The Falcons are implementing the “Pistol” attack into their offensive scheme, offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Thursday.
“I would be willing to bet that almost every team in the NFL does,” Koetter said. “The benefits of it have been proven.”
The Pistol formation is a hybrid between the shot gun and a single-back formation, with the running back directly behind the quarterback, who is four yards behind the center instead of seven yards in the traditional shot gun.
The Falcons promised to scrutinized their entire operation this offseason while trying to rebound from a 4-12 season. They believe the Pistol can help the rushing attack, which ranked 29th in the league last season.
“It’s a little more advantageous for the runner when he’s behind the quarterback and he doesn’t have to come across the center for shotgun runs,” Koetter said. “As much as teams are in the gun, it gives you some advantages in the run and it affects the play-action game. We have a lot of different packages and that is one that we are working on right now.”
Ryan will not be required to the run the ball out of the Falcons’ pistol attack.
“When I think of pistol, I think of three things,” Koetter said. “I think Colin Kaepernick, Cam Newton and Matt Ryan. Those are three different styles of pistols.”
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