Can Falcons Coach Ryan Nielsen 'Revamp for Growth' in Year 1?

The Atlanta Falcons hope their new-look defense propels them from one of the NFL's worst units a season ago.

The people making defensive plays for the Atlanta Falcons will look different this season, on and off the field. 

A new-look defense includes Jeff Okudah, Jessie Bates III, Calais Campbell, and David Onyemata along with rookies Zach Harrison and Clark Phillips III.  

And personnel wise, Atlanta hired Ryan Nielsen as its newest defensive coordinator and longtime NFL Jerry Gray as assistant head coach/defense. 

But with most major changes, that could come with an adjustment period through the early stages of the season.  

"The Falcons and their new coordinator will both undoubtedly endure some growing pains," The Athletic writes. "But as the players learn Nielsen’s system, he also will be learning the ropes. He’ll likely lean heavily on top defensive assistant Jerry Gray, a longtime and well-respected coach around the league. However, progress also could take time while the Falcons continue to work to find the right pieces for Nielsen’s system."

After six seasons with the New Orleans Saints as a defensive line coach and co-defensive coordinator, Nielsen was brought on to the Falcons staff in January to replace Dean Pees. 

Even in the early stages of OTA's, the 44-year-old has received rave reviews for his knowledge of the game and attention to detail - most notably from the Falcons longest-tenured defensive player Grady Jarrett.

After finishing near the bottom in most major defensive metrics last season, this new-look unit led by Nielsen looks to propel itself to the top of the NFC South in 2023. 

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Follow Riley Sheppard on Twitter @RileyDSheppard.

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