EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. —
Dan Quinn emerged as a hot head coaching candidate after he oversaw a Seattle defense that led the NFL each of the last two seasons in fewest points and yards, the first unit to accomplish that since the 1985-86 Chicago Bears.
Seattle delivered bone-jarring hits and was constantly looking to force a fumble or make an interception. Now, in Quinn’s first season as head coach of the Falcons and with Richard Smith as his defensive coordinator, they continue to emphasize game-changing takeaways.
They got one late in the third quarter Sunday, with the Giants leading 20-10 and seemingly driving for a touchdown that would almost surely slam the door.