Falcons announce 2010s All-Decade offense, and it’s predictably great

The Falcons have been rolling through the decade that was recently, giving us occasion to remember the high points of the years from 2010-2019. The team actually gave us plenty of those high points, all things considered, but there’s little doubt that a lot more of them came because of things the offense was doing than what the defense was up to.

That’s why I was looking forward to the 2010 All-Decade offense for the Falcons, and yesterday, the team unveiled the results of a survey sent out to writers, former players, and others. Shockingly, it’s a good unit.

Click and read the full story here for some especially interesting statistical rankings over the past decade—the Falcons really did fritter away one of the best offenses in the NFL for years—but here’s the full offense since I imagine you’re chomping at the bit.

QB: Matt Ryan
RB: Michael Turner
FB: Patrick DiMarco
WR: Julio Jones
WR: Roddy White
TE: Tony Gonzalez
T: Jake Matthews
T: Tyson Clabo
G: Justin Blalock
G: Andy Levitre
C: Alex Mack
FLEX: Devonta Freeman

Again, in the interest of full disclosure, Jeanna Kelly and I voted on these. As was the case with the defense, most of these were easy choices. Unlike with the defense, what emerges here isn’t just the best possible configuration of a flawed unit with some talent, but a really kickass offense.

The most controversial spot is probably running back. Michael Turner was an absolute beast, but his very best years were probably 2008 and 2009, which don’t count for this. Devonta Freeman produced more on the ground and a lot more through the air than Burner this past decade, and thus probably should have been the choice for running back. He’s absolutely the logical choice as the FLEX here with Turner beating him out.

I think you can make a strong case for Ryan Schraeder over Tyson Clabo at one of the tackle spots, as well, and Ovie Mughelli at least has to be considered along with DiMarco. The only relatively weak spots on this team even with those minor controversies would be guard, where Levitre was very good for a short time. It goes without saying that this, potentially the very best version of the Falcons offense from 2010-2019, would be an absolute steamroller on the field regardless.

What do you think of this team, and what would you have changed?