NE Atlanta News

Atlanta's offensive performance improved significantly in Week 2. The Falcons were more explosive and consistent, which quarterback Kirk Cousins described as "cleaner and crisper." A major factor in this improvement was the running game during their Monday night game in Philadelphia.

In Week 2, the Falcons accumulated 152 yards on 28 rushes, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. This was a notable increase from Week 1, where they posted 89 yards on 22 carries with an average of four yards per carry. Atlanta's commitment to the run paid off, reducing mistakes and penalties that had previously put them in unfavorable positions.

The Falcons have been one of the more successful teams on first down through two weeks, ranking third in the NFL in yards per play (7.4) and expected points added (5.98). Cousins has achieved a passing rating of 122.1 on these plays, placing him fourth-best in the league.

However, Atlanta struggled on second downs during Week 1 against Pittsburgh but saw significant improvement by Week 2 against Philadelphia. They averaged a league-worst 1.4 yards per play and minus-11.33 EPA on second down in Week 1 but improved to seventh-best with an average of 6.6 yards per play and +3.15 EPA by Week 2.

The Falcons' success on early downs helped them avoid third-down situations frequently, converting drives into first downs or touchdowns at a higher rate compared to Week 1.

Despite difficulties converting on third downs, Atlanta's early-down success kept them competitive throughout the game against Philadelphia.

A key factor has been generating explosive runs; according to Next Gen Stats, Falcons ball carriers have exceeded speeds of 15 miles per hour on a league-high percentage of designed runs this season.

Bijan Robinson played a crucial role with his elusiveness contributing to missed tackles by defenders at a high rate this season.

Robinson also benefited from cleaner rushing lanes provided by his offensive line. He saw nearly a full-yard increase in his yards before contact per carry year over year.

Falcons ball carriers have been contacted behind the line of scrimmage at one of the lowest rates in the NFL this season—a significant improvement over last year when they ranked much lower in this metric.

Another factor is attacking light boxes where defenses deploy seven or fewer defenders; so far this season, Atlanta has faced light boxes at one of the highest rates compared to last year when it was among the lower rates.

There might be some correlation between Cousins' arrival along with offensive coordinator Zac Robinson and this uptick though more data is needed for confirmation as defensive strategies vary across teams faced so far including Eagles' defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s tendency towards using light boxes while committing more defenders against explosive passes

After its struggles during week one against Pittsburgh Atlanta seems better positioned offensively moving forward especially when facing Kansas City Chiefs next

Bijan Robinson alongside Tyler Allgeier showcased their combined effectiveness known as ‘Thunder & Lightning’ respectively showing speed agility power breaking tackles extending plays making significant contributions during games

Allgeier known for breaking tackles since entering NFL holds impressive stats while Robinson excels both running passing adding blocking capabilities aiding teammates creating opportunities exemplified during recent touchdown pass protecting QB Kirk Cousins noted Coach Raheem Morris praising versatile skills predicting continued impactful performances from duo benefiting team overall