outside of the change at the head coaching position, the Falcons are very similar to last years team. They added a talented young running back in Tevin Coleman, and allowed Steven Jackson to walk away in free agency. Atlanta also is hoping to remain fully healthy, which was a major issue for them throughout the entire 2014 season.
There are quite a few key players for the Falcons’ playoff chances this coming season, but there are five in particular that will have to step up. Offensively they have quite a few key players, but there are a couple that will have to anchor the defense as well. Quinn isn’t going to allow the defense to get away with being lazy and making dumb mistakes like they have in years past, and that will change things around in and of itself.
All of that being said, there are quite a few reasons to be excited about the season for the Falcons and their fan base. Who are the top five most important players heading into the 2015 season as training camp continues to draw closer?
1. Matt Ryan, Quarterback
Needless to say, the Falcons start with the man under center and will only go as far as he can take them. Matt Ryan is one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the game, and there is no question that he is capable of winning a Super Bowl. Ryan has a lot of pressure on his shoulders, but he will handle it just fine and lead the Falcons to an improved season.
2. Julio Jones, Wide Receiver
Obviously the next name on this list would have to be wide receiver Julio Jones, who has become one of the NFL’s best. Last season with the Falcons, Jones ended up catching 104 passes for 1,593 yards and six touchdowns. Those touchdown numbers weren’t too good, but the rest of his numbers were excellent and he will put up big numbers once again this year.
3. Vic Beasley, Linebacker
Pass rushing was one of the Falcons’ biggest issues last season, and they are hoping that first-round pick Vic Beasley will help them out immediately. He is exactly the type of player that fits Quinn’s defensive system. Rookies don’t always succeed in their first NFL season, but that is exactly what the Falcons need Beasley to do in order to help fix their defense.
4. Desmond Trufant, Cornerback
Quinn is going to need a ballhawk in the secondary as well, and that is where cornerback Desmond Trufant will come into play. He intercepted three passes last season, and also defensed 16 more passes. Atlanta’s defense isn’t going to be one of the best in the NFL, but they need to make some plays and force a turnover here and there.
5. Tevin Coleman, Running Back
We did an article on what the Falcons can expect from rookie running back Tevin Coleman, and he earns the final spot on this list. He is replacing Steven Jackson, and the Falcons have to find some sort of a running game. If Coleman can come in and be the same type of big play threat that he was during his collegiate career, he will be exactly what the doctor ordered for the Falcons and will take their offense to a new level.
