While Gurley played 15 games last year and scored double-digit touchdowns for the fourth time in five seasons, he wasn't the same dominant force he had been in previous seasons. Part of the issue was a Rams offensive line that transitioned from being one of the best units in the league to one of the worst, but Gurley also did less with the opportunities he got as his problematic left knee seemed to take a toll on his explosiveness. Gurley averaged only 1.7 rushing yards after contact, a big step back from 2018 (2.4). His performance was so far below expectations the Rams decided to swallow a huge dead cap hit - $20.15 million, the second most in league history - and release him before he had even played a game under the extension he signed in 2018. He did not take long to find a new home, signing a one-year, $5.5 million contract with the Falcons. With Devonta Freeman gone, Gurley will step into the lead role in an Atlanta offense that struggled on the ground last year - Dirk Koetter's offense finished 30th in rushing yards, 26th in yards per carry and last in rushing percentage. A healthier offensive line stocked with first-round draft picks might help, but Gurley's production largely will depend on the condition of his balky knee. To help him stay healthy, the Falcons said they plan to manage his workload, making it unlikely he matches last season's 254 touches.