Atlanta Falcons: 5 Things Learned From Week 2
By John Buhler
Sep 20, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver
Leonard Hankerson(85) celebrates his touchdown during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Falcons defeated the Giants 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Leonard Hankerson is a Number Two Wide Receiver
During yesterday’s telecast on Fox, John Lynch mentioned that Leonard Hankerson is no longer a tertiary receiver in the NFL. Lynch views Hank as the 2b wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons, behind Julio Jones and in the same discussion as the veteran WR Roddy White.
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Hankerson has tremendous familiarity with OC Kyle Shanahan’s offense from their time together in Washington (2011-13). Hank had 6 catches for 77 yards today and his first touchdown with the Atlanta Falcons. That TD helped the Falcons get back in the game to make it only a three-point deficit to the Giants with his 4th quarter score.
Hank has 8 catches for 97 yards this season. With Roddy White only getting one target this afternoon, it has become clear that Matt Ryan doesn’t have to rely strictly on Roddy in the passing game as his number two option behind Julio Jones.
Leonard and the TEs combined for 10 catches and 154 yards through the air for Matt Ryan. While Ryan will still look to Jones as his primary target, Leonard Hankerson is becoming a playmaker for Matty Ice as a strong second option in the Falcons passing attack.
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