The best skill positions of the 2022 Atlanta Falcons team include the running backs, wide receivers, and secondary. The running back room sees Cordarrelle Patterson return and his usage on the offensive side will probably increase in 2021. The signing of Damien Williams brings veteran and Super Bowl experience to the Falcons offense. Rookie Tyler Allgeier provides the Falcons with a punishing running style that complements Arthur Smith’s scheme. The wide receiver position features tall and imposing receivers who can high point the football. Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Auden Tate will help Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder as the season progresses. The Falcons brought in veteran Casey Hayward to pair alongside rising star A.J. Terrell. Richie Grant and Jaylinn Hawkins will look to have more snaps on defense as familiarity with Dean Pees improves. Here is a breakdown of the Atlanta Falcons skill positions going into the 2022 season.
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Breakdown of the Atlanta Falcons Skill Positions
Running Back Room
The 2022 Falcons will highlight Cordarrelle Patterson as their feature back. In 2021, Patterson had 153 rushing attempts for 618 yards. However, Patterson will look to improve upon his four yards per carry. Patterson and others will look for more support from their offensive line as last season some of the Falcons drives stalled due to the offensive line missing gap assignments. Nevertheless, Patterson was able to find holes and use his acceleration to his advantage. Additionally, Patterson used his agility and vision to offset unusual play calling. The Falcons brought in veteran Damien Williams to take pressure off of Patterson. Williams was impressive for the Kansas City Chiefs despite not being the primary running back. Tyler Allgeier hopes to have snaps as the power back Arthur Smith is used to. The running back position for 2022 should show steady improvement with an emphasis on controlling the clock.
Wide Receiver Room
At wide receiver, the 2022 Falcons will be one of the few teams that value height. Rookie Drake London will hope to utilize his size to high point the ball. Arthur Smith has always seen the importance of tall receivers and London fits that mold. The 2021 Falcons receiving corps lacked size on the outside which resulted in Pitts being double and triple-teamed at times. While Pitts is seen as a tight end, Smith utilized his talents as a wide receiver as well. Pitts’ ability to line up anywhere provides the other Falcons receivers some flexibility. It will be interesting to see the number of snaps both Olamide Zaccheaus and Damiere Byrd receive this year. Snaps for both receivers may vary depending on certain offensive packages. However, production is paramount for the offense to flow.
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Secondary Room
For the positions in the secondary, the 2022 Falcons highlight a duo of Casey Hayward and A.J Terrell. While older, Hayward has had success in this league as a number one corner. With the Los Angeles Chargers, Hayward was capable of intimidating the opposing team’s best receiver. Terrell has established himself as one of the best cornerbacks in the league. With Hayward as a mentor, Terrell hopes to elevate his game for the betterment of the Falcons. Isaiah Oliver will look to regain the form he had in the slot before his injury and give Atlanta a boost at the position. Jaylinn Hawkins and Richie Grant’s production is expected to increase. While Dean Marlowe and Erik Harris will start, Dean Pees wants the younger players to show progress through minicamp and OTAs. For the first time in a decade, the Falcons have a quality secondary to showcase throughout the league.
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