Some eyebrows were raised when the Atlanta Falcons released their inactive players ahead of the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. Running back Wayne Gallman was notably absent from the active roster, leaving the Falcons with only two backs to enter the tilt: Mike Davis and Cordarrelle Patterson.
Patterson, the offseason signing who would presumptively helm punt return duties, has never really been considered a running back previously in his career. His most work at the position came last season in Chicago where he logged 64 carries for 232 yards and a touchdown.
Despite his lack of usage at the position, he looked like Atlanta’s best player on the field – on either side of the ball – while he was on it.