How the Falcons ground game helps Michael Penix Jr.

"Atlanta was too pass-heavy in its loss to the San Francisco 49ers, which was reflected in an unbalanced stat line: 42 called passes to 18 designed runs. That disparity was reflected immediately in the team's opening-game script for the first 15 to 20 plays. The Falcons only called four runs in their first 15 plays, and five in the first 20."

"The Falcons' offense centers on running back Bijan Robinson, but for whatever reason, the team abandoned that identity against the 49ers. It could be related to trying to jumpstart quarterback Michael Penix Jr., given his struggles on the road. However, the Falcons will need to learn a critical lesson by borrowing a page from the victorious 49ers, who, in head coach Raheem Morris' words, "out-Atlanta-ed" them by establishing the run and being the more physical team."

"That is especially true given concerns about Penix's health after he suffered a bone bruise to his knee late in the fourth quarter against San Francisco. It's a lingering injury that could limit him against the Dolphins, as it negatively affected his passing accuracy and pocket mobility late in last Sunday's loss. Thus, the Falcons need to take pressure off Penix by establishing the run, which will attack one of the Dolphins' most significant weaknesses."

The Falcons abandoned their run-heavy identity in the loss to the 49ers, calling 42 passes and 18 runs with only four runs in the first 15 plays. Bijan Robinson remains the offensive focal point, yet Atlanta leaned on the pass instead of establishing physical run control. Michael Penix Jr. suffered a knee bone bruise that reduced his accuracy and pocket mobility late in the game. Reestablishing the run would relieve pressure on Penix and exploit the Dolphins' weak run defense, which grades poorly in EPA per rush. Immediate emphasis on rushing would also prepare the Falcons for upcoming road games.

Read at The Falcoholic