Falcons' Zac Robinson Promises 'Touches' for Top Playmakers

After the Atlanta Falcons offense under Arthur Smith was criticized last season for not keeping their playmakers involved, new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson is promising not to make the same mistake.

A big criticism of the Atlanta Falcons offense under Arthur Smith this past season was the inability to consistently get his biggest playmakers involved. Especially in the red zone, where the limited touches of former first-round picks like Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts were heavily criticized.

However, now under new coach Raheem Morris, who brought in Zac Robinson as his play-caller, the early indications seem to indicate that they won't have the same issue.

"Certainly, I think Kyle as a tight end and Bijan as a back, those guys are going to get their touches how they get they touches, ..." Robinson said. "I view those guys as versatile, but those guys can play just tight end. Those guys can play just back. We’ll have formation versatility to move them all over and try to get the most out of what they do. But those guys are very special players and just excited to get going with them.”

Dec 10, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) celebrates after a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.  / Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Pitts, the former No. 4 overall NFL pick, was one of the biggest mysteries or "underperformers" during Smith's tenure. After making a name for himself at the University of Florida as this explosive receiving tight end in college, Pitts' rookie season saw him find success immediately, totaling over 1,000 yards. 

However, he never seemed to refind that same form in the two years following that. Granted, injuries played a part in Pitts' lack of production, as he played in just 10 games in 2022 before a torn MCL. But even when he was healthy, like this past season, he totaled only 667 yards and three touchdowns on 53 receptions. 

Was that because of usage? Or has what made Pitts successful in college not translated into the NFL? Those are two questions Robinson will have to answer. 

As for Robinson, his selection by the Falcons was surprising in last year's NFL Draft, considering they already had a 1,000-yard rusher on the roster in Tyler Allgeier. Yet, while Robinson's rookie year didn't end with him winning the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year award as many predicted, he did show what made him special in college.

Falcons Coordinators Ready to Go 'Head-to-Head'

After 17 games, Robinson totaled 976 yards and four touchdowns on 214 carries while adding another 487 and four scores as a receiver. 

With Robinson, Pitts, and Drake London, the Falcons have three first-round playmakers, all likely to be focuses in the new offense.