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5 players who Falcons need to be great in 2020

By Rucker Haringey

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 27: Grady Jarrett #97 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after sacking Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 27: Grady Jarrett #97 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after sacking Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Todd Gurley, Atlanta Falcons
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 29: Todd Gurley #30 of the Los Angeles Rams on the bench while playing the Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /

4. Todd Gurley

No one should question Gurley’s motivation after being cast aside by the Rams this offseason. What should be questioned is whether or not the former All-Pro’s body will allow him to carry a heavy load for the Falcons in 2020.

He’ll start the season at the top of the team’s depth chart at the running back position. Interestingly, Atlanta’s front office didn’t elect to use a draft pick to secure any meaningful competition for Gurley. That means he should be in line to soak up as many carries as his body can handle.

The Falcons don’t need him to play at the same level he did during his peak in Los Angeles, but they do need him to be an above average NFL starter. It’s hard to envision a scenario where this offense reaches its full potential if Gurley doesn’t come up with 1,000 yards on the ground.

It will also be interesting to see how much the Falcons choose to use him in the passing game. Ryan loved to throw the ball to Devanta Freeman during his time in Atlanta. If Gurley can turn a few short passes into long touchdowns it could give his career a major boost.

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