When Dirk Koetter arrived in Atlanta to take the offensive coordinator job, it was clear things were about to change drastically for the Atlanta Falcons’ offense. Known for his pass-happy attack, the hiring represented a serious shift in direction from the more traditional, pound-it-out scheme that was featured under previous OC Mike Mularkey.
The new style paid dividends immediately. Matt Ryan enjoyed his best season under center, Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez enjoyed their usual fine seasons, while Julio Jones’ breakout sophomore season saw him attend his first Pro Bowl.
RUNNING MEN …
The only hole offensively seemed to be the running game. And while the three-man attack of Michael Turner, Jason Snelling and Jacquizz Rodgers accomplished some nice things in the passing game, the trio certainly left much to be desired on the ground. The NFC South champs tied for 28th in yards-per-carry with just 3.7. The team’s paltry 87.3 rush yards-per-game ranked 29th in the league, although certainly much of this had to do with Koetter’s system.
Entering the 2013 offseason, general manager Thomas Dimitroff immediately signaled his intent to improve in that area. He began by releasing Turner, who had a fine Falcons career, but appeared to be on the decline and was due $6.9 million for the upcoming season.
As we all know by now, Turner’s replacement is Steven Jackson, one of the most decorated and well-respected running backs in the NFL.
“Steven has been on our mind since the days leading into free agency,” Dimitroff said.
While Jackson is not the premier back he once was, he will certainly improve the Falcons’ running game. Jackson rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season, averaging 4.1 per carry. Not exactly numbers you’d expect from the Steven Jackson of old, but they’re still steady, consistent numbers. Considering that Atlanta was 26th in rushing attempts per game last season, that’s really all Koetter needs.
But while Jackson’s consistency in the run game helps plug a hole, his greatest value further enhances the offense’s greatest strength: the passing game. Jackson is one of the greatest pass-catching running backs in the game. Rodgers was also a strength on third downs last season, particularly in the passing game, but Jackson further opens the play book on first and second downs as well.
Jackson’s pass blocking also opens up the door for he and Rodgers to play together on third downs, and having both of the pass catching threats on the field at once won’t be an easy read for the opposition.
MATCHUP PROBLEMS …
Overall, Jackson makes the Falcons an absolute nightmare for the opposition as both wideouts, the tight end and the running back must be kept in check at all times. Want to double team Gonzalez? Good luck containing Jackson in open space. Thinking about doubling up on one of Atlanta’s wideouts with a safety? Enjoy a heavy dose of Gonzalez or Jackson over the middle.
Considering his style is an absolute perfect fit for the current Atlanta offense, it’s no wonder the team was thinking about him before free agency ever started.
Much was made of the defense’s inability to hold a 17-point lead in last season’s heartbreaking NFC Championship Game loss to San Francisco. But many forget that it was the offense, Atlanta’s undeniable strength, that failed to score a single point in the second half. It’s inability to effectively shorten the game with the run failed as well.
In the end, the defense’s third and fourth quarter struggles came as little surprise. But it was the suddenly sputtering offense that also cost Atlanta dearly in the 28-24 defeat. Just one touchdown from the star-studded unit would have made the difference.
Jackson’s presence certainly makes that sort of collapse far less likely. Sure, he is past his prime. But he’s still effective in all facets of the game, and undoubtedly makes the offense even better.
With the final piece seemingly in place for an already fine offense, the Falcons may need just an average defense to take their game one step further this season. And if they can do that, they’ll be playing in the Super Bowl next February.
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