Donavan Ellison Coaching Operations Assistant | Atlanta Falcons Website
Donavan Ellison Coaching Operations Assistant | Atlanta Falcons Website
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons will introduce a revamped offense in 2024, featuring a new head coach, coordinator, and quarterback. These changes signal a shift in the team's offensive strategy.
"Ball's gonna be in the air," wide receiver Drake London stated.
The team has emphasized speed in its acquisitions this offseason, reflecting a strategic shift that also aligns with the arrival of quarterback Kirk Cousins.
"Getting faster for a quarterback that's seen it all, it's a really cool situation to have because we'd like to dictate what goes on in a stadium on a weekly basis," said Falcons wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard. "The faster we can play, the more efficient we can play, hopefully the more points we have."
Last season's roster featured larger wide receivers such as London, Mack Hollins, and Van Jefferson—all over 6 feet tall and weighing at least 200 pounds. This year’s top three receivers are London, Darnell Mooney, and Rondale Moore. While London remains the largest at 6-foot-4 and 213 pounds, Mooney is 5-foot-11 and 173 pounds, and Moore is 5-foot-7 and 180 pounds.
"It's just the type of play style we're trying to play," London explained. "It's really fast. You got to be in condition. I think that speed is a killer in this game."
In addition to prioritizing speed and agility at the position, the Falcons have also slightly reduced their average age among receivers from 26 years old last season to 24 this year.
"Everybody's doing their best," Hilliard remarked. "It hasn't been an eyesore with the youth."
KhaDarel Hodge represents an exception due to his age (29) but fits into the size adjustment at 5-foot-11 and 183 pounds. Rookie Casey Washington stands out as younger (23) but taller at 6-foot-2 and weighing 200 pounds.
"We got guys that can run," Washington noted. "Most importantly, we can't run without the ball."
Moore recorded a time of 4.29 seconds for his pro day’s 40-yard dash in 2021; Mooney covered it in 4.38 seconds during the NFL Combine in 2020; Hodge posted a time of 4.39 seconds at his pro day in 2018; Washington achieved it in 4.46 seconds earlier this year.
London skipped his official dash due to an ankle injury but was drafted No.8 overall by Atlanta based on his performance tape.
"Slow feet don't eat," London concluded.
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