Falcons' Quinn won't give up defensive play-calling despite struggles
The Atlanta Falcons' defense was torched by Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson to the tune of five touchdowns, 426 yards, and a perfect passer rating of 158.3 in Week 5's 53-32 loss.
It was the latest in a series of defensive humiliations for the 1-4 Falcons, who have allowed more points (30.4 per game) than every other team but the winless Miami Dolphins.
However, Falcons head coach Dan Quinn - who took over defensive play-calling duties prior to this season - said Wednesday he has no plans to hand over the responsibilities.
"My job is to fix it," Quinn said, according to ESPN's Vaughn McClure. "Moments like this are a reminder of why we coach and play, because we love it so much. But my ego would never be as big as the team. I always do what’s best for the team. ... If I felt (giving up the play-calling) was best, trust me, I would have certainly done that. I know what we can do, we can do better. So that’s kind of where my mind is.
"I recognize the question, for sure, when you’re not achieving the results you have. But trust me on that one: My ego is never as big as the team. I will always do what’s best for that. But at this time, I don't think that's where I'm at."
Atlanta's defense has struggled in virtually every facet of the game. It's tied for last in the NFL in sacks, ranks 30th in third-down percentage given up, and sits 24th in red-zone touchdowns allowed.
In 2018, the Falcons' issues were blamed on injuries to the likes of linebacker Deion Jones and safety Keanu Neal.
While the latter is again lost to a season-ending injury, Jones, along with other key contributors such as pass-rushers Takkarist McKinley and Vic Beasley, and cornerback Desmond Trufant, have failed to play up to expectations.
Trufant has been burned for a league-leading five touchdowns, per Pro Football Focus, while McKinley and Beasley have combined for just two sacks.
After the blowout defeat to Houston, Quinn was given public support by Falcons owner Arthur Blank. However, the head coach is still widely viewed as sitting on one of the league's hottest seats.