The Falcons are committing to using an outside-zone run scheme more extensively this season, after only dabbling in it the last three seasons since Kyle Shanahan left to coach the Niners, D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. The development encouraged Mack, who has thrived in the system before: "I think it's an emphasis of the whole offense to make sure that's something that we want to be really good at," Mack said. "So, in order to run the wide zone you have to have a full commitment of all of the guys on the field to make that work. It is a really powerful offense. It's something that we have a lot of experience with."

EDGE Analysis

The Falcons averaged only 85.1 rushing yards per game and 3.8 yards per carry last season, and much of that struggle could be attributed to offensive line issues last year, though DeVonta Freeman's various injuries did not help. This development should be an encouraging factor for Todd Gurley's potential production.