Rushing attack needs to be better for the Atlanta Falcons

With the exception of a few good runs by Ito Smith, the rushing attack has been almost non-existent through the first two games of the season for the Atlanta Falcons.

The run blocking for the Atlanta Falcons has been very bad, allowing the running backs to be tackled at or behind the line of scrimmage way too often. Devonta Freeman has had absolutely zero success so far, only rushing for 41 yards on 19 carries with a fumble. It’s not entirely the offensive lines fault in the case of Freeman, however.

Freeman has not been able to hit any of the very few holes that the offensive line has opened. He doesn’t look like the Freeman that we are used to. At this point, I think the offense would be more effective if Ito Smith were to start. I still have faith in Freeman, but based on what I’ve seen so far in the young season, Smith seems to be the best option for now.

Smith has had a tough time due to the offensive line as well, but at least he has still been able to have some impressive runs, like his 28-yard carry against the Philadelphia Eagles. He had some impressive cuts that showed off his ability, but far too often he is being tackled as soon as he gets the ball thanks to the lackluster run blocking.

The performance against the Eagles was slightly better than the performance against the Vikings. There were some promising runs that came from the running back position this time, rather than a Ryan scramble like we saw in week 1.

For the Atlanta Falcons offense to truly shine, the run game needs to work. The offensive line needs to start blocking much better than they have been so the run game, as well as the passing game, can get going.

Matt Ryan is struggling right now with some very un-Matty Ice throws, especially in the red zone. If the run game could get going, I think it would take some pressure off of him and he could revert back to MVP form, which in turn would make the Atlanta Falcons contenders again.