The Seattle Seahawks and Atlanta Falcons know each other about as well as possible for two teams that play in different divisions. Falcons head coach Dan Quinn was hired in 2015 after serving the previous two years as Seahawks defensive coordinator under Pete Carroll.
Atlanta lost to Seattle in 2019, but the two teams have split their four meetings since 2016 — with the Falcons beating the Seahawks in their 2016 playoff matchup. Talking with reporters on Wednesday, Carroll gave some thoughts on the Falcons’ offseason additions, including free-agent running back Todd Gurley.
During his five seasons with the Rams, Gurley played Seattle twice a year. Carroll raved about Atlanta’s new running back, calling Gurley “an incredible performer,” as shared by ESPN’s Vaughn McClure below.
Pete Carroll on Todd Gurley: "He's been an incredible performer. He's been a dominant factor in the Rams organization for years. His overall impact — running game, passing game, blocking — he can do everything. Fantastic competitor, too.''
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) September 9, 2020
Pete Carroll on Todd Gurley with Falcons: "They've got to feel fortunate to have him on the club."
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) September 9, 2020
Quinn has been impressed with his new running back as well. After the team’s first scrimmage, Quinn said Gurley’s speed was noticeable — which is great news for a player that was cut due to health concerns — per beat reporter William McFadden’s Tweet.
Dan Quinn says Todd Gurley's speed was apparent during Friday's scrimmage. Noted that he outran leverage on one play to get to the corner.
— William McFadden (@willmcfadden) August 31, 2020
It’s not just Gurley’s speed that has his coaches talking, though. Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter said he plans to utilize Gurley’s ability as a pass-catcher. Watch the video of Koetter below, as shared by Vaughn McClure.
Dirk Koetter talks Todd Gurley’s possible role in the passing game. Falcons targeted top three backs 98 times last year with 80 catches. Checks downs, screens. pic.twitter.com/3KHMYzAiI8
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) September 7, 2020
Atlanta will look to improve on last season’s abysmal 85.1 rushing yards per game average with Gurley leading the way in 2020.
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