Falcons' Offensive Strategy: Morris On Cousins And Penix Jr.

David

3 min read

Post on Jun 12, 2025

4.1

Share

Falcons' Offensive Strategy: Arthur Smith on Cousins and Penix Jr. – A New Era in Atlanta?

The Atlanta Falcons are entering a pivotal season, and much of the team's success hinges on the performance of their offense. Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith has a reputation for building powerful ground games, but with a new-look quarterback room featuring veteran Kirk Cousins and young rising star Desmond Ridder, how will the Falcons' offensive strategy evolve? Smith recently shed light on his plans for both quarterbacks, revealing insights into his offensive philosophy for the upcoming season.

Cousins: A Veteran Presence and Play-Action Mastery

The acquisition of Kirk Cousins represents a significant shift in Atlanta's approach. Cousins, known for his strong arm and accurate passing, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the quarterback position. Smith highlighted Cousins' proficiency in play-action passing, a key component of his offensive scheme. "Kirk's experience and understanding of play-action are invaluable," Smith stated in a recent press conference. "He reads defenses exceptionally well, and that allows us to create explosive plays downfield." This suggests a more balanced attack, leveraging Cousins' arm talent to complement the Falcons' established running game. Expect to see plenty of play-action passes designed to exploit mismatches and keep defenses guessing.

Penix Jr.: The Future and a Dynamic Skill Set

While Cousins provides immediate stability, the Falcons also have high hopes for Desmond Ridder, who showcased flashes of brilliance in his rookie season. Smith emphasized Ridder's unique skillset, highlighting his mobility and ability to extend plays. "Desmond's athleticism is a significant asset," Smith explained. "He can extend plays with his legs, create opportunities when things break down, and make throws on the run. We'll tailor aspects of the offense to leverage his dynamic abilities." This suggests that Ridder might see more designed rollouts and read-option plays, allowing him to showcase his athleticism and keep defenses honest. His development will be a key storyline to follow throughout the season.

The Running Game Remains Paramount

Despite the additions at quarterback, Smith reiterated the importance of the running game. "The run game remains the foundation of our offense," he declared. This is no surprise, given Smith's track record of building successful run-heavy attacks. Expect Bijan Robinson, the Falcons' highly touted first-round draft pick, to be a focal point of the offense. A strong running game will not only control the clock but also set up play-action passes for both Cousins and Ridder.

A Balanced Approach for Success

The Falcons' offensive strategy in 2023 appears to be a balanced approach, combining a potent running game with a versatile passing attack tailored to the strengths of both Cousins and Ridder. This strategic flexibility, coupled with the team's overall talent, positions the Falcons for a potentially successful season.

Looking Ahead: The success of this dual-quarterback approach will depend on several factors, including the offensive line's performance, the development of young receivers, and the overall effectiveness of the play-calling. The upcoming season promises exciting games and will be a crucial test of Smith's offensive prowess and his ability to adapt his strategies to the strengths of his quarterbacks. Keep an eye on how the Falcons' offense develops – it could be a game-changer.