Falcons offense went zero for eight on third downs in Week 10.

Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson was given chance after chance to sway the momentum for his team in Week 10. Yet, Robinson’s play calls consistently led to three and outs, allowing the Indianapolis Colts‘ No. 1 ranked offense nearly 80 total plays, a factor that deflated the stamina of the Falcons defense in Sunday’s 31-25 loss.

The Colts led 13-7 at the end of the first quarter but had five consecutive drives that ended in a missed field goal, a punt, a fumble, an interception, and turnover on downs. This means that the Falcons went 30 mins of regulation not allowing the Colts a single point, an evident success for defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. 

However, Robinson again failed to reciprocate as only three of the Falcons’ final ten offensive possessions produced points. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. went just 12 for 28 on the day, and although he threw one touchdown pass, 16 incompletions were indicative of the fact that offensive inefficiency was a clear problem.

Whether head coach Raheem Morris wants to accept it or not, his pal Robinson and the often criticized pistol play calling continues to cost the team in the long run. The Falcons were zero for eight on third down and lost the time of possession (40:06-to-26:09), meaning that their inability to sustain offensive drives fully explains the gap of the very surmountable six-point final score deficit.

Constructively, wide reciever Darnell Mooney had one catch despite 8 targets, and tight end Kyle Pitts had just two catches on five targets. Robinson can’t continue to ride the innate talent of wide receiver Drake London and posture as if his impeccable play calls are the cause for London’s success.

Instead, Robinson needs badly to relinquish his stubborn hold on the five-step intermediate pass plays and try to sequence in more three-step quick passing plays to help Penix get into rhythm. Something has to give and Morris needs to end the dilemma and decide whether his friendship with Robinson is more important than the success of the franchise moving forward.