There’s a lot to talk about this Monday morning following a pitiful showing for the Falcons yesterday afternoon, and this piece is about wonder boy Zac Robinson falling flat on his face in his offensive coordinator debut.
When the Falcons initially hired Raheem Morris, my first question was who he’d be bringing on as the offensive coordinator. Some speculated that it would be the hottest name of the hiring cycle — Zac Robinson. Morris and he had spent time in Los Angeles on the Rams staff, but it was clear that every club with an opening would be vying for his services.
Very quickly we learned that Robinson would indeed follow Morris to Atlanta. The Falcons had another member of the Kyle Shanahan/Sean McVay coaching tree, and expectations were sky-high. It couldn’t have gone worse in his debut.
The first showing of Robinson’s offense in Atlanta was absolutely brutal. There were expected growing pains with a new system, new quarterback, and first-time play caller, but I don’t think anyone could’ve predicted just how poorly it went.
The Falcons offense finished the day with 226 yards to go along with three turnovers and only 2-of-9 on third downs. Kirk Cousins’ debut went terribly as well. The veteran went 16-of-26 for 155 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
Even worse, the Falcons offense only got three first downs and 51 net yards in the second half. Cousins went 3-of-8 for 19 yards and an interception while taking two sacks for a loss of 18 yards.
Interesting note from @ESPNStatsInfo:
The Falcons were in pistol or shotgun on 96% of their snaps today.
Of the 22 snaps out of shotgun, the Falcons had 0 designed runs.
Of the 26 snaps out of pistol, the Falcons ran the ball on 81% of their plays.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 9, 2024
That is the exact opposite kind of game plan that the Falcons thought they were getting with Zac Robinson. Much of McVay and Shanahan’s offenses are under center with play action; none of those elements were present in Atlanta on Sunday.
The Falcons couldn’t block the Steelers in any pass sets. T.J. Watt, who is very clearly one of the best players in football, seemingly had one-on-ones with Kaleb McGary. Not having a plan for Watt is asinine. And somehow, Drake London only had three targets. There’s more to criticize than I can even wrap my head around, including Cousins.
I’m not sure if it’s Robinson protecting Kirk Cousins, who is clearly still dealing with his Achilles recovery, or if that’s more of his style of calling pistol and shotgun formations. I don’t know, but the Falcons have a lot to clean up before their Monday Night Football date with the Eagles.
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