4 Lasting takeaways from Atlanta Falcons loss to officials

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Oct 9, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Caleb Huntley (42) runs with the ball during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports /

2. The Atlanta rushing attack will be fine with Cordarrelle Patterson

If the Atlanta Falcons were able to get a push and run the football as many times as they did against this Tampa front they will be fine with Cordarrelle Patterson. Let’s be clear here this isn’t to suggest that the Atlanta rushing attack will be nearly as lethal but rather more than capable of taking the ball out of Mariota’s hands and getting consistent yardage.

While the big play might be gone without Patterson on the field both Huntley and Allgeier gave Atlanta reason to believe they will have a consistent rushing attack until Patterson returns. Returner Avery Williams has earned carries as well for Atlanta and gives a nice wrinkle to Allgeier and Huntley who rely on a more physical running style.

Mixing in Avery’s speed with the two young running backs should keep Arthur Smith’s rushing attack rolling until Patterson is healthy. The three running backs combined for 90-rushing yards on Sunday to go along with Mariota’s 61-rushing yards. Atlanta will certainly miss Patterson but the rushing offense will be okay without their star running back.

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