Falcons pass-game coordinator T.J. Yates’ trial run as offensive play-caller had ups and downs.

T.J. Yates and Zac Robinson switched roles tonight. Yates was calling the plays tonight while Robinson was on the field.

Having coaches take on extended roles is something the Rams, Sean McVay have done in previous preseasons.

— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) August 16, 2025

In Friday’s 23-20 preseason loss to the Tennessee Titans, the Atlanta Falcons were operating with just their third-string skills players on the team depth chart. Offensive coordinator Robinson handed over play-calling duties to passing game coordinator T.J. Yates for the night, and the results were somewhat mixed.

Still, Robinson should take the time to analyze what worked well and what didn’t in preseason Week 2. In the loss, the Falcons offense only yielded 13 total first downs and converted just five of 15 third-down attempts.

While some will dismiss the numbers since it was only a preseason game, there was plenty for this coaching staff to learn from on Friday night.

Run Game – Pistol Formation

The Falcons offense yielded some quality plays in the ground game but there’s something Robinson should note. Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson was all over Robinson’s zone run plays out of pistol formation and several times the Falcons reserve running backs were stuffed in the backfield for a loss of yards.

Robinson did however see running back Nathan Carter spring a 43-yard touchdown run out of shotgun formation (inside zone/delay). 

For reference, the Titans defense totaled six tackles for loss and won the time of possession during the contest. Even with the Falcons defense and special teams forcing turnovers, a lack of offensive execution did not allow Atlanta to close out the exhibition match with a win.

Ultimately, the Falcons have top-tier talent at each skill position in their offense. However, so do opposing defenses. The coaching staff certainly has some things to go over this week in practice, but hopefully Yates was able to get some valuable experience calling the plays for Atlanta’s offense.

It never hurts to be prepared for the future, especially if the Falcons offense is as prolific as many expect this season. NFL teams love hiring up-and-coming offensive coordinators, and Robinson made a name for himself last year.