Mark Ingram would help improve the Atlanta Falcons run game

The Atlanta Falcons should seriously consider signing Mark Ingram.

The Baltimore Ravens released Mark Ingram on Monday, giving the Atlanta Falcons an opportunity to sign a veteran running back who still has gas left in the tank.

Ingram has long since been a thorn in the Atlanta Falcons side as a member of the New Orleans Saints from 2011 to 2018, however, because of this, they know exactly what type of player he is and what he can do to help improve the rushing attack.

With that being said, the question of what to do with Todd Gurley comes up. Well, the Atlanta Falcons signed him to a one-year deal before last season, which had a lot of the fan base excited at the time.

However, after a lackluster second half of the season for Gurley that saw his touches and yards diminish greatly, one can safely assume that he will not be back next season, and because of this, Ingram would be a great replacement.

Two years ago, Ingram ran for over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns as a key piece of the Baltimore Ravens’ offense.

His statistics last season were hindered by a trio of young running backs who were coming into their own, leading to Ingram seeing the field less. At 31, Ingram was the oldest runner on the team, however, this should not be an issue for the Atlanta Falcons as there will be space for Ingram to get plenty of touches.

Arthur Smith has the right system for Mark Ingram.

A play-action and run-heavy offense fit Ingram’s style of running to a tee, and that would do wonders for an offense that has thrown the ball entirely way too much over the last couple of seasons. In an idealistic world, the Atlanta Falcons sign Ingram, draft a running back – preferably Najee Harris – and a new dynamic duo is created for the offense.

Even if the Atlanta Falcons don’t draft Harris, there is still plenty of young talent at that position to choose from. Unfortunately for Ito Smith and Brian Hill, that means one of them would more than likely need to be let go. With a trio consisting of a young runner, Ingram, and either Hill or Smith, this running game would be dangerous in Smith’s style of offense.

Matt Ryan has not had an elite run game behind him since 2012, and it is time that this offense becomes more balanced. Ryan led the league in pass attempts last season, something that no Atlanta Falcons fan should be happy about.

This team needs a good running game to succeed, and Ingram would most certainly be a welcomed addition to a rushing attack that desperately needs an upgrade.