FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – The Falcons' offense is predicated on the ability to run the ball and it's one of the areas offensively head coach Dan Quinn wants to see improved after six games.
Atlanta, which currently ranks 29th in the league in rushing yards per game, is averaging 86 yards on the ground. Against the Bucs, the Falcons were held to 70 rushing yards.
"We're going to stick to it," Quinn said. "We know we have the right scheme, we know we have the right guys to fit into it. But we've got work to do. That part needs extra attention and we're certainly going to devote the time to it."
The Falcons' offense ranks 9th in points per game despite not being able to run the ball as well as Quinn would like.
In order for the Falcons to continue to be successful on offense, running the ball effectively will be key. Not only does it set up the play-action, it gives the Falcons a more balanced attack.
"In the run game, it adds to the toughness of our team, and it carries over on to third-and-short yardage," Quinn said. "It carries over into four-minute opportunities. It carries over into our play-action. So there will be some games when we won't get as many long runs, but they're very important to get the explosive passes. So it's part of our balance of what we do. We just so happen that we love our runners and how we get going. That's more touches for them to have a chance for an explosive play. So it's really important what we do. We have high standards for us in the run game."
