The Atlanta Falcons surprised fans and analysts alike with their unconventional offensive approach in Week 1 of the NFL season. While it's not uncommon for teams to experiment and make adjustments during the preseason, the Falcons' offensive game plan caught everyone off guard.

Throughout the game, the Falcons heavily relied on pistol and shotgun formations, deviating from their typical offensive schemes. This unexpected change led to speculation about the health of their 36-year-old quarterback, who is returning from a torn Achilles. Despite the team's insistence that the strategy had nothing to do with the quarterback's well-being, many remain skeptical.

In their 18-10 loss to their opponents, the Falcons made it a priority to limit the mobility of the opposing quarterback, Kirk Cousins. Coach Raheem Morris expressed confidence in Cousins' health, stating that he has been in good shape since joining the team. However, some analysts find it hard to believe that the Falcons' offensive strategy did not take into account Cousins' condition.

The Falcons' offensive struggles were further highlighted by their predictability. ESPN Stats and Info revealed that the team lined up in the pistol or shotgun formation in 48 out of 50 plays. With the pistol formation, the quarterback stands a few yards behind the center, with the running back behind him. This lack of variety made it easier for opposing teams to anticipate the Falcons' plays.

One troubling aspect of the Falcons' performance was their complete absence of play-action plays. They became the only NFL team that failed to utilize this key offensive strategy, according to Yahoo Sports' Nate Tice. The absence of play-action made it easier for opposing teams to defend against the run.

Although this unexpected offensive game plan may have caught fans off guard, it might not have been entirely unplanned. The Falcons' new offensive coordinator, Zac Robinson, previously worked with the Los Angeles Rams, who heavily utilized the pistol formation last season. This suggests that the Falcons intentionally held back their playing style during the preseason under their new coaching staff.

Moving forward, it remains uncertain how the Falcons will approach their offensive strategy in Week 2. There is speculation that they may return to their more traditional offense, or perhaps refine the pistol/shotgun approach. However, if Cousins' lackluster performance continues, questions may arise about the viability of their current quarterback situation.

The Falcons' upcoming game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night will undoubtedly attract scrutiny as analysts and fans eagerly await to see if any adjustments have been made. If the Falcons once again struggle offensively and leave with a 0-2 record, concerns about their quarterback's limitations and the effectiveness of their offensive strategy will surely escalate.