Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
FLOWERY BRANCH -- Here are five things we learned about the Falcons this week:
1. Super Bowl. Super Bowl LIII was awarded to the city on Tuesday. It will cost the taxpayers $26 million.
2. Top ranked. USA Today ranked the head coaches in the league. Where did they have Falcons coach Dan Quinn?
3. Special teams. Falcons special teams coordinator Keith Armstrong is not one to mince his words.
While he was pleased with the play of Justin Hardy, Terron Ward and Robenson Therezie (early in season), Armstrong felt his units were not very good last season.
“I thought we were average,” Armstrong said. “I think we need to get better as a coverage unit. I think we need to get better in the return game and we did not block any field goals or punts last year. We’ve got some work to do.”
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Armstrong, as usual, was on point.
The Falcons were the 22nd in the league in the Dallas Morning News' special teams rankings compiled by Rick Gosselin.
The Baltimore Ravens finished with the best special teams in the NFL last season, followed by the New York Giants, Jacksonville Jaguars and the Dallas Cowboys.
The Saints had the best special teams in the NFC South and were ranked 21st overall. Tampa Bay (26) and Carolina (30) were third and fourth.
According to football outsiders, the Falcons has the best special teams units (22nd) in the NFC South followed by Carolina (23), New Orleans (26) and Tampa Bay (30).
4. Freeney to visit. Former Indianapolis Colts star Dwight Freeney is set to visit the Falcons next week.
5. OTAs update. This was the first week of OTAs and several position changes were on display.
[cmg_cinesport url="http://cinesport.ajc.com/embed/ajc-atlanta-sports/d-led-what-well-learn-otas-film/"]
The AJC’s D. Orlando Ledbetter & Noah Coslov chat about what he focuses on while watching Falcons OTAs and what the media will get from watching film with the coaches.
FALCONS' OFFSEASON SPOTLIGHTS
Falcons' offseason spotlight: OG Wes Schweizter, sixth round pick
Falcons offseason spotlight: LB De'Vondre Campbell, fourth round pick
Falcons' offseason spotlight: TE Austin Hooper, third round pick
Falcons' offseason spotlight: LB Deion Jones, second round pick
Falcons' offseason spotlight: SS Keanu Neal, first round pick
Falcons' offseason spotlight: DE/SLB Vic Beasley
Falcons' offseason spotlight: DT Grady Jarrett
Falcons' offseason spotlight: FS Robenson Therezie
Falcons' offseason spotlight: CB Jhttp://bcove.me/yjq6zv74alen Collins
