Tim Mazetti Posted August 21, 2019 Share Posted August 21, 2019 https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2019/8/21/20812455/the-falcons-have-been-top-10-in-yards-per-drive-every-year-of-the-matt-ryan-era It’s a testament to Ryan and this offense. By Dave Choate Aug 21, 2019, 8:00am EDT Would it shock you to know that the Falcons were one of the most effective teams in term of spinning up yardage on a per-drive basis? Would it shock you even more to know that’s been true for the last, oh, ten-plus years? The answer to both those questions is probably no, but it’s worth a look at how the Falcons have not only been consistently dominant in terms of moving downfield in the Matt Ryan era, but how that dominance has shifted to become even more dominant as time has gone on. As you’ll see in the tweet below, the Falcons were top ten every year from 2008-2014 under Mike Mularkey and Dirk Koetter, but in the Kyle Shanahan and Steve Sarkisian years that kicked up to top five, culminating in a #1 and #2 finish in 2016 and 2017. No doubt the coordinators helped that along, but the number of weapons Ryan had at his disposal and Ryan’s own improvement as a quarterback both factor in quite heavily there. Scott Kacsmar@ScottKacsmar Atlanta's rank in offensive yards per drive in Matt Ryan era (2008-2018) 6 10 6 8 7 10 9 4 1 2 4 6:12 PM - Aug 19, 2019 This isn’t all on Ryan, but Ryan (and to a lesser extent, Julio Jones) is the commonality here despite four different offensive coordinators in that span. It’s a testament to this team’s ability to build a consistently good offense—and for Ryan to improve—that they have been able to maintain this pace despite an evolving NFL and the loss of valuable players along the way. The twin challenges faced by this team have been scoring and, of course, defense. Despite their consistent excellence in grinding out long drives, the team has been hamstrung in recent years by poor starting field position, an inability to close out drives (2018 in particular saw some sorry performances, even though they ranked highly overall), and the defense wasting a lot of those great drives. What this does give us hope for is a stellar 2019, as Ryan is the linchpin that makes this possible and the defense is doing exciting things for a change. If the Falcons can again be top three here, can close out a few more drives, and hold the leads they’re assembling, this might be a very exciting year Drew4719, Sportsman2593 and quickzero 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spts1 Posted August 21, 2019 Share Posted August 21, 2019 but I thought Sarkisian couldn't coordinate... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rings Posted August 22, 2019 Share Posted August 22, 2019 5 minutes ago, slickgadawg said: but I thought Sarkisian couldn't coordinate... Red Zone Efficiency in 17 was really Sarks biggest issue, worst in Ryan’s career. Also, strange how they bounce around every other year. Looks like first year with new OC struggles, then they figure it out year two. Hopefully that isn’t the case this year. 2018: 64% - 10th 2017: 49% - 23rd 2016: 65% - 8th 2015: 55% - 18th 2014: 61% - 6th 2013: 52% - 22nd 2012: 58% - 10th 2011: 52% - 13th 2010: 61% - 7th 2009: 52% - 14th 2008: 57% - 12th Tim Mazetti and Drew4719 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
falconidae Posted August 22, 2019 Share Posted August 22, 2019 7 minutes ago, rings639 said: Red Zone Efficiency in 17 was really Sarks biggest issue, worst in Ryan’s career. Also, strange how they bounce around every other year. Looks like first year with new OC struggles, then they figure it out year two. Hopefully that isn’t the case this year. 2018: 64% - 10th 2017: 49% - 23rd 2016: 65% - 8th 2015: 55% - 18th 2014: 61% - 6th 2013: 52% - 22nd 2012: 58% - 10th 2011: 52% - 13th 2010: 61% - 7th 2009: 52% - 14th 2008: 57% - 12th Isn't a new coordinator this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rings Posted August 22, 2019 Share Posted August 22, 2019 3 minutes ago, falconidae said: Isn't a new coordinator this year. It’s Dirk’s first time running this system, so who knows. Tim Mazetti 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
revrndzombie Posted August 22, 2019 Share Posted August 22, 2019 I wonder if those numbers mirror our superbowl window? Pretty easy to see a curve there and I hope we are not on the wrong side of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
falcons007 Posted August 22, 2019 Share Posted August 22, 2019 I think the weapons argument is getting old. Biggest difference from 2015 to 2018 was transitioning to WCO. I have said many times Matt is better suited for a WCO. Tim Mazetti 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlazerSlayer Posted August 22, 2019 Share Posted August 22, 2019 In MR's time here, offense has never been a problem. There's been some issues, but it's the defense that's been an issue for most of that time. I would even say pass rush being the major component. sdogg 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draftnut57 Posted August 22, 2019 Share Posted August 22, 2019 I believe this year alone, He'll be in the top 2 .... we'll see. I wouldn't doubt him being number 1 this year... Tim Mazetti 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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