How The Falcons Use VFL Cordarrelle Patterson In 2023
The dynamics of the Atlanta Falcons running backs could be one of the most interesting storylines in the NFL in 2023, with Volunteer legend Cordarrelle Patterson right in the middle of things. Atlanta used the eighth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to select do-it-all running back Bijan Robinson out of Texas, adding to a position group that already had a 1,000-yard rusher in Tyler Allgeier and an explosive, versatile playmaker in Patterson, who found paydirt eight times last season.
Last year, Patterson started the season strong but was not the same after returning from a knee injury. Allgeier took advantage, but still, there was a place in the Falcons' offense for Patterson upon his return. Head coach Arthur Smith and the Falcons have utilized Patterson in their offense better than any of his previous teams have been able to. Even with the success of Patterson and Allgeier last season, the Falcons went with a running back, bringing up a lot of questions for all three guys heading into this season. It is difficult to predict exactly how Smith and the Falcons will manage the backs, but it is fair to assume that they will all play an important role. They are three of the best players on this offense, and if the Falcons are going to be successful, they will likely need production from all three.
Atlanta Falcons RB Cordarrelle Patterson carrying the ball against the Arizona Cardinals in Atlanta, Georgia, on January 1, 2023. (Photo by Dale Zanine of USA Today Sports)
Of the three, Allgeier is the most run-heavy back, so it will be more so up to Robinson and Patterson in the passing game. CP has shown throughout his career that he is a more than capable receiver, and he will likely need to show off those abilities this season. He was not utilized in that spot a ton last season, but in 2021 with Atlanta, he was targeted 69 times. We could see some very interesting sets with two or even three running backs and what some would like to call truly positionless football. Additionally, the injury of return specialist Avery Williams could open up more opportunities for Patterson in the part of the game he has mastered throughout his career. It surely will be interesting to see how Smith uses the former Vol, but with a healthy 2023 season, he will surely make some highlights with his flash-like speed and thunderous power.
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