Third-Down Questions For Zac Robinson
January 25th, 2026
Joe’s trying to get excited about the Bucs hiring offensive coordinator Zac Robinson.
It’s a process.
Robinson has experience calling plays (2024 and 2025 in Atlanta) and he’s from the Sean McVay tree. Both are big positives. However, Robinson was not in demand as a head coach candidate. Why?
Aren’t young McVay disciples supposed to be in high demand?
That makes Joe a little skeptical. Another factor that has Joe raising an eyebrow is the Falcons’ third-down conversion rate last season. Atlanta converted only 33 percent of third downs. That ranked 30th in the NFL, 19 spots below Tampa Bay and fall guy Josh Grizzard at No. 11.
How did that happen, Mr. Robinson? You had weapons and a solid offensive line. In 2024, Atlanta ranked 16th on third downs.
(For those wondering, Atlanta was great on fourth downs in 2024 but fell to middle of the pack this season on fourth downs.)