The Atlanta Falcons are coming off of their worst game running the ball, only rushing for 45 yards against the Miami Dolphins last week, and one of the biggest questions Falcons fans have heading into this week is how do the Falcons get their offense going again, and more specifically how do they get back to having success in the run game, which is supposed to be Atlanta’s bread and butter.
Well, earlier today former Falcons quarterback and now analyst for the Atlanta Falcons Radio Network Dave Archer joined The Morning Shift and suggested that instead of the Falcons using their running game to open up their passing game, they use their passing game to open up their running game.
“I know that everybody wants us to run the football, but to run the football against seven and eight man boxes can be difficult. I think that you gotta be able to take what the defense gives you, and if it’s perimeter throwing the football, if it’s getting the ball stretching them sideline to sideline early on with the screen game, with the quick game, get them to realize that hey we’re gonna let [Michael] Penix throw the football some, and then you can get to the run game.” Archer said
Dave finished his thought by saying “Take some of the little things that they’re giving you, some of the perimeter pass game, some of the easy stuff that teams give up on first down.”
Just like an effective run game can open up a team’s passing game, an effective passing game can open a team’s running game, and just like Dave talked about after the Falcons early season success running the ball Atlanta is now facing a lot more stacked boxes, but that leaves opposing defenses susceptible to the pass.
If Zac Robinson dials up more passes on first down that could open up Atlanta’s run game which will then result in the Falcons entire offense being opened up, and that will hopefully result in a much needed win for the Falcons on Sunday versus a New England Patriots team that is coming into their matchup with Atlanta on a five game winning streak.