The News, Now
Key developments on the field and roster move analysis
The biggest news of the week had to do with key coaching changes the Falcons made in the wake of their 30-0 loss to the Carolina Panthers last week.
For starters, Atlanta is moving offensive coordinator Zac Robinson down to the sideline to call plays. The reason for this, Falcons personnel said, is for more efficient communication.
“We need to be able to be more efficient, faster,” head coach Raheem Morris said. “… Zac has been on the field his whole life. He sees the game just as well on the field as up in the box. … Being on the grass, he provides a different type of energy when he is down there talking to everybody, wideouts, the quarterback, our o-line, our coaches all involved on the headset, but him being around everything will be good for all of us.”
The Falcons also announced Monday they had released wide receiver coach Ike Hilliard from the coaching staff. Pass game coordinator T.J. Yates has assumed the receiver coaching responsibilities.
Asked about the decision Wednesday, Morris said it was “performance based.”
“Right now, we have wideouts without touchdowns. Right now we have wideouts that are craving the ball,” Morris said. “… I have to make directional decisions for our group. You need to have the environment, you need to have the coaching, you need to have the detail, you need to have everything right in order to get your offense in the right direction.”
The main injury news coming out of the Falcons’ camp this week still revolved around cornerback A.J. Terrell. Morris said he is still considered “week-to-week,” and that the goal to get him back will likely be after the bye week. He was ruled out of Sunday’s contest by Morris Friday. Dee Alford will continue to fill in in Terrell’s absence.
You can view all three Falcons injury reports below:
Wednesday, Sept. 24: Kyle Pitts limited as Week 4 practice begin
Thursday, Sept. 25: Casey Washington logs first full practice after concussion
Friday, Sept. 26: A.J. Terrell ruled out for second consecutive game
How did the rest of the league fair in Week 3? Tori McElhaney breaks it down in her weekly power rankings, while Will McFadden highlights the NFC South’s performance.
Plus, check out this week’s mailbags where Tori and Will answer your burning questions about the state of the Falcons.
Falcons Mailbag, No 1 via Tori McElhaney: Inside Atlanta locker room reactions and search for offensive identity.
Falcons Mailbag, No. 2 via Will McFadden: Are this week’s changes enough to improve Atlanta’s offense?
Finally, this week’s Nerdy Birds statistical spotlight zeroes in on Bijan Robinson, detailing why the running back is the “straw that stirs Atlanta’s drink.”