Quinn: Competition at the center of Atlanta Falcons' new program

Competition is the central theme of the Atlanta Falcons program this offseason under new Head Coach Dan Quinn.

In his first keynote address as the Falcons’ head coach, Quinn told the Buckhead Business Association (BBA) teamwork and respect are important components of competition and his plan for the 2015 season.

“It’s not just the two guys at the same position competing against one another,” Quinn told a crowd of nearly 200 people at the Atlanta Marriott Buckhead Hotel & Conference Center. “… Yeah, that’s part of it. But, really where the real competition comes is you and I going against one another to make each other great.”

Quinn added: “When you’re really competing against yourself, that’s when you know you’re at your best.”

The Atlanta Falcons finished the 2014 season with a 6-10 record. Fans have high expectations for the upcoming season.

On Tuesday, Quinn identified the three rules of his program that will help him meet those expectations: Protect the team, no complaining or excuses and be early.

“The whole program is based on being the best you can absolutely be,” Quinn said. “… Competing to see who can help us win is everywhere you look.”

Quinn was announced as the Falcons’ 16th head coach in February. The New Jersey native previously served as the defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks.

(Photo by Todd DeFeo/The DeFeo Groupe for the Buckhead Business Association)