Atlanta Falcons Running Backs: What Fans in Atlanta Should Know

When people search for “RB Atlanta Falcons,” they usually want to know everything about the Atlanta Falcons’ running backs — who they are, how the team uses them, and what to expect if you’re following the team from right here in Atlanta.

This guide walks through how the Falcons typically use their running backs, key players to know, and how fans in Atlanta can experience the running game up close.

The Role of the Running Back in the Atlanta Falcons Offense

In Atlanta, the running back (RB) position has become a major part of how the Falcons try to control the game. Recent seasons have emphasized:

  • Versatile backs who can run, catch, and pass-protect
  • Zone and gap running schemes that take advantage of quick cuts
  • A focus on ball security and controlling clock and tempo

For Atlanta fans, that means the RB is often at the center of the offensive identity, especially with a strategy that leans on play-action, motion, and using different formations to get the ball to playmakers.

Key Running Backs on the Atlanta Falcons (Recent Era)

While the exact depth chart can change from season to season, Falcons fans in Atlanta are likely to see a blend of:

  • A feature back or primary ball-carrier
  • A complementary or power back
  • A third-down/pass-catching back
  • Depth and special teams contributors

Check the current season’s roster and depth chart right before or during the season to see which running backs are active and how the coaching staff is using them.

How the Falcons Use Their RBs on Offense

1. Rushing the Ball

Falcons running backs are used in a mix of:

  • Inside zone runs: Straight-ahead, downhill runs behind the guards and center
  • Outside zone / stretch plays: Designed to get the RB to the edge, then cut upfield
  • Power and counter plays: With pulling linemen creating lanes

For fans at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, you’ll often see the RB align behind the quarterback in shotgun or single-back sets, with plenty of motion before the snap to create misdirection.

2. Receiving Out of the Backfield

Modern Atlanta offenses put a strong emphasis on RBs as receivers, especially:

  • Swing passes and screens to slow down the pass rush
  • Check‑downs when deeper routes are covered
  • Angle and flat routes to create mismatches against linebackers

If you’re watching from the stands in Atlanta, keep an eye on the RB before the snap — when they motion out wide or into the slot, it’s often a sign the team wants to isolate them in coverage.

3. Pass Protection

Pass protection is a critical responsibility for Falcons running backs:

  • Picking up blitzing linebackers or defensive backs
  • Helping tackles against strong edge rushers
  • Adjusting protection calls based on defensive alignment

Atlanta fans often overlook this, but a running back who can block well often stays on the field more, especially in key third‑down situations.

Typical RB Depth Chart Roles for the Atlanta Falcons

Here’s a simple way to think about how the running back room is usually structured:

RB RoleWhat They Typically DoWhat Atlanta Fans Will Notice
Feature/Lead BackGets most carries, involved in passing gameOn the field early in drives and in key situations
Power/Short-Yardage RBUsed in red zone and on 3rd or 4th and shortOften comes in near the goal line or short-yardage plays
Third‑Down / Receiving RBBlocks, catches passes, helps on long-yardage downsAppears on obvious passing downs, screens, and check‑downs
Depth/Special Teams RBsBackup roles and special teams contributionsSeen on kick coverage/returns and in case of injuries

The exact names change, but these roles tend to stay consistent from year to year.

Watching Falcons Running Backs Live in Atlanta

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium Game Day Tips

Falcons fans in Atlanta have a major advantage: you can watch the RBs work live at one of the most modern stadiums in the country.

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
1 AMB Drive NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

A few tips if you’re focused on the running game:

  • 🏈 Arrive early for warmups – You can often watch RBs running drills like footwork ladders, cut drills, and catching passes.
  • Seats with a good angle on the backfield – Lower‑level sideline seats give the clearest view of run blocking and RB vision.
  • Pay attention to personnel packages – When you see multiple RBs on the field at once (or an RB split out wide), it usually signals creative usage.

Training Camp and Open Practices

The Falcons often hold training camp and some open practices that Atlanta-area fans can attend with free or low-cost access. These are prime chances to:

  • Watch position drills for running backs up close
  • See how coaches correct technique: footwork, ball security, and pass blocking
  • Get a feel for which RBs are rising on the depth chart

Details like dates, registration, and rules change each year, so Atlanta fans should check the team’s official communication channels for the latest training camp schedule and location.

Connecting With the Falcons as an Atlanta Resident

If you live in or near Atlanta and want to follow the team’s running backs more closely, you can:

  • Listen to local sports radio – Atlanta stations regularly break down RB performance, especially after games.
  • Attend fan events and community appearances – Falcons players, including RBs, sometimes appear at local schools, charity events, or team-organized meet‑and‑greets.
  • Visit team merchandise locations in Atlanta – Stores around the metro area often feature jerseys and gear for popular RBs.

Staying plugged into local conversation gives you a better sense of how the city views the current running back group — from breakout stars to under‑the‑radar contributors.

Fantasy Football and the Falcons RB Situation (From an Atlanta Perspective)

Many Atlanta residents follow the Falcons’ RBs not just as fans, but also for fantasy football purposes. When you’re local, you benefit from:

  • Hearing coach press conferences live or quickly through local channels
  • Picking up on injury hints or usage trends earlier than casual, out‑of‑market observers
  • Understanding how game plans might shift based on weather, travel, or opponent — something local coverage often explains in more detail

If you’re drafting or managing a fantasy team in Atlanta, pay close attention each week to:

  • How many snaps each RB is getting
  • Who’s used at the goal line
  • Which RB is trusted on third downs

Those clues, often repeated in local coverage, help predict future workloads.

Youth Football and RB Development in Atlanta

Atlanta has a strong football culture, and interest in the Falcons’ running backs often inspires kids to play the position.

Local families looking into youth football around Metro Atlanta can typically find:

  • Parks and Recreation leagues through city or county programs
  • Middle and high school teams in Atlanta Public Schools and surrounding districts
  • Private training or positional clinics that focus on RB skills like footwork, agility, and ball security

Parents should look for programs that emphasize:

  • Proper tackling and safety techniques
  • Well-rounded skill development, not just giving the ball to the fastest player
  • Good coaching and supervision

Many young players in the city look up to Falcons RBs as role models, so watching games together and discussing how the position works can be both fun and educational.

Practical Tips for Following Falcons RBs All Season in Atlanta

To stay up to date on the Atlanta Falcons running backs from inside the city:

  • Monitor depth chart changes weekly – Roles can shift after injuries or breakout performances.
  • Track red zone usage – Who’s getting the ball near the goal line matters a lot for impact plays.
  • Watch local postgame shows – Atlanta-based analysts often break down which RB executed, who missed blocks, and who might see more or fewer snaps.
  • Pay attention to weather and turf – Dome games at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium favor speed and quick cuts, which can affect how the RB rotation is used compared to outdoor road games.

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, understanding how the Falcons use their running backs adds a deeper layer to watching games, talking football around the city, and fully enjoying the local NFL experience.