I also agree with hitting Gordon short & relying on his YAC.

It will be a fun game to watch.

Mike

@winstonlegthigh said:

If they do throw deep to Gordon early, I hope its not one of hoyers heaving of a dead duck attempts. I love the guy, but his deep throws can be scary

Like Tour suggests, let Gordon get the YAC for those "big plays".

@mudfly said:

and running back and corner back......it's just weird, aint it?

Especially weird juxtaposed with our D-line situation...

@clevfan4life said:

I agree with getting Gordon off early.

Ummmm... care to rephrase that?

It's too good of a plan to fail.

Anyway, yes get him the ball, no don't force it in to double coverage just to get him the ball. End arounds, crossing routes, things where he won't get double teamed by the safety/corner back.

i guarantee you they won't do this unless the guy is wide open.

Run on first down, on second down play action with the sole purpose of getting Gordon the ball behind the corners.

or

First play just bomb it too Gordon and try and set the tone.

A huge play for Gordon to start the game will get the whole team pumped up especially the offense.

@lbc-mike said:

and running back and corner back......it's just weird, aint it?

@mudfly said:

Gabe explodes

You nailed it.

Defensively, Atlanta is 32nd against the pass.

I think they will double down on Gordon leaving Gabe and/or Hawk with a big day.

@mudfly said:

With Gordon back as #1, dont you think that Hawkins pretty much goes to the slot(the original plan) and, depending on set, it's either Gabe(speed) or Austin(height) on the opposite side?

And Hawkins certainly could have a big game as easily as Gabe or anyone else(just implying someone other than Josh might)...but Im thinking Gabe gets more outside reps, while Austin becomes 3rd down guy. .

I'm thinking this is pretty much how it will go, seems like the best plan. Keep the smaller faster shiftier receiver in for 1st 2nd down (hawk, Gabe). And keep your taller, possession receiver mostly for 3rd downs, (Austin).

That being said pettine and shanny seem to like changing looks frequently, so who really knows.

Basically establish that he's a threat, and then pound it on the ground and throw in some PAP smearing.

Pettine talked in his latest presser about the strength of our WR corps to this point being their "interchangeability" and that he expected that to continue.

@tour2ma said:

@bbedward said:

Having a double teamed WR is nice though.

Curious if we do any 4 WR looks :-P. ATLs secondary is weak we need to exploit it with all the speed we have at wide out.

With Gordon back as #1, dont you think that Hawkins pretty much goes to the slot(the original plan) and, depending on set, it's either Gabe(speed) or Austin(height) on the opposite side?

And Hawkins certainly could have a big game as easily as Gabe or anyone else(just implying someone other than Josh might)...but Im thinking Gabe gets more outside reps, while Austin becomes 3rd down guy. .

@mudfly said:

Hey, well probably run better too. They'll pull a safety for the double team.

Yep. It's a win-win having Gordon back. The whole team still needs to perform of course. Don't wanna say it'll be easy, but it sure helps when you have an elite WR out there.

@tour2ma said:

I was thinking Hawk since we don't go 3 WRs that much, but Gabe'll do...

+1

@tour2ma said:

Throwing to a "rusty", double teamed WR would not be my preference...

Having a double teamed WR is nice though.

Curious if we do any 4 WR looks :-P. ATLs secondary is weak we need to exploit it with all the speed we have at wide out.