Why Falcons WR Drake London Benefits From Zac Robinson
The Atlanta Falcons will have a new-look coaching staff in 2024, and one of the largest beneficiaries of this change will be the offense.
The Falcons were previously led by an offensive-minded head coach in Arthur Smith, but his scheme and poor quarterback play proved to not be enough to keep Atlanta competitive down the stretch of his three seasons in office.
New head coach Raheem Morris has brought Zac Robinson from the Los Angeles Rams to be the offensive coordinator, so how will this move affect some of the playmakers on the Falcons roster? For third-year wideout Drake London, it should be a big boost.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) reacts after a catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
London was selected with the eighth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft from the USC Trojans, and while he's had solid stats during his first two professional seasons, he has not surpassed 1,000 yards in a given campaign, something he definitely has the potential to do.
A large part of the modern football offense is getting the ball in the hands of your playmakers. That may be an over-simplification, but that's what it boils down to: finding unique ways to get key players the ball and keeping the defense on its toes.
While he was the quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator in L.A., Robinson had a knack for doing just that. Alongside some veteran targets like Cooper Kupp and Tyler Higbee, the Rams' passing attack revolved around two young names in 2023: rookie Puka Nacua and third-year wideout Tutu Atwell.
Nacua, in fact, broke rookie records this season and led the Rams in receiving yardage (1,486) and touchdowns (6). He and London are not the same wide receiver, but the point is that if a young talent is waiting to break out, Robinson can make it happen, and he will have that luxury in Atlanta this fall.
If the Falcons can just figure out their quarterback situation, London is the prime candidate for a player who could improve the most under a new offensive scheme in 2024.
