Raiders defense sets sights on Kirk Cousins, Falcons’ explosive rushing attack

What makes the Falcons so difficult to defend is their prowess for running the ball.

It starts up front with exceptional interior offensive linemen led by two-time Pro Bowler Chris Lindstrom. Behind the formidable offensive line is a exceptional running back tandem in Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, a duo with a variety of skills that allow them to coexist. They’ve combined for 1,485 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns this season.

According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Robinson has gained +83 rushing yards over expected on designed runs this season (14th-most in NFL) and Allgeier has generated +73 (16th-most), making the Falcons one of only two teams with multiple running backs exceeding +70.

“It’s definitely a challenge,” Graham said. “You start with, I mean, the speed and the combination of size, and I know they’re different, but there’s definitely a size element to both of them. There’s definitely a speed element, one more than the other. But again, they do such a good job with their scheme in terms of that stretch run game, in terms of the outside zone. Those guys, they’re finding holes, they’re well coached, but the challenge is just trying to get them on the ground. But it starts with dealing with the offensive line because they’re playing well together right now as you look at it.”