The Atlanta falcons are entering 2015 with a new-look offense from years past. With Kyle Shanahan in at offensive coordinator, the unit will focus more on running than passing. The Falcons have struggled in the run game since the departure of Michael Turner, but with fresh legs in Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman now on the field, the ground game should see a jump in numbers. While that has the running backs excited, the wide receivers are adjusting to fewer passes and smaller numbers.
According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, everyone is on board with the new plan for the offense. Shanahan leans on a zone-blocking scheme that will highlight Freeman and Coleman. White told the media that he does not expect to see the ball in the air 30 times a game despite the Falcons having a top receiving corps.
"I just don't think we're going to go out there and throw it 30, 40 times a game like we did in the past," said White, via The Atlanta Journal Constitution. "I'm not saying that we didn't like that, but it's going to be different. We have to get back to our old (style) where we run the football. Play-action passes and convert on third downs. I've never concerned myself about that. When we had Mike Mularkey (as offensive coordinator), we ran the ball and we found ways to get me the ball. I never worry about passes or things like that. My opportunities are going to come. I just have got to hold onto the ball and make my plays when I have to make them."
The Falcons will still throw plenty during games. With Matt Ryan under center and Julio Jones running alongside White, the passing game is still a big strength. The Falcons drafted Justin Hardy to take over for Harry Douglas while Eric Weems got re-signed in the offseason. They will all see plenty of action. One person concerned with their place on the team is Devin Hester. The return man saw more action as a wide receiver last than ever before in his career with the Chicago Bears. Hester put up 504 yards on 38 catches. However, with a new coordinator in place he is not sure what his role will be moving forward.
"It's still up in the air right now," Hester said, via ESPN. "We're just figuring out the offense, figuring out who fits best in what positions and what routes we're running. We're all fresh right now in the new offense, so we're trying to figure out who can run the best routes. Toward mid-training camp, you'll be able to tell."
Hester proved that he can be more than a special teams player for the Falcons. His dynamic abilities allowed the Falcons to open up the passing offense more in 2014 which will likely continue to be the case in 2015.
