As the Atlanta Falcons work to stay competitive in the 2023 NFL season, one glaring issue has been their run defense. Despite some improvements on defense under new coordinator Ryan Nielsen, the Falcons have struggled to contain opposing ground games, ranking among the bottom half of the league in rushing yards allowed.
This weakness has left them vulnerable against teams with strong backfields, and with some tough matchups ahead, it could become an even bigger problem. Here are a few backfields that could give Atlanta serious trouble.
1. New Orleans Saints
Led by the dual threat of Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller, the Saints’ backfield poses a significant challenge for Atlanta. Kamara, who returned from suspension, has shown he’s still one of the NFL’s most versatile weapons. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield and make defenders miss in open space creates a nightmare for defenses. Given the Falcons’ struggles with tackling and gap discipline, Kamara could be poised for a big day, both as a runner and receiver. Rookie Kendre Miller adds another dimension, bringing power and fresh legs to the Saints’ ground game. If the Falcons can’t plug their run-stopping holes, this NFC South rivalry could tilt in New Orleans’ favor.
2. Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens have long been known for their dominant rushing attack, and while injuries have shuffled their running back room, they remain a dangerous force on the ground. Even without star J.K. Dobbins, the combination of Gus Edwards and Justice Hill has been effective behind Baltimore’s strong offensive line. However, the real challenge for Atlanta will be containing quarterback Lamar Jackson. His ability to scramble and turn broken plays into huge gains on the ground could spell disaster for a Falcons defense that has struggled to contain mobile quarterbacks. If Atlanta fails to set the edge and contain Jackson, Baltimore could easily exploit the Falcons’ weak run defense.
3. San Francisco 49ers
One of the most complete and dangerous rushing teams in the NFL, the San Francisco 49ers have a backfield that could shred the Falcons’ defense. Christian McCaffrey is the star of the show, leading the league in rushing yards and proving once again that he’s one of the most dynamic backs in the NFL. McCaffrey’s combination of vision, patience, and explosiveness, coupled with the 49ers’ elite blocking schemes, could prove too much for Atlanta’s front seven. Additionally, San Francisco’s offensive creativity, which includes using wide receivers like Deebo Samuel in the run game, makes them even more difficult to defend.
4. Detroit Lions
The Lions boast an emerging rushing attack featuring David Montgomery and rookie sensation Jahmyr Gibbs. Montgomery is a physical, downhill runner who can wear down defenses over the course of a game, while Gibbs brings speed, agility, and the ability to catch passes out of the backfield. The duo’s complementary skill sets could spell trouble for the Falcons, who have had difficulty containing runners of different styles. If Atlanta can’t clean up their run defense, Detroit’s powerful offensive line and versatile backfield could have a field day.
With several teams boasting elite backfields on their schedule, the Falcons will need to shore up their run defense quickly. If not, their hopes of staying competitive this season could be dashed by opponents capitalizing on their most glaring weakness.