Despite the Falcons’ disastrous 1-7 start to the 2019 season, there was almost no drama surrounding the team. This lack of locker-room discord can be attributed to a number of different things, from the team’s veteran leaders, to the coaching staff’s consistent message.
Falcons coach Dan Quinn isn’t considered one of the elite coaches in the league, but his five years in Atlanta have brought stability to the team along with a Super Bowl appearance.
Quinn rarely gets down on his players and usually takes the blame for any shortcomings, which has undoubtedly earned the respect of the team. New Falcons CB Darqueze Dennard said that Quinn has a great reputation around the league, as tweeted by Jason Butt below.
Before signing with the Falcons, Darqueze Dennard asked around about Dan Quinn: "Guys who aren’t a part of the team still talk highly of him, which in this league you really don’t see that. Former players to not be here and still talk highly of the coach, it means a lot."
— Jason Butt (@JasonHButt) August 13, 2020
When players leave in free agency or get released, it’s common to hear negative comments about their former coaches. Quinn was well-liked as the Seahawks defensive coordinator and apparently is highly-regarded by most former players.
This is just one factor that could potentially help the team this season as the Falcons deal with a bizarre training camp without any preseason games. The team does still have a veteran quarterback, All-Pro wide receiver and a hungry, talented group desperate to get back the Super Bowl.
It’s now or never for Atlanta.
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