Another Sean McVay disciple gets a crack at OC. Will the talent actually get utilized in Atlanta with new OC Zac Robinson? One of the biggest changes coming to the offense is 3 WRs on the field in bunch formations, close to the line of scrimmage. Atlanta ran the fewest 3-WR sets across the NFL last year.
They will be a lot more dependent on their WRs blocking in the run game, but we should also expect a lot more free releases for those receivers – which is going to benefit Drake London in a huge way. A staple route combination for Rams WRs in 2023 was a dig route from the outside receiver combined with either a sail or dagger from the slot. Pay attention to which slot receiver they bring in… unless that’s Kyle Pitts’ role!
On the outside, it makes sense that Puka’s most common route was the dig, and he was very successful at it. How does this connect to the Falcons offense under Zac Robinson? Well, consider that Drake London happens to also have a high success rate on dig routes. Puka’s three most common routes (dig, slant, curl) are all routes London has a high success rate with.
As far as the run game goes under Robinson, it’s anyone’s guess as to whether the Falcons will run gap or a zone run scheme. McVay is known for his success with outside/wide zone, but he pivoted to a gap scheme this season with great success, primarily with duo concepts. Kyren Williams was #1 in duo success rate among all RBs in 2023.
Meanwhile in Atlanta, the Falcons were primarily a zone run scheme last year. Bijan had the highest attempts of outside zone of any RB last season, which resulted in the 2nd most yards when running that concept. He was also zone-heavy at Texas, too, so he as some familiarity there.
The Falcons are in position to grab a QB in the first round given their draft position (8th overall as things stand today). Picking the right one will be key if they decide to go with a rookie, but a free agent like Kirk Cousins could also be in the works… which wouldn’t be a bad thing at all.
Regardless, McVay’s offenses have historically revolved tightly around his key guys like Todd Gurley, Kyren Williams, Cooper Kupp, and Puka Nacua. Let’s hope for a tight distribution between London, Bijan, and Pitts with another coach off the McVay tree landing in Atlanta in Robinson. Plus, new HC Raheem Morris has already shouted out Bijan and London as playmakers (hello Arthur Smith). Is this a step in the right direction for Atlanta?
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