Texans safety analyzes one-dimensional Falcons offense ahead of Week 5 matchup

The former first-round pick softened the blow by complimenting Falcons rookie running back Bijan Robinson while pointing out that Atlanta's "ground and pound" strategy worked against his San Francisco 49ers last season. However, his honesty about head coach Arthur Smith's one-dimensional offense speaks volumes.

The Falcons offense has been a subject of criticism in recent seasons, particularly since they chose tight end Kyle Pitts and wide receiver Drake London as top-10 overall selections in the 2021 and 2022 drafts, respectively.

Despite having Pitts (essentially another wideout on the field) and London, Atlanta's offensive play-calling has been perhaps overcommitted to the ground game. With the Falcons' habit of constantly leaning on its rushing attack, Ridder has been a target of criticism and recently found himself in trade rumors.

Atlanta fans and fantasy football players alike have been especially frustrated by Pitts' lack of usage, specifically in the red zone.

The former No. 4 pick made the Pro Bowl as a rookie with 68 receptions and 1,026 yards but just one touchdown in 17 contests. Pitts missed seven games last season due to injury, when he registered only 28 catches for 356 and two scores.

He has just 11 receptions for 121 yards on 21 targets with no touchdowns through four contests this fall and has been floated as a trade target for the Dallas Cowboys.

After being taken with the eighth overall selection in 2022, London finished his rookie campaign with team highs in targets (117), receptions (72) and receiving yards (866), while tying for first with four touchdown catches. The 22-year-old leads the squad with two touchdown receptions this season and is tied with Robinson for most targets (22), but is third in receiving yards (126) and tied with Pitts for third in catches with only 11.

Ridder took over as the Falcons starting signal-caller in Week 15 last season and finished 73-for-115 (63.5 completion percentage) with 708 passing yards and no interceptions over four games, good for an 86.4 quarterback rating. Like last season, the 2022 third-round pick has gone 2-2 in four starts this fall and completed 74 of his 119 passes (62.2 percent) for 744 passing yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions for a 77.9 quarterback rating.