If the Falcons are to have a successful 2016 campaign, the offensive balance of season's past needs to return. From 2010 to 2012, the Falcons offense featured a balanced attack that allowed Matt Ryan to throw the football while also gaining significant yards on the ground. The result were not just points, but an ability to keep an average defense that did not pressure quarterbacks to play less plays.
Considering the quarterbacks that the Falcons will face in 2016, holding possession and protecting the defense is a smart recipe.
The Falcons teams of 2010, 2011, and 2012 all featured top 10 offenses and scored atleast 400 points. Last years 339 points were the fewest for a Falcons team since 2007. Think of all of the fun of the Bobby Petrino era.
As Matt Ryan has gotten better and better, there has been a temptation to let him throw the football more and more. This is not a good idea. Actually it's a terrible idea. Quarterbacks who have to throw the football many more than 30 passes per game experience more mistakes.
In Matt Ryan's playoff seasons from 2010-2012, here were Ryan's attempts:
2010 – 571 attempts. 2011 - 566 attempts. 2012 - 615 attempts.
In the previous three non-playoff seasons, Ryan has attempted:
651 – 628 - 614.
Matt Ryan ideal numbers
560 attempts (35 per game)
29 TDs / 10 ints - 4,310 yards (92 QB rating)
Receving:
Julio Jones:
110 receptions – 1,650 yards – 10 TDs
Mohammed Sanu:
55 receptions – 660 yards – 5 TDs
Jacob Tamme:
50 receptions – 550 yards – 3 TDs
Justin Hardy:
35 receptions – 315 yards – 2 TDs
Rushing:
Devonte Freeman:
78 receptions – 617 yards – 5 TDs
310 attempts – 1,280 yards (4.0 avg) – 10 TDs
Tevin Coleman:
15 receptions – 105 yards – 1 TD
115 attempts – 483 yards – 3 TDs
Rushing Yardage Goal: 1,800 yards.