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It’s Thursday, which means we have links — specifically of the Falcons variety. Read on for today’s edition of Falcoholinks.
Dirk under the microscope
Dirk Koetter’s return as Atlanta’s offensive coordinator was definitely a let down, so we’re seeking any seasons that can inspire confidence that he can effectively lead the offense going forward.
In 2012, his first year with the Falcons, Dirk improved Atlanta’s offensive numbers by adding more of an aerial component to the Falcons’ attack. 2020 featured a more balanced approach — to lesser success — so we turn to 2012 to see what lessons can be learned and reasons to be optimistic that Dirk can get the offense going.
Best WR situation in the NFC South
The NFC South is home to some of the top wide receivers in the NFL, with names like Julio Jones, Julio Jones, Julio Jones, and Calvin Ridley making arguments that their team has the best situation in the division. We took a look at the WR corps of all the teams in the NFC South, and provided our thoughts on who is in the best spot heading into 2020.
More offseason changes on the way?
The coronavirus pandemic has forced the NFL to respond to the daily changes and advice of medical professionals, and as such, we’ve already seen some departures from the traditional offseason. The latest development is the NFL and NFLPA discussing the possibility of shortening the preseason from four games to two.
A trio of new hires
Yesterday the Falcons announced three new hires, including a dietitian, assistant strength and conditioning coach, and Diversity Coaching Fellow. This NFL offseason is definitely unlike any other, so onboarding a trio of new coaches will be different in a league slowly working its way back to onsite operations.
Social justice
Many of the Falcons have been outspoken in the wake of George Floyd’s death, including Matt Ryan who has raised over $1M to support Atlanta’s Black community. Social justice has been top-of-mind these last few weeks, and a recent development on that front is 33 Falcons signing on to a letter to the U.S. Congress, urging them to end qualified immunity.
If you’re unfamiliar with qualified immunity, it’s an arcane doctrine that shields police and government officials from civil suits that would arise from suspected civil rights violations.