Avery Williams becomes the key to the Atlanta Falcons offense

We, unfortunately, found out on Monday that the Atlanta Falcons will be out for at least four games. It is a big loss but one that this team should be able to overcome.

It will require other players to step up, the offensive line to continue its dominant run blocking and solid pass protection, and Marcus Mariota to cut down on the mistakes.

One of those players that must step up is someone who we did not expect to have any offensive production months ago because he was a member of the defense.

New RB Avery Williams has to produce for the Atlanta Falcons’ offense

Think about what Cordarrelle Patterson brings to this Atlanta Falcons offense. He brings an explosive playmaker in both the pass and run game — even though his receiving production has taken a hit this year.

Then think about what Tyler Allgeier and Caleb Huntley bring to this team, powerful backs who will fight for the extra yards. To be fair though, Patterson does have a lot of power in his own right.

Allgeier and Huntley don’t quite have that explosive speed, which leaves one running back to fill that void — Avery Williams.

Williams is an excellent special teams player and return specialist. He was smartly moved to the offense to better utilize his playmaking ability. He must fill that void for this offense.

He needs to be that player that will handle the running back screens and the explosive runs.

He has shown he can handle some work on the offense as he has been used a little more frequently than many thought he would be but expect to see that role increase because every team needs that change-of-pace runner and threat out of the backfield.

We should be excited to see what he can do on offense since we have seen some of the cuts and moves he can make in the open field as a returner. After all, he was the best kick returner in the league last year.