Drake London, the Atlanta Falcons wide receiver, is preparing for the team’s season opener at Mercedes-Benz Stadium with expectations to continue his strong performance from last year. In 2024, London caught 100 passes for 1,271 yards and nine touchdowns, ranking fourth in the NFL in receiving yards. He became the first Falcons player since Julio Jones in 2018 to reach at least 100 receptions in a season.
Since entering the league as the eighth overall pick in 2022, London has accumulated 241 receptions for 3,042 yards and ranks among the top receivers in several categories. Over his first three seasons, he has been particularly effective against division rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In six games against Tampa Bay, London has recorded 569 receiving yards on 42 catches with one touchdown—more than any other player versus the Buccaneers during that period. Three of London’s six career games with over 100 receiving yards have come against Tampa Bay, including two performances exceeding 150 yards.
Statistical analysis using Microsoft 365 Copilot and TruMedia shows that London’s total yardage against Tampa Bay is among the highest by any player versus a single opponent over the past three seasons. He has also achieved an 80% reception percentage on targets of more than ten air yards against a single opponent since 2022.
Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson adjusted London’s role last season by increasing his slot alignments. In 2024, London ran nearly 39% of his routes from the slot compared to just under 28% during his first two years combined. This shift helped him lead all NFL receivers in target share (34.9%) and rank sixth in receiving yards from the slot (555). Quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who took over late last season, targeted London on a league-high percentage of pass plays during that time.
Tampa Bay’s defense allowed some of the highest production to slot receivers last year, giving up an average of 90.7 receiving yards per game when aligned in the slot and blitzing at one of the highest rates in the league. These trends suggest that London could see favorable matchups and opportunities during Sunday’s game.
“London made steady progress over his first two seasons, but Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson seems to have unlocked the receiver’s potential by moving him around the formation,” according to team sources.
