Gameplan: How the Denver Broncos can beat the Atlanta Falcons

Denver Broncos offensive gameplan vs. Atlanta Falcons defense

The Atlanta Falcons defense will provide the Broncos gameplan with a surprise challenge against the run. The Falcons rank 8th against the run according to DVOA per Football Outsiders. This is surprising considering the team’s lack of notable players on defense.

Headed up by All-Pro defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and linebacker Deion Jones, the Falcons have some surprising playmakers in the middle of the defense.

To get the ball moving, we could assume the Broncos should focus on exploiting the Falcons’ floundering pass defense.

Though matchups will favor the Broncos outside, offensive play-caller Pat Shurmur will benefit from getting Phillip Lindsay in a rhythm early.

Lindsay has been extremely successful getting behind his guards Dalton Risner and Austin Schlottman (normally Graham Glasgow) and finding lanes to the perimeter.

This week, look for the Broncos to attack the Falcons on the edge of their defense to minimize Jarrett’s impact in the middle.

The Falcons will be limited on the edge of their defensive front as Dante Fowler will miss the game this week.

Utilizing power runs off tackle, the Broncos have consistently been able to get Lindsay and running back Melvin Gordon attacking the edges.

Once the running game has been established, the Broncos can utilize various combo routes designed to put pressure on the young secondary of the Falcons.

Since taking over the team, interim head coach Raheem Morris has dialed up the blitz more often, so the run game can help slow down those pressure looks and provide Lock with a clearer look at what the Falcons will show.

The Broncos made light work of the Los Angeles Chargers’ defense last week with runoff routes with drag and dig routes underneath. These plays were picking up first down after first down for the Broncos offense leading to three 4th quarter touchdown drives.

One route combo the Broncos used, which will definitely put pressure on young players such as rookie Falcons corner A.J. Terrell, is a level concept.

The Broncos would stack three receivers to one side of the field and utilize various combinations to put defenders in a conflict.

For example, in the fourth quarter against the Chargers, Drew Lock hit Jerry Jeudy for a 43-yard gain. What occurred was the two receivers to the inside helped clear space inside by making defenders commit to them moving away from Jeudy.

The slot receiver breaks in front of the linebackers to make them commit while the secondary receiver runs deep to occupy the safety. Jeudy leverages the corner outside and breaks to the middle of the field.

Throws like this happen when the pass-rush is neutralized by a run game keeping the other team honest and time for the quarterback.

I expect the Broncos to use concepts like this again and again on Sunday to help keep putting up points.