Report: Atlanta Falcons DC Richard Smith will emphasize speed, physicality

Newly hired defensive coordinator Richard Smith will hopefully get the Atlanta Falcons' much-maligned defense back on track in 2015. Actually, that's not fair to Smith, because to get something "back on track," it has to be on "the track" in the first place. And let's be honest, the Falcons defense was a train wreck last season. Smith, with Dan Quinn's guidance and Raheem Morris' help defending the pass, has his work cut out for him.

To Smith's credit, he has a very clear vision. This defense will emphasize speed and physicality - lack in either category and this 53 man roster might not be for you.

"There are a lot of teams that do a lot of tight-pattern matching, but in our system with reading and reacting, envision and breaking on the ball, we feel we have the better opportunity to create more turnovers that way and make big plays. We're looking for speed, great instincts and an ability to play fast and physical."

If anything, this new-and-improved defense should be fun to watch. Smith's guys will need to be versatile or else. After free agency, cuts, and the draft, you may not even recognize the defense.

Your thoughts?