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5 Things We Learned From the Atlanta Falcons’ 2014 Season

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By @MichaelTerrill

5 Things We Learned From the Atlanta Falcons' 2014 Season

Atlanta Falcons
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The Atlanta Falcons had an opportunity to win the NFC South with a losing record, but unfortunately, they were unable to make good on their awe-inspiring win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 16. Falling flat to the Carolina Panthers at home with the division on the line perfectly summed up Atlanta’s season. It was simply never meant to be. Here are the five things we learned from the Falcons’ 2014 season.

5. Pass Defense Was Embarrassing

Pass Defense Was Embarrassing
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5. Pass Defense Was Embarrassing

Pass Defense Was Embarrassing
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Look no further than Atlanta’s dismal defense to figure out why they finished 6-10 in 2014. More specifically, the pass defense is a problem area. The Falcons ranked dead last in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game (279.9). The surrendering of that many yards constantly put Atlanta in a bad position defensively, something that must be changed in the offseason.

4. Julio Jones Still Worth Five Draft Picks

Julio Jones Still Worth Five Draft Picks
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4. Julio Jones Still Worth Five Draft Picks

Julio Jones Still Worth Five Draft Picks
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The Falcons surrendered five draft picks in 2011 to select Julio Jones No. 6 overall. Many said it was a costly mistake. The only mistake was the Cleveland Browns not drafting Jones. The 25-year-old had a monstrous season in which he recorded a career-high 1,593 receiving yards on a whopping 104 receptions. There’s no question he was the MVP for Atlanta in 2014. In fact, he’s what keeps the offense ticking.

3. New Head Coach Will Have His Hands Full

New Head Coach Will Have His Hands Full
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3. New Head Coach Will Have His Hands Full

New Head Coach Will Have His Hands Full
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Atlanta has far too many issues to be fixed with just one or two managerial moves. Whoever replaces the fired Mike Smith will certainly have their hands full. The run attack was nearly non-existent for most of the season and the defense was dreadful. To make matters worse, Smith is the most successful coach in franchise history, which sets the bar high for the next guy who takes over as the new head coach.

2. Defense Must Improve Immediately

Defense Must Improve Immediately
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2. Defense Must Improve Immediately

Defense Must Improve Immediately
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As already stated, the pass defense was embarrassing. With that said, it was really the defense as a whole that was bad. The Falcons did succeed in takeaways (16 interceptions, 12 fumble recovers), but other than that, they were horrendous. If the defense doesn’t improve immediately, Atlanta has no chance at competing in the NFC South in 2015, even if it’s the worst division in football.

1. Matt Ryan Needs To Be Better

Matt Ryan Needs To Be Better
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1. Matt Ryan Needs To Be Better

Matt Ryan Needs To Be Better
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Quarterback Matt Ryan had another solid season, even if it wasn’t as good as years past. In fact, he finished ninth in the NFL in Total QBR (67.0). Still, there’s no question Ryan needs to be better if the Falcons expect to get back to the playoffs. He’s the leader of the team on and off the field. The only way the team will respond positively is if he consistently performs at a high level. That’s exactly what must happen if he wants to be elite.

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