Falcons Rushing Attack Stalls Since Early Season
Atlanta has averaged 88.5 rushing yards per game since its 2-2 start, down from 181 during that stretch.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Football
The Atlanta Falcons have averaged 88.5 rushing yards per game since a 2-2 start, after averaging 181 during that stretch, and have lost three of their last four games. The team faces the Cincinnati Bengals in NFL Week 9 in Madrid on Sunday.
Why it matters
Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees said opponents have stacked the box and limited explosive plays, forcing Atlanta to rely less on the run. The Falcons' rushing production is central to their offensive identity, and the slump comes as they prepare for a game overseas.
Atlanta averages 134.8 rushing yards per game for the season, ranking fourth in the NFL, but has managed just 2.8 yards per carry in a win over San Francisco and 3.5 in a shutout loss to Tampa Bay. Brian Robinson Jr. has been out two weeks with a hamstring injury, and his availability for Sunday is unresolved.
The players
Atlanta Falcons
An NFL franchise based in Atlanta that competes in the National Football Conference South division.
Cincinnati Bengals
An NFL franchise based in Cincinnati that competes in the American Football Conference North division.
Tommy Rees
The Falcons' offensive coordinator who has commented on how opponents have defended the team's run game.
Michael Penix Jr.
The Falcons' starting quarterback whose four interceptions in a November loss to Tampa Bay drew attention to the offense's struggles.
The details
The Falcons scored a season-high 45 points against New Orleans on Oct. 5, including five rushing touchdowns, but have totaled eight rushing touchdowns since Week 4. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. threw four interceptions in a loss to Tampa Bay on Nov. 1, as opponents have stacked the box to limit the run game.
Timeline
Oct. 5: Falcons score 45 points against the Saints.
Nov. 1: Penix throws four interceptions in a loss to the Buccaneers.
Sunday, 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time: Falcons face the Bengals in Madrid in NFL Week 9.
Season Trajectory
The Falcons' declining ground game follows the pattern of defenses stacking the box to force a pass-first offense, a league-wide adjustment that has reshaped how teams build their rushing plans. With three losses in four games, Atlanta's ability to rebound on the ground will weigh heavily on its position in the division race.
Fantasy managers with Falcons running backs should monitor Brian Robinson Jr.'s questionable status before Sunday's 9:30 a.m. Eastern kickoff. The Bengals allow 122.3 rushing yards per game, the 17th most in the NFL, which may give Atlanta's ground game a chance to rebound.
The takeaway
Atlanta's rushing numbers have dropped sharply as opponents have adjusted, so watch whether the Falcons can rebound against a Bengals defense that has allowed over 122 rushing yards per game. Robinson's health will be a key indicator heading into Sunday.
What happens next
The Falcons face the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time in NFL Week 9, where Brian Robinson Jr.'s availability will be a key factor.
Further reading
For more on the team's season, see Football coverage of Atlanta's offense.
