Falcons head coach Raheem Morris finally acknowledged what anyone who watches the team has already known for weeks. Ito Smith, not Todd Gurley, is Atlanta’s starting running back.
Despite Gurley’s impressive resume, his effectiveness this season no longer warrants the starting job. The former Georgia star has nine touchdowns but just 60 total rushing yards over his previous four games.
Per Falcons beat reporter Kelsey Conway, Morris has named Smith the team’s lead back, while saying Gurley’s role has changed.
Raheem Morris says Todd Gurley’s role has changed. Morris said Ito Smith is the lead runner right now. #Falcons
— Kelsey Conway (@FalconsKelsey) December 21, 2020
During Week 15, Gurley was given just one carry, which resulted in a one-yard loss. Over the last eight games, Gurley has averaged less than 3.5 yards per carry, and under three yards per attempt in six of those eight games.
Meanwhile, Smith has been Atlanta’s lead back, even if the team hasn’t wanted to admit it. After rarely being used over the first half of 2020, Smith has led the team in rushing yards and attempts for the past four games.
Smith has been more effective, but he hasn’t fixed the Falcons’ ground attack by any means. This season, he’s rushed for 213 yards on 4.3 yards per carry. Smith will have the final two games of the year to audition for a bigger role in 2021.
