The offseason addition of Dan Quinn and his merry band of defensive coaches thrilled the masses. The Atlanta Falcons had the worst defense in the league in 2014; dramatic action was an absolute necessity. So the Falcons sat back, watching the head coaching candidates fly off the market, waiting their turn. Then they got their man, bringing Quinn aboard shortly after the Super Bowl.
There's no doubt the Falcons' defense is better this year. They are far more stout against the run. But when it comes to a reliable pass rush, the encouraging signs we saw in the pre-season haven't carried over into the regular season.