The Atlanta Falcons offense must get run game going

The Atlanta Falcons offense cannot seem to get it clicking, in large part because the offense finds themselves behind a score or two early in games.

The Atlanta Falcons are seemingly getting more and more predictable with each game and it is getting more and more difficult to watch each game.

The Falcons have to get their run game going. Without a solid run game they cannot properly set up the play-action which Matt Ryan has always excelled at. And with the added pressure that is constantly being brought down on Ryan, he cannot afford the hits nor the sacks.

The Falcons are ranked 29 in rushing attempts and 27 in rushing yards gained. These numbers are extremely low and disheartening to see with the ability and talent that the Falcons attain in the backfield.

Devonta Freeman has thus far rushed for only 157 yards, 0 touchdowns, and a weak 3.3 YPA. Already a quarter of the way through the season, that puts Freeman on pace for 628 yards by the end of the season.

Freeman has also yet to attain a 100-yard rushing game, his closest being 88 yards on 16 attempts against the Colts in Week 3. That is something that has to change. Even with the constant poor performance of the offensive line and lack of lanes being produced, those numbers are completely unacceptable for a big-money back like Freeman. It’s simple: Freeman has to perform better.

With that, the play-calling has not been ideal in certain situations. Freeman is a much better North-South runner, and it would almost appear that he is at times playing nervous, tiptoeing up to the line, waiting on lanes to appear instead of trying to make his own.

Ito Smith has not had as near as many touches as Freeman, but it would appear that Smith is at the very least producing when he does get the chance. Smith has just 74 yards thus far, but he was responsible for the Falcons lone touchdown this past Sunday against the Titans.

The lack of a solid rushing attack also largely plays on the fact that the Falcons are constantly playing from behind. Matt Ryan is, of course, expected to throw the ball more in those situations. Though like stated above, if the rushing attack was already cemented in the game, this would open up the play-action for Ryan and give the opportunity to the deep ball.

All in all, it has thus far been a very poor performance by the Falcons rushing attack, and in order to win games, the rushing identity needs to be found. Without it, the offense will continue to become more and more predictable as the season moves forward.