I'm making a list of the most fun offenses to watch in the NFL right now. atlanta falcons It's probably near the top of that list. Since the defeat, steelers The Falcons were an incredibly well-engineered and well-functioning machine (though they didn't have any issues against Seattle), ranking ninth in EPA per play and sixth in offensive success rate. The Falcons' offense currently has many star players playing well. RB Bijan Robinson is one of the most versatile and electric players in the sport, QB Kirk Cousins is playing at a high level, and so are receivers Drake Rondon and Darnell Mooney (!). Path to Pro Bowl consideration. TE Kyle Pitts has also been active since the beginning of the season.
But I'd like to share with you one secret weapon that will help the Falcons really ramp up their offense. That's TE Charlie Warner. Woolner isn't going to catch many passes. In fact, he's only caught it twice this year. But why he's so important is simple. Because he kicks ASS in the run game. The Falcons played with 11 players (2nd out of 11, 2nd runner-up). Los Angeles Rams), it's important to have a tight end who can make a difference in the run game. The Falcons' superstars get all the credit, but it's Werner who's really helped propel them forward.
The Falcons are a team that almost exclusively runs zone. When Werner is on the field, teams make zone runs 87% of the time, but that drops to 84% without him. However, what they ask of him is different. He often brings in momentum blockers. He is so preoccupied that no matter who he looks at, he just shuts up. This allows Atlanta to utilize motion in the run game to create better angles for Werner as a blocker, giving the Bucs wrinkles more visibility. What the Falcons have started doing is instead of moving him around to help double on the edge (like San Francisco is running with George Kittle), Warner runs in between the guard and the tackle and plays defensive tackle. Either help him or go his own way at LB like he did here against Dallas. Watch him put LB Demarvion Overshawn in the dirt, guys. That's what super role players do.
Again, Woolner comes across the motion here, essentially creating a lead blocker for RB Bijan Robinson, who takes all this space given to him and turns it into a 14-yard play.
Even when he's not moving, he's making an impact in the run game. Atlanta likes condensed formations, and when those tight looks are gone, the DB is forced to run fit against a blocker like Werner, which automatically gives him an advantage in these situations. Woolner was able to turn the DB over on this run, creating the crease for Robinson again. This move puts the DB into a run fit and Robinson is off to the races.
Once again, he continues to be important to this team as he contributes to keeping the team effective on the ground despite playing with a light squad. Having receivers and tight ends like Werner who can block guys can help teams like Atlanta and the Los Angeles Rams move up. Because they don't have to go big to run the ball and can play their version of a base offense. Werner once again did a great job at the point of attack on RB Tyler Allgaier's touchdown. He fought him off just enough for Allgayer to break through the gap and finished the block just as Allgayer scored.
Atlanta's ability to run the ball with 11 personnel (0.02 EPA per rush) really helps get the offense going, and Werner plays a big role in that. Offensive coordinator Zach Robinson does a great job of designing concepts, moving him around and creating great situations, both under center and at the pistol, and he executes them really well. Atlanta plays the Saints on Sunday, and the Saints are having some troubles right now, but if you're going to pay attention to this game, keep an eye on Werner and his ability to whip his butt on the ground.
