3 Biggest surprises for the Atlanta Falcons this season

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Dec 18, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints punter Blake Gillikin (4) hands the ball off to running back Tyler Allgeier (25) against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Tyler Allgeier

Allgeier always looked to be a great fit for Arthur Smith’s offense behind Cordarrelle Patterson. The goal for Allgeier was to help take Patterson’s carries down and fill the role Mike Davis failed to fill last season.

Tyler has far exceeded those expectations becoming Atlanta’s most reliable running back and establishing himself as a clutch third-down weapon. Allgeier’s success is about Arthur Smith’s run-heavy offense as much as it is his punishing style of running. Allgeier never quits on a run no matter the number of tacklers or whether or not his blockers do their job.

Allgeier is the best true running back Atlanta has had since Devonta Freeman’s early success in Atlanta. Allgeier should be the starter heading into next season with Cordarrelle Patterson still under contract for one more season. Putting Allgeier in as the starter will allow the Falcons to be creative with Patterson and allow him to play in the utility role he thrived in last season.

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