Atlanta Falcons: Cordarrelle Patterson returns in fitting fashion

The Atlanta Falcons relied heavily on Cordarrelle Patterson to make plays in the star’s return to the field with Patterson setting the tone early for the Atlanta offense. Whether it was fighting through a tackler to score his second touchdown or breaking a long run that would be called back due to two penalties Patterson was explosive and looked every bit the player he has been through his first two seasons with the Falcons.

Patterson scored two touchdowns on the day serving as the psychial running back to Tyler Allgeier’s surprise big play ability. Allgeier nearly surpassed 100-rushing yards putting together a nice day with Mariota, Patterson, Huntley, and Allgeier all combining to help the Atlanta offense consistently move the ball for a team that is unable to pass with any consistency.

While the Falcons running game has continued to thrive without Patterson he was certainly has been missed. His impact as not only a running back but his ability to hunt a mismatch as a receiver is going to help this Atlanta offense continue to hang in a tight NFC South race and limit the touches Mariota has.

It is interesting to consider what Patterson could have accomplished over the past two seasons if he had a quarterback capable of running a consistent passing attack. The Falcons are giving teams zero reasons to fear their air attack and yet continue to find a way to run the ball and Patterson deserves immense credit for this.

Patterson and the Atlanta running game had the Falcons in position to steal one from the Chargers but a missed deep throw to Pitts and a rare Younghoe Koo miss tilted the scales on what should have been a winning return for one of the most underrated backs in the league. Patterson and the Falcons rushing attack will have a short turnaround focusing their attention on a Thursday night matchup with the Carolina Panthers.