Fansided

Roddy White: Atlanta Falcons needed me to win

By Jack Senboutharath

Dec 6, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (84) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 23-19. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (84) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 23-19. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

According to Roddy White, the reason why the Atlanta Falcons failed to make the NFL Playoffs was because they did not use him more frequently.

Not surprisingly, White felt that Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan should have given him a much bigger role last season. The veteran wide receiver felt that he was relegated to being a glorified blocker on the field.

White had 43 catches, which was good for 506 yards. The 34-year-old only had one touchdown. That is quite disappointing for someone that has 63 career touchdowns.

After the NFL regular season ended, White revealed that he was displeased that management and the coaching staff were not honest with him about his reduced role. He felt that he was still going to be an important part of an offense that is built around quarterback Matt Ryan and wide receiver Julio Jones.

Atlanta finished the season with an 8-8 record. Though that enabled them to finish second in the NFC South, the Falcons were way behind the dominant Carolina Panthers. Cam Newton was able to lead his team to a 15-1 record and a Super Bowl appearance.

White was released by the Falcons after the season ended. Though there hasn’t been a ton of interest, he still years to play in the NFL for at least another season. White might need to wait until the season starts and someone gets injured.

Since he is closer to the end of his NFL career than the beginning, White has expressed a desire to join a contender. Not surprisingly, he wants to have a Super Bowl ring on his finger.

By placing much of the blame on Shanahan, White is hoping to increase his chances of being signed by a Super Bowl contender. He wants to let executives know that the reduced role was the reason why his numbers were down.

Next: Best QB/Head Coach Combos in NFL History

To his credit, White was brutally honest when he stated that he would have self destructed had he remained with the Falcons for another season in a reduced role. The self awareness might be something that NFL coaches find redeeming.

White truly believes that he can still help a team win.

Check out our NFL hub page for more news and updates.

Home/NFL