Texans safety Jimmie Ward didn’t seem overly concerned about stopping the Falcons’ passing attack when asked about facing Atlanta’s offense on Thursday, and it’s hard to blame him.
Anyone who’s watched film of the Falcons this season can see they have a one-dimensional offense with a limited passing game. Quarterback Desmond Ridder hasn’t been able to get the ball to his playmakers with enough consistency.
The pass-blocking has been poor as well, but Ward thinks the Falcons are simply choosing not to utilize their weapons.
“They got wide receivers if they use ’em,” said Ward. “I don’t think they’re trying to pass the ball. They’re trying to out-physical teams and run the ball. So, we’re going to have a tough task — stopping them from running the ball.”
Watch Ward’s interview below, as shared by FOX-5 Atlanta’s Miles Garrett:
“I don’t think they’re trying to pass the ball.”
— Miles Garrett (@MilesGarrettTV) October 5, 2023
–#Texans safety Jimmie Ward on the #Falcons offense pic.twitter.com/zIeqhLWE06
The Falcons are slight favorites going into Week 5, but this won’t be an easy game by any stretch of the imagination. Even though the Texans are rebuilding, rookie QB C.J. Stroud is playing at a Pro Bowl level this season.
We’ll see if Atlanta puts together a more balanced performance on Sunday, or if it ends up being the Bijan Robinson solo show once again.