Falcons 'Dynamic' RB Cordarrelle Patterson, Run Game Poised to Cause Problems For Rams
If the Atlanta Falcons (0-1) are going to pull off the upset against the Los Angeles Rams (0-1) Sunday at SoFi Stadium, running back Cordarrelle Patterson will likely be a big reason why.
The 10-year pro achieved a career-high 120 rushing yards last week and is expected to see a major bulk of the carries after backup Damien Williams was ruled out with a rib injury ahead of the game.
Rams head coach Sean McVay is identifying Patterson as the key to the Falcons' offense and a point of emphasis this weekend.
"When you look at Patterson, this guy's always been a great playmaker," McVay said. Now he's become a good running back that can do all the things that made him a high pick as a receiver. So he's dynamic, he's tough with the ball in his hands, he competes without the ball. I think he's done a great job and they've done a really good job of being able to develop him.”
Containing Patterson and the rest of the Falcons' shifty skill players was also seen as a major key to victory for Rams linebacker Bobby Wagner.
“They run an interesting style of offense," Wagner said. "They have pretty much every running style in each of their personnels. You’ve got to be conscious of the personnels because you’ve got receivers that do really, really well at running back. You’ve got guys moving all across the board."
Wagner also explained how the Rams have to tackle the Falcons' offense in order to win the game.
"Just got to be locked in on your job, make sure you take care of your assignment each and every play," Wagner said. "It's going to be a game that we got to be really disciplined.”
Even though the Rams are seen as one of the league's best while the Falcons appear on the other side of the equation, it's clear that Los Angeles respects Atlanta as an opponent and won't take their opponent lightly come Sunday.
The Falcons and Rams kickoff Sunday at 4:05 p.m. at SoFi Stadium.
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