3 Atlanta Falcons to watch closely this pre-season

May 14, 2022; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (25) runs with the ball during Falcons Rookie Minicamp at the Falcons Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
May 14, 2022; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (25) runs with the ball during Falcons Rookie Minicamp at the Falcons Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 26, 2022; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (25) shown on the field during Falcons OTA at the Falcons Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
May 26, 2022; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (25) shown on the field during Falcons OTA at the Falcons Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Tyler Allgeier

Fans shouldn’t be at all surprised if come opening Sunday Tyler Allgeier is a part of the starting lineup. Often lost in the great season that Cordarrelle Patterson put together is the fact he is a utility player who didn’t start the season as Atlanta’s number one running back. Mike Davis was expected to carry the load for the team with Patterson playing a lesser role. Instead Davis struggled and Patterson put together a performance that has endeared him to Atlanta fans.

A similar start to the season could benefit both Patterson and the Falcons. Allowing Allgeier to play the role of the traditional running back and using Patterson in a myriad of positions to keep the defense guessing. This is as much about keeping Patterson healthy and rested as it is Allgeier’s talent and ability.

The running back fell in the draft only because the bulk of his production came in his final season. While some may consider this a cause for concern as an outlier there is no denying his ability to run between the tackles and his physicality that will translate to any level. Allgeier has the chance to be the running back the Falcons hoped Mike Davis would be last season.