Falcons Struggle on Third Down as Zac Robinson Aims for Improvement
The Atlanta Falcons have found themselves mired in a third-down crisis, with their conversion rate plummeting to a dismal 10% over the last three games. Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson recently addressed the team’s struggles and outlined the steps needed to improve this critical aspect of their game.
Third Down Woes Highlighted
In their last two outings, the Falcons have managed to convert just one of 18 third downs, a statistic that starkly illustrates their inefficiency. This alarming trend came to a head during their Week 9 clash against the New England Patriots, where the Falcons, despite winning the turnover battle and outpacing their opponents in sacks, succumbed to a narrow 24-23 defeat.
The situation was similarly dire in their previous game against the Indianapolis Colts, where Atlanta’s defense held the Colts to a mere 1 for 11 on third downs, yet the Falcons still lost. Overall, Atlanta has not converted any of their eight third-down attempts against Indianapolis, bringing their tally to a woeful 3 for 29 across their last three contests—all of which ended in losses.
A Need for Communication and Execution
Robinson emphasized the importance of communication and execution when discussing the team’s third-down failures. “Each third down has its own story,” he explained, noting that while there are distinct plays and coverages involved, common themes do exist. He acknowledged the need for better execution from the players, stating, “We’ve definitely got to clean that up. We’ve got to make sure we have the right answers for the guys.”
He pointed to communication breakdowns as a recurring issue, citing a specific instance where a miscommunication led to a strip sack. “We’ve got to get that stuff off the tape for sure,” Robinson stated, underscoring the need for clarity in their offensive strategies.
Adjusting Strategies to Combat Defensive Schemes
The Falcons have faced increasing challenges as opposing defenses, notably the Miami Dolphins, have adopted strategies aimed at neutralizing standout rookie running back Bijan Robinson. Robinson acknowledged the need for the Falcons to adapt, saying, “Stop Bijan, stop the Falcons.” He noted that their offense has found itself in too many third-and-long situations recently, which has hampered their ability to convert.
“We’ve been the first five weeks, I think we were the lowest in the league in terms of the amount of third-and-longs. Now, the last five weeks, we’ve been in way too many third-and-long situations,” he added. Robinson stressed the importance of early down efficiency to avoid these difficult scenarios.
Injuries and Offensive Predictability
In addition to execution issues, the Falcons have faced challenges on the offensive line, with injuries forcing third-string players into starting roles. Robinson has pointed out that these changes have contributed to what has been perceived as a predictable offensive scheme.
“We’ll work on any of the things that have shown up on tape that we’ve had difficulty picking up from a line-game standpoint,” he said. “But we look at all of it. We look at route detail. We look at what’s going on up front.”
Looking Ahead: A Crucial Matchup Against the Panthers
As the Falcons prepare for their next game against the Carolina Panthers, they are acutely aware of the need to improve their offensive performance. Atlanta was thoroughly outplayed in their previous meeting, suffering a 30-0 defeat that showcased their offensive shortcomings.
With the Panthers coming off a strong performance, the Falcons must find ways to diversify their offensive play and reduce predictability on early downs. If they cannot elevate their conversion rate from the abysmal 10% seen in recent weeks, they risk facing another setback in a pivotal matchup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
