According to Tony Gonzalez, the Atlanta Falcons will have the perfect offense this season. With two Pro Bowl wide receivers, a future Hall of Fame tight end and a quarterback worth over $100 million, the Falcons could have one of the most explosive units in the league. However, those plans could be altered after wide receiver Roddy White went down with an ankle injury in the team's second preseason game. In his absence, running back Steven Jackson shined, but the offense still has issues.
There is no exact diagnosis on White's ankle. He left the game in the first quarter and did not return. White did not record a reception during his time on the field. Head coach Mike Smith has not talked in depth with the receiver since the injury, but said he made the decision to not let White back into the game. In his absence, Jackson shined.
Jackson is proving age is simply a number as he continues to be the center piece of the Falcons' run game. The nine-year veteran has only shown flashes of what he is truly capable of, but those are enough to get people excited. Jackson recorded 42 yards of eight carries on Thursday night, adding to the 170 total rushing yards, doubling their total from last week.
"Having success (Thursday night) is great for our confidence," Jackson said via the team website. "We feel we have the potential to run the ball well every week. The key is to keep getting better. Every preseason game presents a different challenge and a chance to improve. After (Thursday), we can work on what we need to."
Jackson was effective in both running the ball and catching it out of the backfield. Smith was impressed with the veteran who continues to find holes to squeeze through. Smith believes that once the offensive line is fully functioning, Jackson will only get better.
Offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter believes that the offensive line will improve before the season begins. After losing several veterans and a potential starter to injury, the line has some work to do before Week 1. Koetter believes the team still has plenty of time to settle in on who are the true starters on the line.
"We have a lot of good players on offense," Koetter said via the Atlanta Journal Constitution. "When we get everybody firing on the same cylinders, we're going to be tough to beat."
The offensive playmakers can only do so much if the offensive line is not fully functioning. Koetter plans on making all necessary adjustments, insisting the team will be ready when facing the New Orleans Saints.
