Atlanta Falcons: Steve Sarkisian replacement already on staff

The goal of any NFL is to change for the better from one year to the next. The Atlanta Falcons wished they could say that this season.

So far, they’re already disappointed. Everybody remembers how their 2017 season ended. They lost to the eventual champion Eagles 16-10 during which their offense couldn’t buy a touchdown in the red zone. It was merely the latest in a string of examples that had bedeviled them all season. They were 23rd in red zone efficiency last season, scoring a touchdown on just 49.18% of their trips inside the opposing 20-yard line.

Much of the criticism falls at the feet of offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian. His lack of creative play calling and mismanagement of personnel are a constant frustration for people watching what used to be the best offense in football. It was more of the same in the teams’ 18-12 loss on opening night in Philadelphia. The Falcons made five trips inside the red zone and came away with a measly nine points.

That’s not how you win championships in this league, and it’s led to lots of calls for Sarkisian to be dismissed. While that’s unlikely to happen, at least for the time being, Atlanta does already have a suitable replacement if it does come.

Gregg Knapp has experience and know-how to run Falcons offense

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The Falcons hired Gregg Knapp to become their quarterbacks coach this offseason. It wasn’t a much-heralded move at the time, but the closer one looks the clearer the image becomes. Knapp is insurance in case Sarkisian doesn’t improve. Why? The man has a vast wealth of prior experience as an offensive coordinator in the NFL. Dating back to 2001 he’s been one for 10 seasons across four different franchises.

One of those team so happened to be the Falcons themselves during the peak Michael Vick era from 2004 to 2006. Knapp has had considerable success elsewhere too. He delivered some top 10 units in San Francisco, got 4,000 yards out of a banged up Carson Palmer in Oakland and was a consistent benefactor to a team’s running game wherever he went.

This man has been to the mountaintop as well. He was the quarterbacks coach for the Denver Broncos from 2013 to 2016, helping them to win the Super Bowl. He understands how to manage a star quarterback like Matt Ryan. The qualifications are there. It’s just a matter of if and when the Falcons wish to make the switch. Odds are the next month or so will likely shape what Sarkisian’s fate will be.

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