Tyler Allgeier shines as Falcons’ hidden gem
Tyler Allgeier, the Atlanta Falcons’ running back, often plays in the shadow of his more heralded teammate, Bijan Robinson. Serving as the team’s second-string back, Allgeier’s contributions frequently go unnoticed. However, following the Falcons’ recent victory over the Arizona Cardinals, his talent has received some well-deserved recognition from none other than quarterback Kirk Cousins. “On plenty of teams I’ve been on, he’d be the number one back,” Cousins remarked, underscoring Allgeier’s potential and skill set.
A Rising Star in a Talented Backfield
Allgeier’s journey began when he was selected by the Falcons in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft after a standout career at BYU. In his rookie season, he took on a starting role, accumulating an impressive 1,035 rushing yards at nearly five yards per carry, along with three touchdowns. Remarkably, he has achieved more seasons with 1,000 rushing yards than established stars like Alvin Kamara, a statistic that speaks volumes about his capability when given the chance to lead the backfield.
Consistent Contributions Acknowledged
Despite sharing the spotlight with Robinson, Allgeier’s impact has not gone unnoticed within the Falcons’ organization. Offensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich highlighted Allgeier’s crucial role in the offense after the recent game. “He gets forgotten sometimes, but then he has a game like that where he has an impact, finishing runs. He’s so strong at the point of attack,” Ulbrich said, praising Allgeier’s vision and strength as a runner. In the game against Arizona, Allgeier showcased his skills with 16 carries for 79 yards, averaging 4.9 yards per carry.
Emerging as a Key Playmaker
This season, Allgeier has stepped up as Atlanta’s go-to closer and primary end zone finisher. With a career-high eight touchdowns, he has doubled his previous record of four, tying for the 11th most rushing touchdowns in the NFL. Notably, he leads all Falcons players in total touchdowns for the season, further solidifying his role as a critical component of the team’s success.
Acknowledgment from Coaches and Peers
Head coach Raheem Morris has affectionately dubbed Allgeier as the franchise’s “least-talked-about superstar.” Morris expressed admiration for Allgeier’s resilience and toughness, saying, “Wherever you put him, whatever you ask him to do, he’s able to go out there and have that resiliency and that toughness that is able to just play the game, play the play, whatever it is.” This praise reflects the respect Allgeier commands from his coaches and teammates alike.
A Unique Dynamic in the Backfield
Bijan Robinson has consistently emphasized that there’s no clear hierarchy in Atlanta’s backfield, referring to it as a 1A and 1B situation. While Robinson’s star power garners headlines, Allgeier’s steady production and reliability are crucial to the Falcons’ offensive strategy. As Cousins aptly noted, Allgeier would likely be a starter on many teams across the league, highlighting the depth of talent present in Atlanta’s backfield.
In a league where standout performances often overshadow steady contributions, Tyler Allgeier remains a vital yet underestimated force for the Falcons, exemplifying the heart and determination that define a true team player.
