Falcons Run-Heavy Offense: 'Impossible' to Contend?

Can rookie running back Bijan Robinson carry the Atlanta Falcons' smashmouth-style offense to the playoffs, or will quarterback Desmond Ridder have to step up in his second season?

After just missing the playoffs last year, the Atlanta Falcons may need to diversify their offense this season to finally get back over the hump that’s alluded them since 2017.

Running the football proved to be Atlanta’s strength last season. Fifth-round rookie running back Tyler Allgeier was a steal for the team last season, rushing for over a thousand yards and becoming the focal point of the team’s dominant rushing attack, something that will likely continue to be of importance following the organization's investment of the 2023 No. 8 overall pick in Bijan Robinson.

To begin last season, veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota attempted to reestablish himself as a capable starter with the Falcons. Unfortunately, the mobile quarterback’s lack of passing prowess from his days with the Tennessee Titans resurfaced in Atlanta. Mariota threw for just 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions in his 13 starts before losing his starting job to rookie Desmond Ridder.

“The Falcons ran an extremely run-heavy offense in 2022, with designed runs on early downs with the game in question (win probability between 15-85%) 57% of the time, which led the NFL,” ESPN wrote. “It’s somewhat understandable considering who was at QB, but it’s also almost impossible to be a contender that way without a Lamar Jackson-type talent at quarterback. At some point, the Falcons will have to try passing the ball more frequently.”

Coincidentally, Mariota helped the Las Vegas Raiders prepare for Jackson by emulating the quarterback in practices during his stint with the team, but clearly, his impression of the MVP didn’t quite land in Atlanta, as he’d eventually get benched.

Looking toward the future, Ridder hasn’t proven himself to be Patrick Mahomes in the pocket just yet, although he did throw two touchdowns and no interceptions in his four starts. He also averaged more passing yards per game than Mariota on a higher completion percentage. Ridder also possesses speed, though, having run a 4.52-second forty-yard dash in his Combine workout.

Only time will tell how Ridder or Robinson perform, but with training camp right around the corner, fans will soon glimpse what a potentially improved passing game from the Falcons could look like in 2023.

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