But once London and Hodge had seen enough from new quarterback Kirk Cousins and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, the pass catchers began talking about differences between Atlanta’s 2023 and 2024 offenses.
The topic of conversation? Pass attempts – which London and Hodge believe will come aplenty under Robinson.
“We’re throwing the ball,” London and Hodge told Mooney. “Putting the ball in the air.”
Robinson, a three-year starting quarterback at Oklahoma State University from 2007-09 before spending four years on various NFL rosters, has a pass-happy background. He was the Los Angeles Rams’ quarterback coach in 2023 before following new Falcons head coach Raheem Morris to Atlanta this spring.
The 37-year-old Robinson brings a different aura and style than Arthur Smith, the Falcons’ head coach and offensive play-caller the past-three seasons who played offensive line collegiately and previously worked as a tight ends coach.
Robinson hails from an offense that led the NFL in running 11 personnel – one running back, one tight end, three receivers – last season.
The Falcons, conversely, ranked No. 31 league-wide in 11 personnel, but led the league in 12 personnel – one running back, two tight ends, two receiver – looks. The Rams, meanwhile, were last in 12 personnel.
Under Smith, the Falcons fielded some of the league’s best rushing attacks, ranking No. 3 and No. 9 across the past two years, respectively.
But Atlanta never finished better than No. 16 in passing across Smith’s three seasons and was outside the top 20 in 2022 and 2023, underscoring the struggle to find balance.
