Why the Atlanta Falcons will be in the top 10 in 2024

The Atlanta Falcons offense was ineffective and difficult to guard last season. With a ranking of 26th in the league in terms of points scored, it is clear that the team needs to step up their game in 2024.

Fortunately, the Falcons have taken the necessary steps to address their offensive issues, starting with the departure of former head coach Arthur Smith. This change heralds a new era for the Falcons offense, one that should bring significant improvements and a more competitive team in the upcoming season, instilling a sense of reassurance and confidence in the hearts of Falcons fans.

Smith has dictated the offense over the past three seasons and his reluctance to use Bijan Robinson in the running game and play designs that limited the very talented tight end Kyle Pitts to a run blocker – have prepared the Falcons for the ‘failure.

Not to mention the quarterback’s performance was lackluster. In 2023, the most touchdowns thrown in a game by a Falcons starting quarterback was two. In the NFL, which is full of passes, this is not up to par.

However, the offense is loaded with talent at the skill positions, and in 2024 they will undoubtedly run wild, generating excitement and intrigue about the team’s offensive potential.

With the arrival of Kirk Cousins, a significant change is on the horizon for the Falcons offense. But the influence of the new player, former Los Angeles Rams passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach Zac Robinson, could change things even more.

Given his experience under Rams head coach Sean McVay, Robinson’s offense in Atlanta should feature a balanced approach to pass/run games. Robinson’s strategic use of playmakers portends a bright future for the Falcons offense in 2024 as well.

Like the Rams’ talented skill group, the Falcons have a wealth of talent at RB, TE and WR, enough to keep opposing defenses on their toes. This new coaching staff brings a fresh perspective and wealth of experience, fueling hope and optimism in the hearts of Falcons fans.

Zac Robinson’s offense will likely have a multitude of different running concepts to get runners into the open field and into the second level of opposing defenses. LA Rams RB Kyren Williams went from a 150-yard rusher in his rookie season to a 1,100-yard rusher with 12 total touchdowns during the season – enough for him to earn his first nod career Pro Bowl lead.

Robinson should be able to borrow the concepts that made Williams successful last season and bring them to Atlanta.

Watch the play design above: The pre-snap move sends star rookie receiver Puka Naccua into the backfield, then he’s used as the lead blocker for Kyren Williams’ touchdown. This type of play design is the exact caliber of ingenuity that the Falcons offense is lacking.

I’m not taking anything away from Williams, but Bijan Robinson is a workhorse type back with all the talent to succeed as both a rusher and receiver. With new Atlanta head coach Raheem Morris’ significant desire to get his star rushing into the football, Robinson is destined for big things this upcoming season – as is one of his other teammates “forgotten”.

The former Florida Gators star was a top-five pick by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2021 NFL Draft. After a stellar 1,000+ yard rookie season with Matt Ryan leading the franchise in 2021, Pitts’ production has been lost within Arthur Smith’s offense over the past two seasons. Pitts was often relegated to line formations and blocking.

With talent and speed at the wide receiver position, the 6-6 weapon in the middle should be able to carve out a nice niche for himself. With a veteran as capable as Cousins, the Falcons tight end will no doubt be anchored in the number of passes he throws down the stretch. He can be an effective security blanket and one of the most explosive tight ends in the league thanks to his gifted athleticism.

While Pitts will thrive, other players on the Falcons offense will have plenty of roles as well.

Robinson’s presence should also mean plenty of opportunities for offensive role players. Receivers like Demarcus Robinson and Tutu Atwell were non-starters for Los Angeles in 2023, and the duo accounted for seven touchdowns during the season.

For the Falcons, veterans such as Darnell Mooney and standout OTA receiver Casey Washington will have the opportunity to flourish in their new roles.

Overall, the team will have a very different offense this season. Most importantly, the Falcons offense has the talent to thrive and potentially succeed more than many think thanks to the very talented trio of Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts.

For the rest of the NFL, the “Greatest Show on Turf” this season could take place at Mercedes-Bendz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.