PFF reveals Atlanta Falcons running back rankings

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – The Atlanta Falcons offense has become synonymous with running the football under Arthur Smith and the previous coaching staff.

And while those returning to play for new head coach Raheem Morris and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson expect the ball to be thrown more frequently this fall, there remain vestiges of Smith’s downfield-oriented approach .

Take, for example, running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, who formed what Smith often called a “thunder and lightning” relationship during the 2023 season.

Allgeier, a 2022 fifth-round pick, broke Atlanta’s rookie record with 1,035 yards. The Falcons drafted Robinson 8th overall the following spring, and he set a franchise record for new rookies in yards from scrimmage at 1,463.

They’re both back in the mix, headlining a room that also includes special teams ace Avery Williams, sixth-round rookie Jase McClellan, returning practice squad player Carlos Washington Jr. and former Chicago Bears practice squad member Robert Burns.

All eyes will be on the duo of Robinson and Allgeier – and both are generating considerable summer buzz, as Pro Football Focus has Atlanta’s backroom ranked 5th in the league.

“Bijan Robinson is a special talent, and part of the fact that the Falcons are so high on the list comes from the expectation that he will take another step forward in 2024 after recording over 1,400 yards from scrimmage in 2023 ” writes PFF’s Trevor Sikkema.

“But it’s also a nod to RB2 Tyler Allgeier, who rushed for over 1,000 yards in his first season with a 78.0 grade behind Robinson in 2023. They form one of the best doubles in the NFL as a running back.”

Robinson finished his rookie campaign with 976 rushing yards and four touchdowns while averaging 4.6 yards on 214 attempts. He was also a threat through the air, catching 58 passes for 487 yards and four touchdowns. He ranked second on the team in receptions.

Allgeier, meanwhile, kept the serve as a complementary option, hauling in 186 carries for 683 yards and four touchdowns while adding 18 receptions for 193 yards and a score.

Together, the duo accounted for 1,659 yards and eight touchdowns and had more than 2,300 yards from scrimmage.

The Falcons have high hopes that Robinson and Allgeier will repeat, if not improve, their production in 2024. In theory, more pass attempts create problems for the running game — but Falcons receivers coach Ike Hilliard believes that creates an opportunity for lighter boxes and, in turn, more room to run.

“We have a room full of dynamic running backs,” Hilliard said. “Everyone wants to talk about numbers 7 and 25, and we know who they are. It’s our job to make sure the security is ready to go, and if we do that, we might have a chance to be pretty.

Atlanta’s offense will look different in 2024, with quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​​​starting a talented cast of pass catchers including receivers Drake London and Darnell Mooney and tight end Kyle Pitts.

But the Falcons, who ranked No. 3 and No. 9 in the NFL in rushing yards the past two years, have two solid options to help them put away games down the stretch — and despite a slight increase in passing, Atlanta’s ground attack remains very strong. praised.