Atlanta Falcons: How DC Mike Nolan and HC Mike Smith Can Fix the Defense

Out of position. 

That's the best way to sum up the joke that is the Atlanta Falcons defense right now. They have talent, but Mike Smith and Mike Nolan are failing their talent with poor coaching. There are times when execution is the issue on defense. But that's not the case this year.

They might be stubborn and trying to keep the scheme they put in during training camp. However, it's coming off as arrogance to continually play the same scheme that is failing and allowing some of the most yards in the NFL.

The case this year is that the scheme being executed is a terrible scheme that doesn't take advantages of players' strengths. It also doesn't highlight the best players on defense and looks like playing time is being decided by the contracts instead of performance.

Sometimes, defensive and offensive masterminds overthink things. But there's a quick fix potentially available. There's ways to make this defense work with the current personnel. There's a patience that needs to be had by fans, as well. Because there's no way that this defense will be more than average without a John Abraham in his prime-type pass-rusher either. But that can't be addressed until next year.

David Goldman/Associated Press

Mike Nolan: Defensive Mastermind?

Mike Nolan was a great defensive coordinator. Outside of two seasons in the late 1990s with the Washington professional team and the 2002 Baltimore Ravens, Nolan's defenses allowed 21 points per game or less prior to his stint with the Falcons.

Even in his first year as the Atlanta Falcons' defensive coordinator, when he looked like he had free reign of the defense, the Falcons allowed just 18.69 points per game. Injuries in 2013 looked to destroy any shot of a competent defense and the Falcons suffered because of it with the worst defense in the Nolan era.

Year	Team	Passing YPA	Rushing YPC	Points Per Game
1993	New York Giants	6.06	3.92	12.8
1994	New York Giants	6.44	3.87	19.1
1995	New York Giants	6.27	4.22	21.3
1996	New York Giants	6.19	3.59	18.6
1997	Washington	5.49	4.35	18.1
1998	Washington	5.92	4.59	26.3
1999	Washington	6.34	4.49	23.6
2000	New York Jets	5.67	3.97	20.1
2002	Baltimore Ravens	6.27	3.74	22.1
2003	Baltimore Ravens	5.28	3.43	17.6
2004	Baltimore Ravens	6.23	3.58	16.8
2009	Denver Broncos	5.85	4.50	20.3
2010	Miami Dolphins	6.67	3.58	20.8
2011	Miami Dolphins	6.77	3.71	19.6
2012	Atlanta Falcons	7.04	4.80	18.7
2013	Atlanta Falcons	7.55	4.78	27.7
2014	Atlanta Falcons	8.33	4.30	28.3

That is, until this year.

This year's Falcons are currently on pace to be the worst defense that Nolan has ever been part of as a coordinator. They are on pace to allow over 450 points and 6,700 yards at 8.33 yards per passing attempt and 4.3 yards per rushing attempt.

As Matt Chambers from The Falcoholic points out above, it makes absolutely no sense as to what the scheme is right now. The Falcons are running a 4-2-5, which is also different from what Nolan's defenses have been in the past. Nolan has run primarily out of 4-3 and 3-4 sets.

Nolan has also emphasized turnovers, pass rushing and gap control in the running game. Luckily, that is one aspect for the Falcons that has improved from 2013. However, Atlanta needs to still focus on getting more turnovers and pass rush.

There also begs the question of who is really running the defense right now. Mike Smith is the first defensive-minded head coach that Nolan has worked under since 2000 and just the second defensive-minded head coach Nolan has worked under period.

It shows in the Falcons' defensive schemes. Atlanta isn't running a scheme that Nolan has ever run before. When watching this defense play, it's too confusing seeing guys like Jonathan Babineaux at defensive end or Kroy Biermann out there on the other side.

The same issues that have always plagued Smith's defenses aren't things that Nolan would normally do. Third-down soft coverage calls with three-man pass rushes have been a staple since 2008. Dropping defensive ends into coverage on third downs when they need to pin their ears back has also happened.

These aren't new issues. 2012 looked like it was a Nolan-coordinated defense. And sure, injuries forced a complete simplification of the defense in 2013. But 2014 looks like the defense has reverted back to Smith in a hope to save his job based on the schemes being played. Let Nolan run his defense and the Falcons could at least put out an average product.

David Goldman/Associated Press

Turnover Focus Would Be a Potential Quick Fix for the Defense

If you can't stop them from gaining yards, getting the ball back is the best thing you can do. Atlanta hasn't done that this year, registering just nine turnovers all season. That puts them on pace for 24. Last season, they had just 21, but in 2012 they were able to force 31 turnovers. 

Turnovers are the bread and butter of a good NFL defense because it allows the offense to control the clock and get the ball back with good field position. When the Falcons allow their offense to have shorter fields, they score more points. 

Year	Team	Turnovers
1993	New York Giants	28
1994	New York Giants	32
1995	New York Giants	31
1996	New York Giants	35
1997	Washington	30
1998	Washington	21
1999	Washington	37
2000	New York Jets	35
2002	Baltimore Ravens	31
2003	Baltimore Ravens	41
2004	Baltimore Ravens	34
2009	Denver Broncos	30
2010	Miami Dolphins	19
2011	Miami Dolphins	19
2012	Atlanta Falcons	31
2013	Atlanta Falcons	21
2014 (Pace)	Atlanta Falcons	24

It sounds basic.

It is basic.

Turnovers need to happen in Atlanta. They need to focus on jumping routes. Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford have to catch balls for interceptions instead of dropping them. Too many times have Trufant or Alford dropped an interception for the Falcons to allow a long third-down conversion after this year.

Kemal Ishmael and Dwight Lowery also have to jump some more routes. Ishmael's lone interception was brought back for a touchdown. Atlanta needs to trust its safeties to make some plays and allow them better coverages. 

At the second level, the Falcons need to attack the ball more than the players when they tackle. Sure, taking a guy down is crucial. But if they can strip the ball out as well, they can have the offense on the field quicker.

Nolan's defenses traditionally have been solid when it comes to forcing turnovers. Just three times in his first 15 years coordinating a defense, Nolan's units have forced less than 28 turnovers. 2013 and 2014 are looking like more of an anomaly than the norm. 

The defense having just two interceptions isn't acceptable. The defense forcing and recovering just three fumbles so far isn't acceptable. If the defense is going to be this bad, they need to at least find something to be good at. Turnovers would be a good start.

And if that doesn't work, they need to focus on pass rush. Because with better pass rush, turnovers will come.

John Bazemore/Associated Press

Feature Jonathan Massaquoi and Malliciah Goodman as the Primary Edge-Rushers

As of now, the Falcons' primary edge-rushers by snap counts are Jonathan Babineaux (298 total, 176 pass rushes) and Kroy Biermann (314 total, 137 pass rushes). Their impact is also terrible considering they have a combined three hits and 18 hurries.

Twenty-one total quarterback disruptions on 313 pass rushes puts the average snaps per disruption rate at 14.91 on the season. Average pass-rushers get closer to 10.0 rushes per disruption. Atlanta is having trouble here, because they aren't playing pass-rushers in real pass-rushing roles.

This is what happens when you continually play guys out of position.

Babineaux is a natural 3-technique defensive tackle. Not a defensive end. 

Biermann is a run-down strong-side linebacker in a 3-4 or 4-3. Not a pass rushing defensive end or linebacker.

If the Falcons wanted to play the right guys in the right spots on their four-man fronts or at the ideal edge-rushing roles, they would make sure to have Malliciah Goodman and Jonathan Massaquoi as the primary edge-rushers within the defense.

The Falcons used to get 8.3 snaps per disruption from John Abraham in 2012. They are currently getting a rate of 7.5 snaps per disruption from Massaquoi. Massaquoi is also a much better fit for the Falcons defense as a weak-side defensive end or outside linebacker.

Name	Pass Rushes	Sacks	Hits	Hurries	Total QB Disruptions	Snaps Per Disruption
Jonathan Babineaux	176	0	2	10	12	14.7
Kroy Biermann	137	0	1	8	9	15.2
Jonathan Massaquoi	75	2	2	6	10	7.5
Malliciah Goodman	107	0	0	7	7	15.3

Massaquoi isn't being used nearly enough, as he has played just 167 snaps and rushed the passer a total of just 75 times all year. He needs to rush the passer at least 20 times a game. Him averaging just 12.5 pass rushes per game is unacceptable at this point in time. 

Massaquoi's 6'2", 264-pound frame gives Atlanta their fastest pass-rusher on the field. The Falcons should also look to work in some more Stansly Maponga and Osi Umenyiora through the rotation in Atlanta's pass-rushing groupings.

At 5-technique defensive end and strong-side end, the Falcons need to take advantage of Goodman's talents more. While he's not the pass-rusher that he could be at this point due to averaging a similar 15.3 pass rushes per quarterback disruption, the former Clemson Tiger is a better run defender on the strong-side than Biermann has proven to be.

Ann Heisenfelt/Associated Press

His 6'4", 276-pound frame is ideal for a base left defensive end. During his senior year of college, Goodman learned how to pass rush and exploded with his best season of his college career. Goodman needs more experience as a pass-rusher than he has been given.

The Falcons need to allow Massaquoi and Goodman to attack together off of the edges. The pairing could give the Falcons a combination that would at least give them a respectable pass rush to close the season out. And it's not like bringing them in would hurt the run defense either.

Massaquoi is a better run defender than what Babineaux has been in the 7-technique weak-side end role while Goodman provides better bulk up front than Biermann's 255-pound frame has provided. Atlanta can get a pass rush going. But they have to develop their younger talents.

Goodman being in just his second year and Massaquoi being in just his third year gives the logical impression that they are going to improve from what their current talents have shown. Atlanta could have a pair of double-digit pass-rushers here if they would just develop them.

Note: All advanced statistics in this section came from Pro Football Focus' Premium Statistics (Sub. Required).

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

How the Falcons Should Align Moving Forward

NFL defenses aren't rocket science. They aren't super complicated and don't need to be in order for them to be effective. Atlanta should still use some 4-2-5 nickel packages. They should still use some 2-4-5 nickel packages. They should still use some 3-3-5 nickel and 3-2-6 dime. They should play more base defense, though, and align guys in the right spots.

But they need to establish base defenses with players lined up in the right spots for once. Playing Tyson Jackson at defensive tackle and Jonathan Babineaux at defensive end was stupid. Playing Kroy Biermann as a hand-down defensive end is stupid. The Falcons need to correct their stupidity and start playing guys in the right spots depending on the alignments.

Here are the guides for where guys play their best football based on alignment, ways to feature the young pass-rushers, ways to control the gaps the best and how the Falcons' defense will play the best football moving forward. Sometimes, it really is as simple as proper alignment and playing personnel in the proper amount of snaps. Where the players win needs to be at the forefront like it is with these.

For each alignment, I'll include who the best fits at the role would be as well as the ideal amount of usage of the formation. The Falcons can continue to have a hybrid defense, but they do need to make it much more tailored to the players and less to the coaches.

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

4-3 Defense

50 percent of base down and distance situations

Ideally, the Falcons moving back to a pure 4-3 base front would be the right move. However, the Falcons are too invested in the 3-4 fronts to make a full move back to the 4-3 base. Atlanta should look into an unbalanced 4-3 front similar to what the Seahawks run when they are in base.

Created in Adobe Photoshop by Scott Carasik

As you can see in this diagram above, the 4-3 base alignment here isn't much different than a 3-4 "over" alignment would be. The nose tackle is in the strong-side A-gap while the defensive ends are aligned in a 5-technique on the strong-side shaded into the C-gap and a 3-technique over the B-gap on the weak side.

The weak-side linebacker is aligned in the weak-side A-gap while the middle linebacker would be aligned in the strong-side A-gap. The strong-side linebacker would be aligned on the outside shoulder of the tight end to force him inside if need be. 

The Falcons should be used to playing the 4-3 after their experiences the past few seasons. They have better personnel for it now than they did just a season ago. If they decide to run this alignment, the best personnel fits for the front seven by role and snap percentage would be as follows:

9-Tech DE: Jonathan Massaquoi (50%), Osi Umenyiora (30%), Stansly Maponga (20%)

Massaquoi is the best fit for this role. He can set the edge against the run effectively, but he's also Atlanta's best pass-rusher. Umenyiora should be used to a role line this, as it allows him to come down as fast as he can while not having to face an offensive lineman head-on. Maponga needs the reps and should see some time here.

3-Tech UT: Corey Peters (60%), Jonathan Babineaux (40%)

Peters is better at the 3-technique than the 1-technique. He should play here to allow Babineaux more reps in passing situations. Babineaux and Peters rotating in this role could be deadly, though. Peters and Babineaux are excellent at penetrating the gap and should create havoc in this rotation.

1-Tech NT: Paul Soliai (55%), Ra'Shede Hageman (45%)

As eaters of worlds, the massive combination of Paul Soliai and Ra'Shede Hageman should be able to take on double-teams almost every play. They have a tendency to be explosive inside and their massive frames forcing double-teams could allow the linebackers to roam free.

5-Tech DE: Malliciah Goodman (50%), Tyson Jackson (40%), Jonathan Massaquoi (10%)

This is a role that needs to provide at least a semblance of pass-rushing talent. Goodman showed in 2013 that he can handle the starting role here against the run. Jackson did well in a similar role with the Kansas City Chiefs, forcing blockers out of the play on run downs. Massaquoi should rotate here just to be on the field more than he currently is and force some situations with both Massaquoi and Umenyiora on the field.

WLB: Prince Shembo (100%)

If Sean Weatherspoon was healthy, this role would be easy to decide. But at this point, it looks like Shembo is going to be the guy who needs to be on the field next to Paul Worrilow at all times. Shembo is athletic enough and smart enough to be very effective in the role.

MLB: Paul Worrilow (100%)

Why mess with what's working? Worrilow may not be the absolute best middle linebacker in the NFL, but in a 4-3 he'd be much more in his element. Worrilow can cover, play the run and rush the passer effectively. However, in the 4-3, he could grow into the player he was starting to look like at the end of 2013.

SLB: Joplo Bartu (75%), Kroy Biermann (25%)

With this 4-3 alignment, Atlanta needs to make sure that they have the best coverage player on the field at strong-side linebacker. Bartu and Biermann are the best options here despite both being just mediocre players overall. Atlanta needs to really address this spot in the upcoming draft or plan on Weatherspoon eventually taking this role.

This is by far the best use of the Falcons' current personnel. They may not have better than average talent as an overall group, but when you put guys where they win, you have a defense that will be effective. Nolan needs to realize this before it's too late.

This defense was exactly what Nolan was running for most of 2013, anyway. And even though 2013's defense was absolutely terrible, there's no reason to abandon the roles that were working for the younger, more athletic talent across the defense.

Michael Conroy/Associated Press

3-4 Defense

40 percent of base down and distance situations

The Falcons need to move to a one-gap 3-4 when they run their 3-4 looks. It's the right move based on personnel the Falcons have at this time. They don't have guys who fit well in a two-gap scheme who can take on blocks from offensive linemen one-on-one.

Created in Adobe Photoshop by Scott Carasik

As you can see in the above diagram, the 3-4 alignment here is shaded to the strong side. The 5-technique defensive end lines up in the C-gap between the tackle and tight end while the other defensive end really plays a 3-technique defensive tackle role in the "under" alignment. The 1-technique nose tackle is shaded to the strong side to help keep offensive linemen off of the linebackers.

The outside linebackers are aligned a couple yards off the ball and playing outside technique on the tight end and running back. The inside linebackers are shaded over the weak-side A-gap and strong-side B-gap so that every player has the gap responsibility of what's directly in front of them. As mentioned earlier, playing to control one gap is easier than playing to control two and should help the defense.

The idea to run a 3-4 defense isn't misguided. The roles being used for Atlanta's personnel is what's misguided. The Falcons have ideal personnel on the roster for certain spots and need to make sure to have them fit into those spots. The best personnel fits for the front seven by role and snap percentage:

3-Tech UT: Corey Peters (60%), Jonathan Babineaux (40%)

Much like the roles that they would play in the 4-3, Peters and Babineaux are ideal for the role as 3-technique defensive tackles in the 3-4. They would try to penetrate the B-gap and hopefully force the tackle to pinch in on them opening up the wide side of the field for a clear path for the linebacker.

1-Tech NT: Paul Soliai (50%), Ra'Shede Hageman (50%)

At nose tackle, the role stays the same. Soliai is playing extremely well, but Goodman needs to step up. However, he needs to play in his best role and that's the 1-technique nose tackle role, not the 5-technique end or 3-technique under tackle.

5-Tech DE: Tyson Jackson (50%), Malliciah Goodman (50%)

Tyson Jackson's best role has been 5-technique defensive end his entire career. He's at his best holding the edge and allowing the strong-side linebacker behind him to roam free. Goodman is similar to Jackson when he plays in the 3-4 and can be an effective strong-side end for the Falcons there.

WOLB: Jonathan Massaquoi (75%), Osi Umenyiora (25%)

Massaquoi is the ideal fit for the weak-side linebacker role in a 3-4 that's unbalanced to the strong side. He can set the edge on the weak side effectively and give some pass rush there. Umenyiora is great to spell him and keep him fresh while attacking on passing downs. His speed-to-power conversion is amazing and can only help a dismal Falcons pass rush in this role.

WILB: Prince Shembo (100%)

Shembo should play over Joplo Bartu as the weak-inside linebacker because he's just a better fit for the role. He's able to take on blocks more effectively having taken on tackles in college on a regular basis. He does well in coverage, too, and doesn't look completely lost. He also is a great downhill athlete who isn't afraid to attack the run or the quarterback.

SILB: Paul Worrilow (100%)

Worrilow has potential to be a Pro Bowl inside linebacker in the Falcons' scheme. This alignment would allow the defensive linemen to eat the blockers that Worrilow has been seeing in his face throughout the last two weeks. Atlanta needs to keep him clean so that he can make plays, and this would be the first step to it.

SOLB: Kroy Biermann (40%), Stansly Maponga (40%), Osi Umenyiora (20%)

This is where the development of a young player needs to be of priority. Biermann is what he is at this point, and that's a guy who needs a guy in front of him to eat offensive linemen so he doesn't have to. Maponga needs reps to develop and grow into the role. He's got the athleticism, but he needs to learn the intricacies of the game, and the limited reps here would help him with that.

As you can see, the best fits for each role is used here. Atlanta would be able to mask deficiencies against the run by having guys who can force double-teams with their penetrating abilities. This would allow the linebackers to knife in and make plays on the ball in the backfield. 

As much as people try to dismiss the talent of the defense, Atlanta does have the ability to run the 3-4 defense effectively if the players are used properly. They just haven't been using the players in the right spots, nor have they played enough of the 3-4 defense.

David Goldman/Associated Press

4-2-5 Nickel Defense

25 percent of nickel down and distance situations, 5 percent of base situations

This is the Falcons' current base defense. That's probably a reason why they haven't done well against the run. However, completely playing people out of position is why they haven't been able to get after the passer, either.

Created in Adobe Photoshop by Scott Carasik

For this particular formation, the front six is aligned to create pass-rushing mismatches. The weak-side defensive end needs to play in a 9-technique out wide. The weak-side defensive tackle lines up in a 3-technique designed to allow him to penetrate while the 1-technique tackle is designed to eat a double-team.

On the end, the 7-technique defensive end has to be able to fight off a chip from the tight end and beat a right tackle around the edge effectively. While the diagram shows a pair of inside linebackers, the different play calls will allow them to align over their most effective spots.

Sometimes, the linebackers will be directly over the man they are playing coverage against. Other times, they will be aligned inside and allow the safeties to rotate coverages similar to how basketball players switch men after a pick-and-roll play. 

This is the Falcons' current defensive alignment for the majority of their plays. Atlanta has been failing with this defense, because they have been playing the wrong people in the wrong roles. The following is the best personnel fits for the front six by role and snap percentage:

7-Tech DE: Malliciah Goodman (60%), Jonathan Massaquoi (20%), Stansly Maponga (20%)

Normally, Goodman would be looked at as a weakness in this role. He's not the best most natural pass-rusher, but he does a good job of setting the edge and should be able to help create enough pressure in pass situations. Massaquoi and Maponga would rotate in for the needed breathers that Goodman would take.

1-Tech NT: Paul Soliai (35%), Corey Peters (35%), Ra'Shede Hageman (30%)

Soliai hasn't been an ideal pass-rusher throughout his career, but in this role he should be effective as he's able to take on double-teams. Both Hageman and Peters are both guys who can duplicate Soliai in a plugging role at 1-technique defensive tackle, but have the ability to penetrate as well.

3-Tech UT: Jonathan Babineaux (40%), Corey Peters (30%), Ra'Shede Hageman (30%)

Ideally, Babineaux is an interior pass-rushing specialist playing this 3-technique role as he's got great penetration abilities and should be able to attack the B-gaps even better with a nose tackle eating double-teams in the middle. Peters and Hageman are guys who can play this role as well and should see a lot of snaps in a rotation.

9-Tech DE: Jonathan Massaquoi (40%), Osi Umenyiora (40%), Stansly Maponga (20%)

When it comes to a 9-technique defensive end, speed is the name of the game. Massaquoi, Umenyiora and Maponga are the fastest defensive end/linebackers that the Falcons have for the role. Massaquoi should be featured in the pass rush, but allowing Umenyiora to spell him will only help.

WILB: Prince Shembo (100%)

After Sean Weatherspoon went down, Joplo Bartu jumped up and looked like he'd be the starter. However, Shembo has just outplayed the second-year undrafted free agent out of Texas State. The Falcons should be happy with Shembo's performance and keep him on the field as much as possible.

SILB: Paul Worrilow (100%)

Worrilow is the leader and the signal-caller of the defense. He's drastically improved in coverage this season, as his only real lapses have come against Jimmy Graham, Pierre Thomas and Giovani Bernard. To be fair, everyone has trouble against those three. Atlanta should feel good about Worrilow in this role.

This defense is ideally used as a nickel defense. The Falcons should run quite a few different blitz schemes out of it while still running some of the short zones with defensive ends. The outside cornerbacks should be able to play man and off-man as their primary coverages as well.

The Falcons aren't even running their current "base" defense properly. If they would finally start using the proper personnel in the right spots, Atlanta could drastically improve this defensive alignment. But alas, they are too focused on putting guys like Kroy Biermann on the field instead of Massaquoi.

Scott Cunningham/Getty Images

3-3-5 Nickel Defense

45 percent of nickel down and distance situations, 5 percent of base situations

When the Falcons run nickel, they haven't been running a lot of 3-3-5 formations to take advantage of their unique defensive personnel. Atlanta has a linebacker who can cover and blitz from the strong side, and they need to take advantage of him in every way on nickel downs.

Created in Adobe Photoshop by Scott Carasik

In the alignment above, the strong-side linebacker would be lined up over the tight end regardless of which side of the field that may be. The middle linebacker should be able to keep his eye on the A- and B-gaps on one side while the weak-side linebacker does the same on the other side.

On the line, the nose tackle should play in a 0-technique unless a shift is on allowing the Falcons to attack and overload one side or the other. The ends should stick in a 7-technique, allowing the edge-rushers to play in their ideal role for most of their skill sets.

When the original goal looked to be a 3-man base front, this defense looked like the primary nickel formation. It's a shame that the Falcons use it rarely, if ever. The best personnel fits for the front six by role and snap percentage in this formation are:

Strong-Side DE: Malliciah Goodman (60%), Ra'Shede Hageman (20%), Stansly Maponga (20%)

As a 7-technique defensive end, speed and power is needed. On the strong side, the ability to play in a double-team is even more essential. Goodman and Hageman should both be given the opportunity to attack the quarterback from this perspective. Maponga should see some snaps on zone-blitz calls.

0-Tech NT: Paul Soliai (40%), Corey Peters (30%), Ra'Shede Hageman (30%)

Speed, power and taking on a double-team should be the ideal combination for this spot. Because this spot has the ability to slide either way and switch into a 1-technique tackle, the Falcons should put Peters and Hageman in the rotation with Soliai here.

Weak-Side DE: Jonathan Massaquoi (50%), Osi Umenyiora (30%), Stansly Maponga (20%)

This should be the speed side of the defense. Massaquoi, Maponga and Umenyiora all give the Falcons the ability to be effective back-side zone defenders if need be. However, Massaquoi should see the majority of the snaps as he's the Falcons most ideal defender for this spot.

WLB: Prince Shembo (100%)

Shembo has quickly become Atlanta's best coverage linebacker during the 2014 season. Atlanta would do well to keep him on the field as much as possible at this time. He's got the ability to blitz and cover role in this formation, and that role does nothing but play to his strengths.

MLB: Paul Worrilow (100%)

As the main linebacker in the defense, Worrilow will see as many snaps as possible. He's worth using in this formation mainly as an interior blitzer attacking the A-gaps. Worrilow could create some pressure on delayed blitzes that would force bad throws or sacks.

SLB: Joplo Bartu (100%)

Bartu is a unique piece for the Falcons. While he may never be a long-term starter as an inside linebacker or even in the 4-3 defense if they move back to it, he's someone who can provide a guy who can blitz or cover in the nickel packages pretty easily.

One benefit from the 3-3-5 alignment shown here is that it allows the Falcons to disguise coverages and run more zone blitz concepts. It also allows the Falcons the ability to overload one side or the other with a last-minute shift by the defensive line and a blitz on the same side.

This system also allows an extra player with some speed on the field over a big-brooding defensive tackle. By having that bit of extra speed, the zone coverage concepts that Mike Nolan likes to run can be more effective—even if he does just rush three at times.

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

2-4-5 Nickel Defense

20 percent of nickel down and distance situations

Most three-man base defenses run with a two-man front in nickel because they love the blitz concepts they can pull out of their 2-4-5 alignments. Atlanta should be no different with the personnel that they have—especially since they need to find for a role for Ra'Shede Hageman to thrive in at this point.

Created in Adobe Photoshop by Scott Carasik

This alignment looks pretty straightforward with the pair of 3-technique defensive tackles playing in the B-gaps, the inside linebackers playing over the A-gaps and the outside linebackers playing off the edge of the tackles. However, there's a lot of fun that can happen with the scheming with this personnel grouping.

This is the personnel grouping that would be used primarily on amoeba looks. Because everyone at linebacker should be able to slide inside or outside, it would give the Falcons the ability to run some looks that would confuse the protections. 

Atlanta should be able to attack offenses with their defensive personnel in this formation. Because the Falcons would be able to run multiple different players at multiple different spots in this defense, the ideal personnel fits for the front seven by role and snap percentage:

Strong-side UT: Corey Peters (65%), Ra'Shede Hageman (25%), Paul Soliai (10%)

Peters and Soliai are the best fits to rotate with Hageman in this role. Peters should be the primary on this spot because he can take double-teams effectively while still penetrating. Soliai isn't a natural 3-technique, but there might be times when the Falcons shade their tackles one way or the other and he could play the 1-technique.

Weak-side UT: Jonathan Babineaux (65%), Ra'Shede Hageman (35%)

Babineaux needs to be featured as an interior pass-rusher as much as Hageman and Peters are. Hageman should play this role better than the strong-side role, but the Falcons should essentially have a three-man rotation for the snaps in this spot.

WOLB: Jonathan Massaquoi (60%), Osi Umenyiora (30%), Kroy Biermann (10%)

This is the pure blitzing role. Massaquoi should do very well in it, but Umenyiora as a pass-rusher and Biermann for the few downs this spot gets dropped into coverage should only be effective. Atlanta has some talent, but this could be the focus for the 2014 offseason.

WILB: Prince Shembo (100%)

Shembo would have fun in this role as he could line up at the inside spot but then float to an outside spot to pass rush. He could play to either side with his versatility in the defense. Mike Nolan should love using him everywhere as a blitzer and coverage player.

SILB: Paul Worrilow (100%)

The captain of the defense should do well in a role that will maximize his A-gap blitz opportunities while also dropping him into mid-range zones over the middle of the field. Worrilow is a good player and should do well in this kind of role. Just don't drop him deep like a safety.

SOLB: Joplo Bartu (60%), Kroy Biermann (30%), Osi Umenyiora (10%)

This role is going to be the bread and butter of the amoeba alignments. They will be on the outside normally and should cover a tight end more often than not. However, this should also be a role that can slide inside and blitz the A-gap as well. Versatility is key here and Bartu provides the most of it.

By focusing on players with the speed and power to be effective as both pass-rushers and coverage players, this defense is ideal for the Falcons in situations that they know there is going to be a passing play. Atlanta can run their amoeba looks like they did in 2012.

These were the same looks that caused Peyton Manning to completely self-destruct against the Falcons that year. The issue here is that the Falcons need to make sure they get the proper amount of pass rush out of the formation. By playing with speed, they can do it, though.

John Bazemore/Associated Press

3-2-6 Dime Defense

100 percent of dime down and distance situations, 10 percent of nickel situations

Atlanta needs to be prepared for anything and the dime formation is always a good fit. Atlanta tends to run a three-safety dime formation that would have someone like Dezmen Southward down low against a wide receiver. Ideally, they would just put out Robert McClain and Josh Wilson in the slots.

Created in Adobe Photoshop by Scott Carasik

In the graphic above, you see how the Falcons should align in this defense. Now, it may seem a bit out of place having two linebackers in a nickel set, but the Falcons need the additional speed of a linebacker on the field over the lack of it that a defensive tackle provides.

Having both defensive ends attempting to rush from the edge with a nose tackle eating blockers inside is always a good move. Add in a pair of linebackers who should be blitzing on pretty much every play, and Atlanta should be able to come up with some fun schemes out of this personnel grouping.

Because this formation is rarely used, Atlanta needs to focus on finding the right front five. They need to find the right people who can attack a quarterback in these roles. If it were done the right way, Atlanta would use the following grouping as done by role and percentage of snaps:

Strong-Side DE: Malliciah Goodman (60%), Ra'Shede Hageman (20%), Stansly Maponga (20%)

A rotation of three young and talented players would only help the Falcons penetrate offensive lines. Goodman and Hageman will probably be taxed at times after taking the majority of base snaps as well so Maponga sees a slight increase in snaps here.

0-Tech NT: Paul Soliai (40%), Corey Peters (30%), Ra'Shede Hageman (30%)

Soliai isn't normally in on passing plays, but in this situation someone with some girth is needed. Peters and Hageman are both just north of 300 pounds and have some power in their frames so they should definitely rotate here as well.

Weak-Side DE: Jonathan Massaquoi (60%), Osi Umenyiora (20%), Stansly Maponga (20%)

Rotating Massaquoi with Umenyiora makes sense as it's something the Falcons already do. However, Umenyiora and Maponga both haven't been nearly as effective as Massaquoi. The Falcons want to win, but they can't do it with playing Umenyiora the majority of snaps.

WILB: Prince Shembo (100%)

When you put your best players on the field, good things can happen. In this situation, you have to keep Shembo on the field. He's arguably the best athlete that the Falcons have at linebacker right now. He should do well playing short zones and covering backs out of the backfield.

SILB: Paul Worrilow (100%)

Worrilow's forte isn't covering running backs out of the backfield. He should do well in this situation though, covering mid-level zones and blitzing from this spot. He's got the ability to disrupt the passer and passing lanes. Atlanta just needs to use him in what he's good at and not try to over-stretch him.

Nickel defenses have been all the rage, but Atlanta plays its best against the pass out of their dime defense. Currently, they haven't been able to get a ton of pass rush out of the formation, but they also continually play Jonathan Babineaux in that 7-technique defensive tackle role that he fails at.

This would be an ideal defense for the Falcons to run on some nickel downs that are obvious passing plays as well. The amount of corner and safety blitzes they would run from it would make it fun to watch on some downs even if they would get burned every now and again.

And Finally, Up the Blitz Percentage

The Falcons always look better on defense when they play fast and loose. When they get aggressive and send blitzers on third-down plays—run or pass—they have a much higher chance of creating pressure on the quarterback or forcing a tackle behind the line of scrimmage. This could allow the Falcons to have the ability to make some real plays on the ball that they weren't able to make so far this season.

Added pressure on a quarterback almost always leads to an uptick in interceptions and plays on the ball. Making plays behind the line against the run would allow the Falcons to have more passing situations that will allow them to make those plays. While Atlanta doesn't have the best possible outside pass-rushers, they have the ability to create pressure if they focused on attacking quarterbacks from the inside.

Using double A-gap blitzes would be the best way to do so. Prince Shembo and Paul Worrilow both create a ton of pressure when they are allowed to blitz, and using them to blitz at the same time could give the Falcons that pressure they need. Worrilow and Shembo both had sacks during the preseason on these blitzes, but they haven't been used during the regular season. 

Alex Goodlett/Getty Images

Instead, Mike Nolan has been running three-man pass rushes with guys who are defensive tackles in any four-man front—Tyson Jackson, Paul Soliai and Jonathan Babineaux. Dropping eight men into coverage on almost every play is tough because the Falcons have to spend all day in coverage with no one focusing on the quarterback or able to get to him.

This is reminiscent of the defense Nolan ran in Washington before Dan Snyder sent a message. In John Feinstein's book, Next Man Up, he recounts a tale of Snyder making it clear to his defensive coordinator that he wants to see better defense through more creative concepts. Larry Brown of LarryBrownSports.com posted a transcript of that story:

"

Early that season, after a Redskins loss, Snyder told Nolan that his defensive calls were “too vanilla.” Like the other coaches, Nolan had figured out by then that trying to explain football to Snyder was pointless, since he already had the game figured out. A few days later a gallon of 31 Flavors ice cream showed up on Nolan’s desk with a note that said, “This is what I like. Not vanilla.”

Nolan laughed and sent Snyder a note: “Thanks for the ice cream. My kids enjoyed it.”

“The first time it was actually kind of funny,” Nolan said. “I didn’t mind it at all.”

The next time wasn’t as funny.

The Redskins lost on the road to Dallas, and Nolan went into his office late Sunday night to start looking at game tape. When he arrived, there were three giant canisters of melting 31 Flavors ice cream on his desk with another note: “I wasn’t joking. I do not like vanilla.”

"

Arthur Blank needs to send the same message to his coaching staff. At the very least, he needs to tell his staff that he doesn't like vanilla.  Because it's obvious that they didn't get the message when he said, "Good is the enemy of great." And at this point, the Falcons don't seem to understand that you can't even be good when you continually have players out of position and running just three men going after the quarterback.

All stats used are from Pro Football Focus' Premium Stats (subscription required), ESPN.com, CFBStats or NFL.com. All combine and pro day info is courtesy of NFLDraftScout.com. All contract information is courtesy of Spotrac and Rotoworld.

Scott Carasik is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He covers the Atlanta Falcons, college football, the NFL and the NFL draft. He also runs DraftFalcons.com.

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