Playing With Matt Ryan
During his time with the Los Angeles Rams, the offense started with the incredible impact that Todd Gurley managed to bring to the table. He never played with a high-level quarterback like Matt Ryan as he will with the Atlanta Falcons.
The main focus for opposing teams will be to slow down the Falcons’ passing attack, creating consistently easier conditions for Gurley to run the ball. That’s ideal for a running back seeking to get back on track since there will be a lower frequency of plays featuring at least eight men in the box.
There was a significant increase in the frequency of runs where Gurley faced at least eight defenders in the box when comparing his 2018 production to last season. He went from facing these situations just 7.81% of the time in 2018 and experienced a 16.41% increase the following season.
A particular area where Ryan will benefit strongly from playing with Gurley will be in play-action situations. The Falcons has thrived in these plays but has never had a running back as talented as Gurley, meaning they could reach new heights in 2020.