The Atlanta Falcons announced yesterday that they completed a virtual interview with Wink Martindale for the organization’s defensive coordinator position, and earlier today The Morning Shift was very excited to hear that news and explained why Martindale would be a great fit as the next Falcons’ DC.
“He’s a guy that likes to confuse up front”, and “he has had one of the better third down defenses” Beau Morgan said. Beau also mentioned the struggles Falcons’ defenses have had recently when it comes to getting off the field on third down, and feels like Wink could really help the Falcons’ defense in that category if he was hired as the DC.
Mike Johnson also thinks there’s an upside to hiring Wink because of the unfamiliarity between himself and the Falcons organization.
“He fits in the mold of what I think we all kind of want, veteran defensive guy from kind of outside the realm of Raheem Morris, so you kind of get excited about that.” Mike said
College Football and NFL analyst and Host on CBS Sports HQ Emory Hunt also joined The Morning Shift earlier today and when The Morning Shift crew asked Emory what he thinks about Wink Martindale Hunt said he was a big Wink Martindale fan for a couple of reasons.
“I love how he goes out there with no play call sheet. He just has a hunch, you know what I’m saying like this is what I feel like we’re going to do and we’re going to do it. I also love his aggressiveness.” Emory Hunt said.
Emory also mentioned that defensive players love his “see ball, get ball” type of scheme, and that it will be “exciting” in Atlanta if the Falcons do end up hiring Martindale to be the DC.
Martindale’s resume speaks for itself, he’s coached players to 22 Pro Bowl invitations and 10 All-Pro selections, and was the recipient of the 2023 Paul ‘Dr. Z’ Zimmerman Award, presented for lifetime achievement as an NFL assistant coach. Martindale’s latest shining moment came this season as the Defensive Coordinator at Michigan where he led a Michigan defense that held an Ohio State team that is now in the National Championship game to just 10 points.
