The Atlanta Falcons addressed a major objective of its offseason agenda with the signing of the 29-year-old running back Steven Jackson Thursday. The nine-year pro has racked up 10,135 yards since the St. Louis Rams took him in the first round of the 2004 draft. Jackson had 257 carries last season for 1,042 yards and is a sturdy starter that management hopes can contribute with an immediate impact for an already-lethal offense. Jackson has eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark the past eight consecutive seasons.
In 2012, the Falcons boasted one of the NFL’s most high-powered offenses that averaged 281.8 passing yards per game. It was the ground game that at times could lay dormant for Atlanta and the team managed just 87.3 rushing yards per game, the No. 29 rushing attack last season. Jackson made the playoffs with the Rams his rookie season but has not experienced the postseason since. The Atlanta Falcons shut down Jackson and teammate Marshall Faulk to win 47-17 in the 2004 divisional round. After Faulk retired in 2005, Jackson led the rebuilding franchise in St. Louis’ Edward Jones Dome. In 2007, the Rams would go 3-13, followed by a 2-14 record in 2008, 1-15 in 2009, and 2-14 again in 2010. Jackson’s arrival in Atlanta puts him on a team that has made the playoffs in four of five years since Mike Smith took over as head coach. Last year, the Falcons finished with the NFC’s best record.
Running back Jacquizz Rodgers had a great sophomore season for the Falcons and at times brought life to the struggling Falcons run game. Rodgers and Jackson both share the same alma mater of Oregon State and the former Beavers will complement each other’s styles as a dangerous duo in 2013. Rodgers has the ability to catch screens and shift and dart his way to open field, whereas Jackson craves to do his harm head on.
The organization still needs to re-sign and make moves on defense as well as the offensive line, but getting a player with Jackson’s resume is a major acquisition. In those moments where the Falcons offense struggled in the third quarters, appearing to lose its edge, Jackson is a guy that brings a needed personality and attitude to the position. After spending years cloaked with regular-season failure and enduring rebuilding season after rebuilding season, look for Jackson to step his game up as he stars in the backfield for the defending NFC South champions.
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