Falcons running back Todd Gurley‘s explosiveness may be in question after his surprising release from the Rams, but the former Georgia standout has been a touchdown machine during his professional career.
Over five seasons in the NFL, Gurley has rushed for 58 touchdowns and added another 12 receiving scores. He’s perhaps most effective in short-yardage situations, particularly in the red zone. Give him a small crease and it is pretty much guaranteed to be six points.
As pointed out by Pro Football Focus below, no other running back has had as many red-zone touches as Gurley over the past two seasons.
Most red-zone carries (RBs) since 2018:
➤ Todd Gurley – 120
➤ Christian McCaffrey – 102
➤ Ezekiel Elliott – 100
➤ Derrick Henry – 88 pic.twitter.com/y9fqECy8xf— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) July 14, 2020
Gurley has 18 more red-zone more touches than the next RB on this list, Christian McCaffrey, who has 102. Behind McCaffrey is Ezekiel Elliott (100 red-zone carries) and Derek Henry (88).
Atlanta needs Gurley to bring that red-zone threat back to Georgia as the team has been far too one-dimensional in recent years. That pass-heavy offense could actually benefit Gurley early on, as opposing defenses will be focused on slowing Julio Jones.
The Falcons’ offensive line will also need to play better collectively. While Jake Matthews and Alex Mack have been solid, the rest of the group is far less experienced. The team’s two first-round picks in 2019, Chris Lindstrom and Kaleb McGary, will have to play well in order for Atlanta to improve upon a rushing attack that averaged 85.1 yards per contest last season.
If Matt Ryan can get the offense to the red zone, though, Gurley has great chance of punching it in for six.
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