Todd Gurley is set to embark on a new chapter of his career this season with the Atlanta Falcons. After a disappointing finish to his tenure with the Los Angeles Rams, Gurley is hoping to get back on track.
Everything will start with staying healthy for the former superstar running back that everyone considered to be the best running back in the NFL. His knee is the main cause of concern. That is what led to his departure from the Rams.
Many people doubt that Gurley will get his career back on track with the Falcons. They believe that he may be able to be a solid role player, but nothing close to a difference maker. Atlanta, on the other hand, believes that he can get back to being close to where he once was.
During the 2019 NFL season with the Rams, Gurley ended up carrying the football 223 times for 857 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also caught 31 passes for 207 yards and two scores on the year. Those numbers may see an uptick with the Falcons.
Obviously, those numbers are not what the Rams were looking for. Sean McVay never gave Gurley the true No. 1 workhorse running back role. Gurley was the starter, but they were giving other backs carries to keep him fresh and healthy.
Looking at the situation for Gurley with the Falcons, he should have a chance to return to workhorse status. Not necessarily the way that he was before his knee issues, but a much more consistent role than he had in 2019.
Devonta Freeman is gone and the Falcons are going to lean heavily on Gurley in the backfield. They need a legitimate running game to take pressure off of Matt Ryan and the aerial attack. With weapons like Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley, having a threat like Gurley is a must.
So, it is now time for Gurley to prove the Falcons right. He has not lost faith in his own ability. Coming through with a big bounce-back season would shut up all of the critics who think Gurley’s career is pretty much over.
Expect to see Todd Gurley bring everything he has to the field this season. On a one-year deal, he could very well be playing for his NFL future as well.
Gurley may never be the player he once was, but he can still be really good. The Falcons believe in him, but now Gurley has to make everyone else believe in him too.
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