One of my favorite follows on Twitter @sharpfootball gave us some insight into what Arthur Smith does best and what makes his offense tick.
last 2 years, Arthur Smith vs Falcons:
early down play action rate
Smith: 46% (#1)
Falcons: 30% (#24)pre-snap motion, full game:
Smith: 56% (#3)
Falcons: 40% (#17)https://t.co/1ShnbbU645— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) January 15, 2021
Arthur Smith believes in MOTION
â–º he used play action on 46% of early down passes the last 2 years, the #1 highest rate in the NFL (avg = 32%).
â–º he used pre-snap motion on 62% of plays in quarters 1-3, the #2 highest rate in the NFL the last 2 years (Ravens #1, avg = 46%).
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) January 15, 2021
I wrote back in October about how Dirk Koetter’s refusal to use motion was a part of the reason why Atlanta’s offense was so bland. Warren Sharp is a big anti “have to run on first down” guy, and his praise of Smith’s creativity is a very big compliment.
The Falcons began improving their use of motion later in the season after Dan Quinn was fired, but it was far too late by then. It’s being reported that Arthur Smith is calling the plays, so hopefully Atlanta gets a heavy dose of creating mismatches & disguising the offensive gameplan — something the city hasn’t seen since Kyle Shanahan left.
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