The Todd Gurley experience has been a success so far
By Joe Beasley
Todd Gurley has been a pleasant feature of the 2020 Falcons season.
The Atlanta Falcons took a shot and brought in former Georgia Bulldog Todd Gurley in the offseason. While some people felt like this was going to be a disaster, so far it has worked out well for the Falcons.
The Atlanta Falcons have mishandled a lot of things this season, too many to name and this point but they deserve some credit for the way they’ve handled Todd Gurley. If you’ve been under a rock for the past few seasons, Todd Gurley has arthritis in his knees which affected his playing time and production.
Something like that just doesn’t go away but he looks like he’s ok so far this season.
***knock on wood***
Todd Gurley has been more productive than he should be under Dirk Koetter.
Through eight games, Gurley has rushed for 531 yards which rank fourth in the league and ahead of names like Ezekiel Elliott and Alvin Kamara.
If Gurley can keep up this pace, he should finish the season with 1,062 rushing yards which would be the most a Falcons running back has had in a single season since 2016 when Devante Freeman ran for 1,079 yards.
His eight rushing touchdowns put him on a pace for 16 this season which would be the second-most in a single season in Falcons’ history. Currently, the only player in the NFL with more rushing touchdowns in Dalvin Cook, who has 10.
Gurley hasn’t had very many super explosive plays this season. He’s averaging 3..8 yards per carry which is good enough to keep a defense honest and that’s something the Falcons needed badly. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Falcons decided to bring Gurley back next season, especially if they can draft a young running back that can compliment him in the running game.
Don’t let the 2-6 record fool you, Todd Gurley has been everything the Falcons needed.
It might not seem this way, but Gurley could end up being the best signing of the offseason based on expectations, production, and price point.
Yes, it’s unfortunate that the Atlanta Falcons are unable to use Todd Gurley to his full capabilities due to his knees, but he’s played better than what many people expected for him too.
Next. Falcons shouldn’t make any big moves at the trade deadline. dark
If the Falcons can make this season somewhat respectable, Gurley should be one of the candidates for NFL comeback player of the year.