FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – Now that week 10 of the 2022 season is upon us, we can officially say that the Falcons are a run-first team. Of course, we could have said this earlier. That appears to have been his offensive identity since week three of the season, when Cordarrelle Patterson rushed for a career-high 141 yards in Seattle.
And who would say, right? For the first time in – shall we say – a decade, the Falcons are a physical and productive offense running the ball.
The Falcons currently have a top five rushing offense. They are third in the league in total yards accumulated in 2022 and are averaging 4.8 yards per nine games. As our Nerdy Birds report pointed out last week, the Falcons were the first team in NFL history to have four players score 250+ rushing yards in the first eight games of the season.
So yes, the running game is working for the Falcons in 2022. But what led to this obvious shift in the way Atlanta not only views the running game, but relies on it? Players and coaches agree that it’s all about the conviction to run the ball. That conviction stems from an intent set by the Falcons ahead of the 2022 season.
“I think from a running game standpoint it goes back to the mentality and style that we want to play,” said offensive coordinator Dave Ragone. “Obviously we have the ability through certain formations and personnel and different things to try and create certain advantages, but it’s really these guys that show up and play extremely fast.”
What’s interesting though is that depending on who you ask, they have a different answer as to when that intent and playstyle was officially set.
Take Marcus Mariota as the first example. The quarterback arrived in Atlanta at the end of March. So, for him, this intention outlined by the coaches had the most notable foundation well before the start of the 2022 season.
“It started in the offseason,” said Mariota. “It was something that was mapped out. It was explained to us. It was an identity – so to speak – that we wanted to be. These guys live it every day. When you have a coaching staff that really prepares you in that the way the guys go there and they feel that confidence, so they can just go out there and play.”
Now, use Jake Matthews as the next example. Matthews has been a Falcon since he was drafted in 2014. He was Matt Ryan’s blindside guard on the left side of the guard for years. He saw the last days of the Dan Quinn era and he was there the day Arthur Smith took over.
That intention that was set? That mindset the Falcons play the run game with? Yep, that happened when Smith walked through the door.
“Even before (the 2022 offseason), even last year, we had goals to do this,” Matthews said of setting up the race in Atlanta. “There were a few games where we felt like we did a great job, but we thought we could improve a lot more and that’s been our mindset throughout the offseason and into this season.”
Matthews said it’s really important for his linemates as well as the offensive unit as a whole.
“We take a lot of pride in knowing what to do and being responsible knowing that, as an offence, a lot of this starts with the five of us,” he said. “…First of all, it was important to us. We decided this was going to be a big thing for our team this year and I think we’re holding each other accountable on that.”
And therein lies the conviction that this attack – especially this offensive line – feels when running the ball.
Ragone, though, was keen to say that it’s an all-11 mentality. But to some extent, even 11 is a small number, considering the Falcons have been consistent in running the ball regardless of who’s in the backfield (Patterson , Tyler Allgeier or Caleb Huntley) or who is lined up at left guard (because of injuries , the Falcons will start their third left guard in three weeks on Thursday).
To that end, Matthews said he and the offensive line knew early on the type of defense they would be blocking for.
“You can tell early on in the OTAs the guys that were on this team and their skills and willingness to work hard, wanting to do well,” Matthews said of the running backs. “Those guys, you know when they’re there.”
It is this obvious conviction that Ragone also sees in all positional groups. He sees when receivers and tight ends block the field. He sees it in Mariota getting the attack in the right look. And of course, it’s in the physicality of the offensive line.
“When you run really well with the ball, it’s not just the offensive line, it’s everybody,” Ragone said. “The offensive line obviously sets the tone, but the rest of these guys come with an intention and a style of play that we appreciate, and we obviously preach, and we hope that continues.”
So what will it take for this to continue? Mariota said that it’s about continuing to do what he repeated a thousand times during OTAs and training camp.
“It was simple and fundamental. Running lanes with our backs. Playing hats with our offensive line. These guys do that consistently on a day-to-day basis,” he said. “These are things that they fundamentally work on day in and day out, even in this part of the year.”
Mariota went on to say that it doesn’t matter who is playing on the left, nor who is on defense. Because of the practice reps and live reps this offense has racked up doing what they want to do and being productive on it, there’s a confidence that has grown over 10 weeks of the season as one of the most productive offenses in the league.
“I think this belief transcends the field,” said Mariota.
Overview of an exercise during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons running back Caleb Huntley #42 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter #9 during practice in Flowery Branch, Ga., on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Matt Dickerson #91 during practice in Flowery Branch, Ga., on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Quinton Bell #56 holds a Gatorade Fast Twitch during practice in Flowery Branch, Ga., on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons take on Kaleb McGary #76 and tight end Kyle Pitts #8 during practice in Flowery Branch, Ga., on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 and quarterback Dylan Mabin #39 during practice in Flowery Branch, Ga., on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Ta’Quon Graham #95 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons forward Ryan Neuzil #64 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons running back Caleb Huntley #42 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Media footage during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder #4 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Detailed view of a tattoo that reads “Fearless” on Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 during practice in Flowery Branch, Ga., on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota #1 passes to running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 during practice in Flowery Branch, Ga., on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Detailed view of the ball before the snap during practice in Flowery Branch, Ga., on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ra’Shaun Henry #81 during practice in Flowery Branch, Ga., on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Cameron Batson #16 during practice in Flowery Branch, Ga., on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Close-up view of a Gatorade bottle during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota #1 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Josh Ali #80 during practice in Flowery Branch, Ga., on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie #47 during practice in Flowery Branch, Ga., on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota #1 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Matt Hankins #30 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons safety Jovante Moffatt #20 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons forward Jalen Dalton #94 and wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 during practice in Flowery Branch, Ga., on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
How many leads have the Falcons blown?
| TM | Drive | |
|---|---|---|
| atlanta falcons | 17 | |
| atlanta falcons | 16 | |
| atlanta falcons | 16 | |
| atlanta falcons | 🇧🇷 | 15 |
What year did the Falcons lose a 28 3 lead? The Falcons looked set to win Super Bowl 51 in sweeping fashion after scoring their fourth touchdown midway through the third quarter. On the same subject : Michael Pitre on Tyler Allgeier, Damien Williams and the nation’s Falcons running backs. They built a 28-3 lead and had the Patriots’ defense on their heels.
Who lost the biggest Super Bowl lead? The Washington Redskins hold the record for most points scored in the first half of a Super Bowl, with 35, in a comeback over the Broncos (Super Bowl XXII). As Denver led 10-0, Washington wasted no time in advancing.
What team blew a 28 3 lead?
Super Bowl LI featured the biggest comeback in Super Bowl history, as the Patriots overcame a 28–3 deficit to emerge victorious. Read also : Photos: Week 12 Chiefs Cheer and Entertainment vs. Los Angeles Rams. Due to the comeback, the game is nicknamed “28â3”. The game was also the first and currently only Super Bowl to be decided in overtime.
🇧🇷
