Falcons Rookie Tyler Allgeier 'Doesn't Know How Good He Is!' 'Unsung Hero' in Atlanta
If the 2022-23 Atlanta Falcons were a movie, the team lacked a leading man due to their uncertainty at quarterback. However, there is a cast of main characters including coach Arthur Smith, quarterback Desmond Ridder, receiver Drake London and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett.
But as the credits roll on, which player would earn the spotlight as unsung hero?
NFL.com picked one unsung hero, whose contributions flew under the radar, from all 32 teams. Rookie running back Tyler Allgeier is the Falcons selection:
Allgeier broke 1,000 rushing yards while also remaining relatively anonymous on a Falcons team that won seven games and generally struggled to move the football. Atlanta actively de-emphasized the passing game and put the majority of the offensive responsibility on its rushing attack, and Allgeier emerged as the best back.
The fifth-round pick out of BYU became the bell cow, finishing with 1,035 yards and three touchdowns on 210 runs. It's quite an achievement to average 4.9 yards per carry as a rookie while operating in an offense that opponents know will be primarily running the ball. With Allgeier, Cordarrelle Patterson and 2021 UDFA Caleb Huntley in the backfield mix, the Falcons found a way to remain competitive.
Allgeier racked up the most rushing yards (1,035) by a rookie running back in franchise history. Among all NFL rookie running backs, Allgeier finished third in rushing behind Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne and Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III. The Falcons rushing attack looks bright with the versatile and agile Allgeier.
There is more optimism for Atlanta. The Falcons will enter the next season with the easiest strength of schedule based on their opponents' win percentage in 2022. Now, the Falcons need to pair a strong passing attack with their running game. Atlanta could have a new quarterback (maybe Lamar Jackson) throwing to young playmakers Kyle Pitts and Drake London.
And where does Allgeier fit in? Said veteran teammate Cordarrelle Patterson with a promising projection: “The way he works ... he doesn’t understand how good he is.''
After falling one game short of winning the NFC South division in 2022, the Falcons failed to reach the postseason. Atlanta will be watching the Super Bowl from home on Sunday, February 12. The Kansas City Chiefs (1.5-point underdogs) will try to pull the upset over the Philadelphia Eagles in Glendale, Arizona to become Super Bowl LVII Champions.
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