If you can’t run the ball or stop the run, you’ll never gain control of a game. That’s a common truism when it comes to describing winners in football. Some teams can bring other teams to their knees and produce long, time-consuming scoring drives. Some teams can stifle their opponents’ running game and force their opponents to become one-dimensional. The rare teams that can do both put themselves in a great position to gain control of the game and dictate the tempo.

The Falcons certainly weren’t anywhere close to being able to stop the run against Philadelphia. The secondary was forced to make numerous tackles as the defensive front was unable to generate penetration, close gaps, and remain solid at the point of attack. Fortunately for them, the same can be said about the Eagles’ defensive front. They were completely overwhelmed by an offensive line that still had a lot to prove after the Falcons were annihilated by Pittsburgh’s front four in a humiliating opening loss.

The resurgence of rushing begins with blocking

It was a standout performance from the running game, whose dynamic duo kept getting to the second level and running hard through contact. The offensive line created both perimeter and vertical movement to plug gaping holes. Everything worked in unison for a group that underperformed last season after being a revelation in 2022. They looked more unified and more technically adept at executing what Zac Robinson wanted to accomplish with his game plan.

There was enough outside zone coverage to keep Vic Fangio’s defense off balance. The Falcons repeatedly cut off the backfield defender, usually Jalen Carter or Milton Williams. Matthew Bergeron and Drew Dalman were excellent at making combo blocks or locking down an opposing defender to create running lanes that running backs envision when they have full confidence in their offensive line. When Chris Lindstrom hit pinpoint cut blocks on Zack Baun, it created opportunities for Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier to break free. According to Tyler Brooke, Robinson gained 8.7 yards per carry on outside zone runs when the offense lined up under center. The offensive line was consistently a step ahead in getting the padding and pressure needed to control the line of scrimmage. Jake Matthews maintained full control of players like Josh Sweat and Bryce Huff, while Kaleb McGary was in his element as a mauler.

It was a massive step forward in a game in which the Falcons had possession for just over 24 minutes. They still gained 152 yards despite not getting on the field for long stretches. The outside players made valuable contributions. On Robinson’s spectacular, ankle-breaking run, Drake London cleared Reed Blankenship and created the back door where Robinson could use his stunning footwork and agility. Kyle Pitts had his moments of glory after an ugly blocking performance against Pittsburgh.

London talked to me about how important it is to him to improve his blocking, as it is an essential part of building the offense’s identity. The pass receivers know how important their contribution as run blockers is to giving the running backs clearer opportunities to gain significant advantages. They did that consistently, helping the Falcons to six jaw-dropping runs of ten yards or more.

Thunder and lightning strikes

Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni made an interesting point about how sometimes you have to earn the right to rush. Stopping the run and not allowing yards on early downs is the bread and butter of a defense that takes enormous pride in generating constant pressure to disrupt quarterbacks and force them into game-winning mistakes. They didn’t earn the right to rush as much as they wanted because they were pushed around and forced out of position on early downs. Robinson’s electrifying runs and Allgeier’s sheer power overwhelmed them.

Robinson’s decision-making and awareness seem to have increased exponentially in his second season. He doesn’t try as hard to fend off runs to the outside. There’s no longer that dreaded feeling of having to do everything possible to make plays work, which is common with young running backs. His improved patience is also notable for his great start to the season. There were runs where blocks in the B-gap left him room to advance into the open field. He carried the ball six times for 47 yards between Dalman and Lindstrom, according to Pro Football Focus. His devastating run inside shows his progress while giving Fangio’s defense some nightmarish film sessions. You could sense the Eagles’ secondary was playing with fear when Robinson got to the second level.

That proved costly, especially in the absence of playoffs when Robinson gets a breather. Allgeier seemed to be in top form with his bowling ball running style. He combined with Robinson for 93 yards after contact, according to Pro Football Focus. Defenders felt the pain trying to bring him down. Although the inside zone best suits his skillset, he gained several big gains off long runs to the right. Being dangerous from the outside creates a whole other element, as defenses can’t immediately line up for inside runs when the franchise’s single-season record-holder is on the field as a rookie rusher.

Allgeier was crucial in getting the right running lanes and breaking through tackles. Although the coaching staff wants Robinson to be an all-purpose running back, there will be moments when the crowd favorite can show why he can be a difference maker by wearing down opposing fronts and punishing them late in the game.

Moving forward

As well as the Falcons have been running, they were lucky to escape with a narrow win in Philadelphia. The defense is still developing as Kirk Cousins ​​tries to recover from a torn Achilles in a new environment. That puts extra pressure on the running backs and offensive line to be at their best with three important games ahead. They’ll need to have more than 24 minutes of possession to beat the two-time Super Bowl champions in prime time. Playing with a lead and controlling the tempo will be critical to forcing an unexpected, amazingly powerful Saints offense into the uncharted territory of chasing a game. Adapting quickly on a short week and going up against a Tampa Bay defense that’s consistently among the best units when it comes to stopping run attempts will be another tough test.

Despite all the offseason talk that the Falcons benefit from a looser schedule on paper, these numerous early-season challenges may be critical to their season. The NFC South looks to be much better than expected. At the same time, the Falcons offense hasn’t looked this well-equipped to compete in big games in years.

They have the talent to compete with the best, starting with their exceptional running back duo and their solid offensive line. It will be up to them to lead the Falcons, set the tone, put the offense in winning positions on second and third downs, and help their starting quarterback as he tries to find his rhythm.