The Atlanta Falcons appear poised to run over their opponents this season with a dominant group of running backs. However, whether they can complement this strength with a robust passing game remains to be determined.
Over the past two seasons, the Falcons have encountered challenges in their receiver corps. In 2021, when Calvin Ridley took a break from football, the team had to rely on a thin group of receivers, primarily led by Russell Gage. In 2022, they heavily relied on rookie Drake London and Olamide Zaccheaus. The team's lack of receiver depth throughout both years significantly hampered their passing game.
To prevent encountering the same issue for a third consecutive year, the Falcons took steps to bolster their receiver unit during the offseason, which involved signing veteran Scotty Miller in free agency. Despite Miller's short time with the team, he has shown to be a promising addition, as coach Arthur Smith has been impressed with the receiver's speed during training camp.
"I mean, Scotty's got some experience. He's made some big plays, been in big games. He faced his share of adversity as a player. I like the speed element. Like that speed he's got is real," Smith said. "I like Scotty and what he's done. That's speed's real."
During his time with Tampa Bay, the 5-9, 174-pound Miller's blazing speed allowed him to thrive as a deep threat option for quarterback Tom Brady during the 2020 season, where he recorded 501 yards and three touchdowns. However, injuries limited him to just nine games during the 2021 season, and in 2022, his role diminished after the additions of Julio Jones and Gage.
As he embarks on a fresh opportunity with Atlanta, the Falcons' thin receiver depth will give Miller plenty of opportunities to get back to his 2020 form and once again become a contributor on an NFL team.
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