FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Falcons’ remade running back situation won’t generate national intrigue. It isn’t a conglomerate of known names, and it probably won’t feature one of the NFL’s leading rushers. But it’s a complementary group the Falcons hope improves upon last season’s unfruitful rushing attack.
Falcons coach Arthur Smith has always emphasized the run, but the Falcons’ rushing offense in his first season was unavailing. They averaged 85.4 rushing yards per game, ranking 31st in the NFL, and 3.7 yards per carry, ranking 30th in the NFL. The offensive line struggles didn’t help matters.
Now, without former franchise quarterback Matt Ryan, the Falcons will need their run game even more to have any chance of staying competitive. An effective rushing attack would ease the load on new quarterback Marcus Mariota (and perhaps eventually rookie Desmond Ridder) and help control the clock.