5 Reasons the Atlanta Falcons Will Have a Better Record in 2012

The Atlanta Falcons went 10-6 last season and had a couple of issues in both the offense and defense that had led them to that record instead of a better one in 2011.

They had issues with play-calling and scheme fundamentals on both offense and defense. They also had some chemistry issues with the offensive talent, and the line needed much more help. The Falcons also needed a better nickel package for the third-down issues they faced under former defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder.

Here are five reasons the Atlanta Falcons will have a better record in 2012.

New Offensive Coordinator Dirk Koetter

It sounds crazy to some but Dirk Koetter is actually a very good coordinator in the NFL. Let's take a look at his offense from 2011: rookie quarterback, All-Pro running back, wide receivers who shouldn't have been in the NFL and a tight end who isn't a great receiver. 

In Atlanta, Koetter has the best talent available in a top-10 quarterback, a top-five wide receiver, a promising first-round receiver, a Pro Bowl running back, an explosive first-round talent at wide receiver and a lot of supporting talent that would only help the schemes he can run.

Koetter's best attribute is that he is a creative play-caller who understands that when you get predictable, the other team will crush your offense.

New Defensive Coordinator Mike Nolan

Mike Nolan is one of the top defensive coordinators in the NFL and has an aggressive scheme. The milquetoast play-calling that was Brian VanGorder has moved onto the college ranks where he belongs. 

With Nolan in charge of the defense, expect the Falcons to be much more aggressive in coverage and to blitz quite a bit more than they ever did. Nolan will also help by scheming better third-down plays and by calling more aggressive defenses.

Matt Ryan, Harry Douglas and the Receiving Corps Have All Had Another Year Together

Chemistry is one of the top factors in a great offense developing and jelling. Ryan has had at least a year with all of the components of the offense and will have the offseason to jell even more. 

Going in with a new offense, the chemistry will depend on the Falcons finding a better way to work in Julio Jones since Roddy White is getting older and Tony Gonzalez is nearing the end of his career.

The Nickel Package Is Much Better

The nickel package has been the Falcons' downfall in the playoffs the past two years as both the Packers and the Giants demolished the Falcons due to the slot receivers just overpowering the nickel corners the Falcons have. 

Asante Samuel will come in and help Brent Grimes lock down the outside. Dunta Robinson, as the nickel corner, will be someone who is starting caliber and is physical enough to handle the slot receivers out there like Mario Manningham and Jordy Nelson.

The Falcons' Offensive Line Is Much Better This Year

The Falcons' biggest weakness was the interior of their offensive line. At right guard, the Falcons had a revolving door, and no one who started there was a good fit for the right guard spot. Joe Hawley was a solid fit but is better suited for center, and Garrett Reynolds is best as a backup.

Peter Konz is a great fit for the Falcons' right guard spot that was made weaker when Harvey Dahl left after the 2010 season. Konz is physical and quick enough to play all three spots on the inside of the line and should help the Falcons improve both in the pass and the running game.