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The Coaching Change That Matters Most For The Falcons

By Dave Choate
May 12, 2012; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith (right) and defensive coordinator Mike Nolan talk during Falcons rookie camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-US PRESSWIRE
May 12, 2012; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith (right) and defensive coordinator Mike Nolan talk during Falcons rookie camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-US PRESSWIRE

Let's start this Thursday off with a debate. Yes, I'm asking you to think a day after you imbibed your fair share of beer, put down a couple pounds of BBQ and set off fireworks. No apologies for that.

If you had to guess, which coaching change will wind up making the biggest difference in 2012? Will it be the addition of offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter, who promises to bring a better vertical passing and screen game to Atlanta? Will it be Mike Nolan, the guy who has promised a much better blitz and a more aggressive secondary? Or will it be one of the less heralded names, like Joe Danna for cornerbacks or Glenn Thomas for Matt Ryan?

Personally, I'm going with the easiest choice, which is Nolan. With success at more or less every stop in his career, an aggressive style and (or so I've heard) the immediate trust of his players, Nolan looks like a good bet to improve the defense in 2012. Everyone else I'm cautiously optimistic about.

My opinion's not law, though. Tell me what you think.

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