Arthur Blank can feel the vibe, and it's all positive.

Whenever the Atlanta Falcons owner catches a glimpse of practice these days, Blank notices how the players feed off head coach Dan Quinn's energy. Blank sees a coach willing to accept mistakes as long as the effort is clearly evident. Such a philosophy has created a winning attitude for a team that has bottomed out the past two seasons with a combined 10-22 record.

"I think you get the most out of people -- whether it be an athlete or in business -- when they are not shackled by nerves and by fear of making mistakes," Blank said. "It doesn't mean they won't make mistakes. But I think they can be the best they can be, whatever that may be, if they feel free to make their plays, to use their athletic abilities, and to use their intellect.

"I think (Quinn) understands that. And I think we will get the most out of each individual player. And then the coaches will continue to coach the players up in areas where they have opportunities to get better."

This is not to say Quinn's approach is unique. It's just much appreciated, considering the negativity swirling around the team in recent years.

One returning player, who asked to remain anonymous, spoke about the dramatic difference in atmosphere compared to last season.

"Coach Quinn shows so much confidence in you from the get-go," the player said. "He comes up to you the first few practices and instills confidence in you; just motivates you in the right way. I never had a coach like Coach Quinn. He's awesome. And these are younger coaches who want to develop you.

"Last year with the coaching staff, it was like, 'You don't know what you're doing. You're an idiot. Get the hell out.' Now, you can play more free. You can play with confidence. You don't have to worry about making mistakes and going around walking around on egg shells."

In all fairness, tension was felt throughout the entire team last season with jobs on the line and losses mounting. Blank eventually fired head coach Mike Smith, and the majority of Smith's staff was not retained. However, two of the coaches known for their verbal assaults -- defensive line coach Bryan Cox and special teams coordinator Keith Armstrong -- remain on staff and are well-respected, regardless of how many expletives they use. And holdover Terry Robiskie, the wide receivers coach, isn't someone to mess with, either.

That's not to say Quinn takes a carefree, G-rated approach to coaching. He's not afraid to raise his voice, when needed. It's just not a daily habit.

"I think like ripping a guy by fear, it can be a good emergency brake, " Quinn said. "But I think if you use it every single day, I think that's hard."

Quinn was asked if he's chewed any players out since taking over his first head-coaching gig.

"Yes, that's part of why the music is loud," Quinn said playfully. "I certainly do. I think you have to know when to grab a guy's attention. Our whole focus it to see how good you can get. As we get to know the players -- who needs more pushing and who needs an arm around them -- that's our responsibility as coaches to get to know the guys so well, that we can push this guy and take him as far as he can possibly go.

"Some guys need more constant nudging and pushing along, where other guys, a look or not can do it. It really depends on the player."

So far, everything has been well played by Quinn and his staff.