The Atlanta Falcons have already undergone some major changes this offseason. They moved on from head coach Arthur Smith, firing him after three seasons at the helm. He went 7-10 in all three seasons, leading to ownership looking to make a change.
After being linked to Bill Belichick, the Falcons hired Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris for the job. Morris brought along with him Zac Robinson, who was the quarterbacks coach and will now be the offensive coordinator in Atlanta.
The 37-year-old Robinson played quarterback at Oklahoma State and was in the NFL for a few seasons before he began his coaching career. He worked as a private quarterbacks coach before joining the Rams in 2019.
NFL News & Rumors: Zac Robinson, Desmond Ridder, Taylor Heinicke, Atlanta Falcons Updates
He has worked with some stellar talent in Jared Goff, Matthew Stafford and Baker Mayfield during his tenure there. Based on their skill sets, it would be fair to think Robinson would seek a quarterback in Atlanta who can do what they do. But, he is casting a wide net, as he is open to coaching all types of players.
“Whether it’s a pocket guy, whether it’s a guy that can move around a little bit, we’re just looking for the best guy that we can do,” Robinson said during his introductory news conference Wednesday. “Certainly know the guys that are here, we’re evaluating everybody, so Taylor [Heinicke] and Desmond [Ridder], we’re looking at those guys.
“All options are on the table.”
Figuring out the quarterback position is of the utmost importance for Robinson and Morris. It is a big reason why Smith was let go after three seasons on the job as he was unable to find a long-term answer under center.
It would be shocking if Atlanta rolled with either of their quarterbacks from last season. Taylor Heinicke and Desmond Ridder were underwhelming, as owner Arthur Blank called the quarterback performance in 2023 deficient.
NFL News & Rumors: Zac Robinson, Desmond Ridder, Taylor Heinicke, Atlanta Falcons Updates
The Falcons are going to check every avenue to find their answer, whether it is via the draft, free agency or a trade. Robinson shared some of what he will be looking for in a quarterback to run his offense.
“That guy’s got to be the most competitive guy in the room,” Robinson said, referencing the need for accuracy and how they process things mentally. “They got to have the inventory of throws.”
Robinson hasn’t shown his hand regarding who the team could be targeting, but an upgrade is needed. The Falcons have high-upside skill position players with tight end Kyle Pitts, wide receiver Drake London and running back Bijan Robinson. The offensive line is strong as well; all that is missing is a quarterback to bring it all together.
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