Turnovers Key to Falcons' Success Thus Far

Turnover margin is an important statistic. Having a favorable turnover margin is incredibly important, at least if you want to win games. The Falcons are creating a lot of turnovers, and as a result, their turnover margin has been off-the-charts. It's easily calculated, but if you're not familiar with the concept, it's not too hard to grasp.

How often are you turning the ball over? How often are you taking the ball away? The Falcons have a positive 3.3 turnover margin average this season. What does that mean? It means the Falcons are, on average, taking the ball away 3.3 more times than they're giving it away. In case you're keeping score, that's the best turnover margin in the league. Washington is the only team close to us (positive 2.0).

With 14 years of experience in the league as a coordinator and four as a head coach, Nolan wants his defense to stay in attack mode until he tells the players to let up.

''You want them to have an attacking mindset whether if you are blitzing or not,'' Nolan said. ''Even going after the ball is more of an offensive type of attitude rather than just tackling the ball carrier.''

Nolan is obviously a huge contributing factor here. But the talent we've accumulated on the defensive side of the ball also deserves some credit.

Thoughts?