Like a lot of staffs, the Falcons went back to campus this offseason to learn how to better defend read-option principles, and running quarterbacks in general.
That meant trips to Clemson and Vanderbilt, but all the scheming in the world might not be able to cover up a lack of key personnel, with Cam Newton and the suddenly sharp Panthers on deck.
“You have to be prepared because it only takes one to go to the house,” Nolan said, via D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Two of the key pieces of the Falcons’ plan to stop Newton (who gashed them last year for 202 rushing yards and two touchdowns in two games) won’t be able to help. Versatile defensive end/tackle/linebacker Kroy Biermann’s on injured reserve, and linebacker Sean Weatherspoon isn’t eligible to come back from injured reserve/designated for return. They were key to the system the Falcons wanted to put in place against Newton (as well as Russell Wilson and Colin Kaepernick).
“You have to be more disciplined against that style of offense than your typical running game, because everyone has a one-on-one [matchup],” defensive coordinator Mike Nolan said, “You’re playing against 11. Usually when the quarterback hands the ball off, you’ve got 11 defensive guys playing 10.”
Or in the Falcons case, seven or eight that they planned on having.