The Atlanta Falcons‘ improvement this year will likely be measured in intangibles, with leadership at the top of the list. Under former head coach Raheem Morris Atlanta was known for solid defense, but lagged behind in game management and offensive capability.
Enter new head coach Kevin Stefanski, a two-time NFL Coach of the Year winner who managed to wring decent results out of what was arguably the worst quarterback room in the league last season in Cleveland.
So far the Falcons have nothing but good things to say about Stefanski. The latest praise comes from star wide receiver Drake London, who enjoys the energy and accountability he brings.
“So far, he’s doing his thing,” London said of Stefanski. “He just brings accountability and honestly – just pushing us to be the best that we can be right now. We’re never complacent. And I think that’s the big model right now is to never be complacent at all. And just keep on pushing forward and striving for greatness. That’s what he’s kind of implementing in like probably the chillest way ever, but at the same time, he’s like we’re about business and I love it.”
There’s not much more the Falcons can ask of London, who’s led them in receiving yards in three of the four years since he was drafted (tight end Kyle Pitts took the title last season).
The challenge for Stefanski and the rest of Atlanta’s offense is to find another reliable option at wide receiver to put a more complete product on the field. The Falcons arguably spent more than they should have to sign Jahan Dotson in free agency, but third-round draft pick Zachariah Branch looks to be the best candidate to fill that role.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Drake London says Falcons are ‘never complacent’ under Kevin Stefanski