If I have been making an inventory of essentially the most enjoyable offenses to observe within the NFL proper now, the Atlanta Falcons could be close to the highest of that checklist. Ever for the reason that loss to the Steelers (sans a hiccup in opposition to Seattle), the Falcons have been an extremely well-designed, well-functioning machine, putting ninth in EPA per play and Sixth in Offensive Success Price. Now, the Falcons offense has many stars enjoying rather well: RB Bijan Robinson is likely one of the most versatile and electrical gamers within the sport, QB Kirk Cousins is enjoying at a excessive degree, and receivers Drake London and Darnell Mooney (!) are enjoying their approach into Professional Bowl consideration. Even TE Kyle Pitts has come alongside for the reason that starting of the season.
Nonetheless, I wish to current to you one secret weapon the Falcons have, that makes their offense actually take off: TE Charlie Woerner. Woerner isn’t going to catch many passes: in truth, he solely has two catches this 12 months. Nonetheless, why he’s so essential is easy: he kicks ASS within the run sport. With as a lot 11 personnel because the Falcons play (2nd in 11 personnel price, solely behind the Los Angeles Rams), having a good finish who generally is a distinction maker within the run sport is essential. Because the Falcons’ superstars have gotten all the popularity, it’s Woerner that basically helps make them go.
The Falcons are nearly solely a zone operating crew. With Woerner on the sector they’re operating a zone run 87% of the time, and it solely drops to 84% with out him. Nonetheless, what they ask him to do varies. He’s usually introduced in movement a momentum blocker; he will get a full head of steam and simply caves whoever he sees. What this does is permits Atlanta to make use of movement within the run sport to create higher angles for Woerner as a blocker, and for the backs to see the creases clearer. What the Falcons have began doing is as an alternative of bringing him in movement to assist double on the EDGE (it’s like what San Francisco runs with George Kittle), Woerner runs in between the guard and deal with to both assistance on a defensive deal with or make his method to a LB, like he does right here in opposition to Dallas. Watch him put LB DeMarvion Overshown within the filth, people. That’s what a brilliant position participant does.
Once more, right here comes Woerner on the movement throughout, and it basically creates a lead blocker for RB Bijan Robinson, who takes all this house afforded to him and turns it right into a 14 yard play.
Even when he isn’t in movement, he’s making an impression within the run sport. Atlanta loves a condensed formation, and operating out of these tighter appears to be like forces DBs into the run match in opposition to blockers like Woerner, who robotically have the benefit in these conditions. Woerner is ready to flip a DB inside out on this run, making a crease for Robinson once more. The movement brings a DB into the run match and Robinson is off to the races.
Once more, he stays essential to this crew as a result of he helps to maintain them efficient on the bottom, regardless of enjoying in lighter personnel. Having receivers and tight ends like Woerner who will block his ass off helps to raise groups like Atlanta and the LA Rams as a result of they don’t need to get large to run the ball, they will simply play of their model of a base offense. On RB Tyler Allgeier’s landing, Woerner does an amazing job on the level of assault as soon as once more. He fights him off simply sufficient to let Allgeier get by way of the hole, after which finishes the block as Allgeier scores.
Atlanta’s skill to run the ball out of 11 personnel (0.02 EPA/rush) actually helps hold that offense on monitor, and Woerner performs an enormous position in it. Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson does an amazing job of designing ideas each below heart and within the pistol to get him on the transfer and create good conditions for him, and he executes them rather well. Atlanta performs the Saints on Sunday, who’re presently going by way of some issues of their very own, however in case you tune into this sport, hold an eye fixed out for Woerner and his skill to whip ass on the bottom.
