3 positions the Atlanta Falcons must take advantage of vs. Rams

The Atlanta Falcons must expose a Rams secondary that failed in week one

Okay, it might seem a little strange to say that the Atlanta Falcons need to take advantage of their passing game and running game, because, well, isn’t that what every offense wants to do?

This comes down to the play-action passing game for Atlanta. The more effectively you run the ball, the better your play-action passing game will be, pretty simple concept.

The Rams could not stop the Bills’ passing game. The Bills’ top two receivers — Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis — both had a receiving touchdown and averaged 15.2 and 22 yards per catch, respectively. That right there shows you that there are big plays to be had against the Rams’ secondary.

Consider these stats for the Rams’ corners, according to Pro Football Focus:

• Jalen Ramsey: 38 coverage snaps, 5/6, 103 yds, 20.6 Yds/Rec, Long of 53 yds, 2 TDs
• Troy Hill: 36 coverage snaps, 4/6, 43 yards, 10.8 Yds/Rec, Long of 21 yds, 1 TD
• David Long Jr.: 28 coverage snaps, 3/3, 60 yds, 20 Yds/Rec, Long of 47 yds, 0 TD

The common theme among them is big plays. Jalen Ramsey and David Long Jr. both gave up 20 yards per reception and completions of 45+ yards.

We do have to preface this by saying that it was against Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs, and Gabe Davis who are all great players, but Drake London and Kyle Pitts are no slouches either. Atlanta has the talent to expose those three corners but the question lies with the quarterback and if he can find the open targets — also if Arthur Smith will use Kyle Pitts as an outside receiver more often.

The plan should be simple for the Falcons: relentlessly run the ball and then take a deep shot on play action once the defenders are leaning forward.