Creator: Kevin C. Cox | Credit: Getty Images

In 2023, the Atlanta Falcons offense was one of the more uninspiring units in the NFL. They were in a constant QB limbo between Desmod Ridder and Taylor Heinicke, with neither one providing any consistent production. Even with young playmakers Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts and Drake London, the offense ran stagnant much too often. They ranked bottom half in PFF grade across the league, while being 25th in offensive EPA/play. With Arthur Smith’s Tight-End prominent offense, the Falcons largely ran 13 personnel (6th most in NFL) and 22 personnel (most), per NFELO. 

Now, with new OC Zac Robinson in, the offense will look different schematically and fundamentally. Although Robinson was just the pass game coordinator and not the de facto OC in LA, we can take something from what the Rams did in 2023. Utilizing their pass catchers in Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp with veteran QB Matthew Stafford and a dynamic run game headed by young Running Back Kyren Williams, the Falcons will look to follow the same blueprint. With London and newly acquired Darnell Mooney out wide, with another veteran QB in Kirk Cousins and Robinson in the backfield, the Falcons have the pieces to mimic the 2023 Rams. 

The 2023 Rams utilized personnel sets of 11 (most in the NFL) with the most targets to Wideouts of any team in the league. Expect the Falcons to space the field out early and often to utilize their speed. With Pitts specifically, he spent 48% of his snaps in the slot, and 29% out wide (per PFF). As for LA’s Tight End in 2023, Tyler Higbee, he was inline on 66% of his snaps, with 22% in the slot. It will be interesting to see what alters with Pitts, who has a different set of abilities than Higbee. 

All things considered, it will come down to QB play. This is a narrative that has held true for the Falcons for two years. However, Kirk Cousins is on a different level from Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder. Despite coming off an achilles injury, Cousins has some of the best personnel around him in his 13th season. With all of the skill guys plus an Offensive Line that ranked 11th in 2023. In a division that looks a bit weakened in 2024, the Falcons are primed for a run at the NFC South crown.