Falcons analyst Dave Archer joined Dukes & Bell and talked about the team’s hiring of Ryan Nielsen as it’s defensive coordinator and what the Falcons are getting in their new DC.
When asked how the Falcons get better under Nielsen.
“There’s gonna be techniques that this guy has learned over his years of coaching defensive line, that’s his specialty which you like that, you like that he played defensive line in college at USC was not a pro but immediately got into coaching and has coached the D-line for most of his career that’s been his position,” Archer said. “He’s graduated up the chain where he’s been a DC at a small school and then kinda moved through the college ranks and got his opportunity to get into the National Football League.
"[He] was co-defensive coordinator of a really good Saints defense, that’s kinda been there calling card since Drew Brees left, their calling card’s kinda been their defense," continued Archer. "He’s been there for the last, what five or six years, been a part of defensive lines that get after you.”
Archer talked about players that Nielsen has helped take the next step.
“I do think that he’s worked with some of the younger players, [Trey] Hendrickson comes to mind," said Archer. "Even I know a guy you guys make fun of [Marcus] Davenport, a guy who didn’t really do much of anything this year had nine sacks last year.
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"He’s done some things with guys who maybe weren’t top-shelf guys or guys that really you thought 'OK, this guy’s a dominant pass-rusher.' I like that part about it," said Archer. "There’s no question they're gonna have to get some players for him and can the younger guys that you drafted this year take the next step.”