When the Falcons drafted running back Bijan Robinson in the first round, there was controversy The Falcons already had two quality backs in Tyler Allgeier and Cordarrelle Patterson, so drafting another running back instead of a receiver or defender was a bit perplexing. So it looks like the Falcons will have an extremely rush-heavy offensive scheme this season, so will it work out?
What makes drafting a third running back an even more interesting pick is that they took a running back during the 2022 draft in Tyler Allgeier. Allgeier ran for nearly 1,000 yards, a successful rookie season. The Falcons also took Quarterback Desmond Ridder in that draft. So you'd think they would draft receivers to help Ridder or defenders to stop their leaky defense from losing them games. But they instead drafted a running back. Bijan Robinson was the best RB of his class and showed plenty of potential in college and in week one.
Now that week one has passed, it is much easier to predict the success of this unconventional rush-first offense in a pass-first league. The offense had decent production against the Panthers, scoring 24 points, and their division rivals only scored 10. Bijan Robinson scored the first touchdown of the game on a play-action screen pass, but Tyler Allgeier took over most of the carries from there. Robinson's game statistics were 56 yards on ten carries and six receptions for 27 receiving yards. He is a dual-threat running back, which will add more depth to an already deep rushing scheme and get plenty of fantasy points. Robinson seems like a quality running back and possibly a 1,000-yard rusher, but does that mean this unconventional offensive scheme will work?
The Falcons' offensive strategy worked in week one, but that doesn't necessarily guarantee its long-term success. While teams might not expect the ball to be rushed down their throats, teams that revolve their offenses around running backs don't win championships anymore. There isn't much difference between the Falcons' offensive scheme and others in the prior season such as the Packers, Steelers, and Titans. These three teams had a combined record of 24-27 during the 2022 season. But they all had similar win totals, with the Titans having 7, the Packers 8, and the Steelers with 9. Teams with offenses that center around running the ball have a high floor but low ceiling, and that's where these Falcons will likely end up when all is said and done. We also don't know what they have in young quarterback Desmond Ridder, but we won't know until more quality receivers are on the roster.
The Falcons' unconventional rush-heavy offense may get them some early-season success, especially if Bijan Robinson comes as advertised. But a trade for a quality receiver or tight end at the deadline is necessary and could also win them the NFC South. Balanced offenses are the most successful offenses, so acquiring a receiver will make them a potent squad.
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