NFL Hot Takes Week 5: Coach of the Year Will Be Tough Call

Oct 9, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett celebrates running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) third quarter touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett celebrates running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) third quarter touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
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Oct 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Vic Beasley (44) celebrates a sack in the second half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Falcons defeated the Broncos 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Vic Beasley (44) celebrates a sack in the second half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Falcons defeated the Broncos 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Falcons no longer look like a one-sided team

Throughout the first four weeks of the season, the Atlanta Falcons were winning football games almost entirely on the strength of their offense. It was Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Devonta Freeman and that improved offensive line doing the damage. The defense was a sideshow. Maybe they’d get a stop. Probably not. Bottom line is however far this team would go depended on how many points the offense could scored. Not the best way to win a championship.

Turns out people may have spoken too soon. Against the undefeated, defending champion Broncos it wasn’t the Falcons offense but the defense that came out firing. They sacked Paxton Lynch six times in the game. Vic Beasley had 3.5 by himself. On top of that they had an interception. It would’ve been worse has they been able to recover any of the three fumbles they forced. That 23-16 victory could be the signature win of a special season.