From various reports, the Atlanta Falcons coaching search appears to be coming to a close. Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is the odds on favorite to land the job as the next Falcons head coach. Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin also appears to be an acceptable option. The defensive philosophies for each of these two coaches would instantly pose challenges to the Falcons personnel as soon as the hiring takes place. As the 32nd ranked defense in the NFL, that’s not exactly a surprise to Falcons fans.
When you take a look at what Dan Quinn runs in Seattle, Quinn is a proponent of an under 4-3 defense. Taking a look at the Seahawks on film, the team is not complicated. They depend on the front four to apply pressure, linebackers who can run, and a secondary filled with big athletes who can cover ground. The big key here for Falcons fans is that while the edge pass rushers are important, the interior defensive line play holds just as much value.
- Blue = Defensive Ends
- Yellow = 1-technique tackle
- Red = 3-technique tackle
Source: NFL.com
In the Seahawks 4-3, the 1-technique tackle is charged with taking up two blockers on every down. The goal of the 1-technique is the control the line of scrimmage while also setting up 1-on-1 opportunities for his fellow defensive linemen.
Source NFL.com
For the Atlanta Falcons, this job would fall on DT Paul Soliai. Soliai is ideal as a space eating nose tackle who allows for 3-4 inside linebackers to flow to the play and make tackles. But playing the 1-techique would ask him to fight off the double team in the run game and make plays in his gap.
The big area of concern if the Falcons move to running the 4-3 under defense is who will play the 3-technique? This defensive tackle must be capable of defeating interior offensive linemen 1-on-1 and pressuring opposing quarterbacks. They must be the interior game wrecker, think Warren Sapp.
For the Falcons, the 3-technique would likely signal a sink-or-swim situation for defensive tackle Rashede Hageman. Coming out of college, Hageman was considered possibly versatile enough to play the 3-technique in a 4-3 defense because of his brute strength and athleticism. The problem is that this player can’t take plays off due to the importance of the position. Hageman, has had a history with this dating back to his days in Minnesota. For a player who turns 25 in August, Hageman will either grab hold of the position or fall out of favor quickly.
With the Falcons holding the 8th overall pick in the upcoming draft, everyone is aware that the Falcons are in need of a pressure player in the passing game. The ideal pass rushing defensive end for this defense must have the physical size to also handle the run game. Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett weighs in at 275lbs, while counterpart Cliff Avril checks in at 265lbs. This is where Falcons fans must understand that you are out of the Vic Beasley business if you are running this defense. There’s no room for 235lbs guys. It’s time to start thinking about Florida’s Dante Fowler or Kentucky’s Bud Dupree (both 265lbs).
Source: NFL.com
Keep in mind as well, moving from a 3-4 multiple defense to a 4-3 under means significant changes to the respsonsibilities and roles for the Falcons linebackers. While Paul Worrilow will likely remain at MLB, re-signing Sean Weatherspoon as a run-and-hit WLB will grow in importance. Perhaps last year’s 4th round pick, Prince Shembo, can find a home on the strong-side as he has a college history of being a physical player capable of handling strong side responsibilities.
Source: NFL.com
And that’s just the front seven. This is going to take time whether it’s Dan Quinn or Teryl Austin. But anything is an improvement over the 32nd ranking in the league.