In 2017, before coming to the Atlanta Falcons, then-Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley recorded a league-high 2,093 yards from scrimmage and 19 touchdowns. The next season, the former top-10 pick dominated once again with 1,831 yards and 21 TDs in only 14 games.
However, a knee injury would end Gurley's 2018 season early and would heavily hinder his potential this past season. After a disappointing 2019 season, Gurley has seen his stock fall. That stock fell so far that the Rams were willing to let go of their franchise star. Enter the Falcons.
This offseason, the Falcons took a chance on the talented yet often-injured star by signing him to a one year, $6 million contract.
In a video posted by the Falcons official Twitter account, second-year offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter spoke on the potential of the 2020 Atlanta offense and how Gurley's injury history will effect him in Atlanta.
Well, nobody knows the answer to the juice left in the tank question. Nobody knows that,” Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter told the team website Tuesday. “He’s 25 years old and just from talking to him, for a guy who’s accomplished what he’s accomplished, you love his approach. You love his attitude. I mean, he’s excited to play. He’s excited to come back and play in front of these fans in Georgia.
Koetter, who is with his second stint with the Falcons, will have a lot of talent to work with in 2020. Other than Gurley, Atlanta will have stars like Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley and Jake Matthews.
“When healthy, you could argue he’s the best back in the game. Yeah, he’s had down years as far as the number of touches the last couple of years, but none of us really know — if you’re not there, if you’re not on the inside, you don’t really know all the ins and outs of that. Todd is telling us that he’s good to go and that he’s healthy. When you watch his tape from last year, he looks as good as ever. The question will just be: How often can he do? How consistently can he do it?”
Last season, Gurley put up 857 rushing yards and 12 TDs on the ground on 3.8 yards per carry while also adding 207 yards and two additional touchdowns as a receiver for Los Angeles. Now he will try to lift the Falcons.
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