Film Room: Falcons Offense

Winning in the division. It’s everything in the NFL.

The Panthers have struggled within the NFC South. It’s no secret around these parts. In fact, Carolina has failed to post a winning record within the division since 2015.

When it comes to the Atlanta Falcons, the Panthers have not won a game against their I-85 rivals since November 2017–over two years ago.

Two weeks ago, Falcons head coach Dan Quinn was on the hottest of hot seats, with his team spiraling out of control at 1-7. However, a dominant performance at New Orleans last week has opened up some eyes, and has given Atlanta some hope for the second half of the season.

It’s no secret what the Falcons like to do: pass the football. Atlanta has the most pass attempts in the league (2nd in passing yards/4th in touchdowns). However, it appears a pair of prominent weapons will be sidelined against Carolina.

Tight end Austin Hooper, Atlanta’s leading receiver, is unlikely to play as he recovers from a knee injury. Hooper was on pace for over 1,100 yards and has already grabbed six touchdowns this season, leading the team.

Meanwhile, veteran running back Devonta Freeman will likely miss Sunday’s game in Charlotte due to a foot injury. His 38 receptions ranks third among all Falcons this year, and his violent running style will be a significant void for Atlanta. 

Despite Freeman’s injury, Panthers fans shouldn’t sleep on his replacement. In fact, they should remember him fairly well. His name is Brian Hill, a third-year journeyman currently in his second stint with the Falcons.

The last time Atlanta traveled to Charlotte, Hill absolutely lit up the Panthers’ run defense. Week 16, 2018: a mere eight carries led to a 115-yard explosion on the ground.

That’s over 14 yards a pop.

Last week, Hill ran hard against the best run defense in the league: 20 carries for 61 yards. He also caught a touchdown pass from Matt Ryan in the Falcons’ 26-9 stunner over the Saints.

We wanted to take a closer look at what Atlanta does from a schematic standpoint offensively. You’ll see some similarities from what they’ve done in the past, but with the absence of Hooper and Freeman, I would expect to see some 10/00 personnel (4W/5W).

So how did Atlanta get back on track offensively? Let’s find out in today’s edition of Film Room:

🚨🚨FILM ROOM🚨🚨

Here they come: the suddenly resurgent Falcons. Fresh off a big road win against the Saints, Atlanta should not be taken lightly. They have a few key injuries. Still, formidable. Let’s see what you can expect on Sunday from Atlanta’s offense: pic.twitter.com/irrWmSsspB

— John Ellis (@OnePantherPlace) November 14, 2019

Same series, and you can see what Atlanta likes to do, regardless of who’s in the backfield: zone blocking, getting out in space to the second level. Not unlike what Carolina has been doing and they’re running schemes. Again, likely no Freeman this week. pic.twitter.com/7HTI6esfJA

— John Ellis (@OnePantherPlace) November 14, 2019

Freeman is now out, so enter 23 Brian Hill. He got 20 carries in this game. Hill will likely get similar reps v CAR. This was a very impressive blitz pick up. Enables Ryan to hit Ridley again on the quick in-cut. pic.twitter.com/JY5IrVzqvH

— John Ellis (@OnePantherPlace) November 14, 2019

Here’s something to keep a good mental note of: Atlanta likes to run these flare routes to the running backs. Watch Hill get absolutely blown up, legally, at the LOS. Disrupts the entire timing of the play. Ryan gets happy feet at times. Good coaching point for CAR this week. pic.twitter.com/AFoR2bfa3q

— John Ellis (@OnePantherPlace) November 14, 2019

Atlanta will run the screen game, and this is a great job by New Orleans. Watch 94 chip the back, slows down the progress of the screen, forces an errant throw. That’s Barner at HB. Familiar name, I know. If that’s Freeman, he probably has the moves to get around that chip. pic.twitter.com/dGlgEuNVjt

— John Ellis (@OnePantherPlace) November 14, 2019

I have no idea what Ryan and Julio are doing here. Look at the free release to the outside from 11. Instinctively, just run the “nine” straight to the pylon. Instead, he runs a seven route and Ryan anticipates the nine. Miscommunication like this can lead to takeaways. pic.twitter.com/S5rbE5H7JU

— John Ellis (@OnePantherPlace) November 14, 2019

You’ll see Atlanta go empty set quite a bit, looking for matchups. Here, Julio Jones runs free with no jam, one of the easiest completions you’ll see. You have to challenge 11, otherwise, he’ll just run through the middle of your defense. 26 was not up for that challenge here. pic.twitter.com/K5EZYGlO6Y

— John Ellis (@OnePantherPlace) November 14, 2019

Finally: deep in the red zone, this is not a bad idea. Shoot the gap w speed linebacker, and absolutely stay on top of 11 outside. Physical coverage + well timed blitz = success. This is a Shaq Thompson blitz, all the way. pic.twitter.com/X2LfGd9bdk

— John Ellis (@OnePantherPlace) November 14, 2019