NW Atlanta News

Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson recently discussed the impact of penalties on the team's offensive performance this season. According to Robinson, "Each penalty kind of has its own story." The team has experienced 13 penalties that have significantly affected their offensive success.

The breakdown of these penalties shows that five occurred on first down, six on second down, and one each on third and fourth downs. As a result, the Falcons often find themselves in long-distance situations, with 10 penalties leaving them needing at least 11 yards for a first down. Three penalties left them within 10 yards.

Robinson emphasized the importance of reducing these penalties to avoid drive-killing situations: "Definitely trying to eliminate those so we can eliminate those second-and-longs, first-and-longs, all those situations that are typically drive killers."

The penalties impacted 12 different drives: six ended in punts, four resulted in field goals, and two were turnovers—one interception and one turnover on downs. None led to touchdowns. Head coach Raheem Morris acknowledged the negative effect of penalties: "When you have penalties, that's always going to hurt you."

The total yardage lost due to these 13 penalties amounted to 110 yards with an additional nullification of 68 yards gained during those plays. This resulted in a net loss of 42 yards. The team also lost five potential first downs.

Running back Bijan Robinson noted how penalties disrupt momentum: "Penalties hurt every offense... you're getting positive momentum, but then having those penalties take you back."

A significant moment came when quarterback Kirk Cousins completed a 19-yard touchdown pass to Bijan Robinson against the New Orleans Saints in Week 4. However, left tackle Jake Matthews was penalized for offensive holding, negating the play and resulting in a field goal instead.

Zac Robinson commented on such setbacks: "You hate to see those... But we're just going to continue to try to clean it up."

The types of penalties include three offensive holdings, three false starts, three illegal use of hands calls, one offensive pass interference, one unnecessary roughness call, one face mask penalty, and one illegal kick/kicking loose ball.

The Falcons' offense accounts for more than half of the team's overall 23 penalties this season. Although tied for the 11th fewest in the NFL, there is room for improvement. Bijan Robinson added: "We're doing as much as we can to limit those penalties... just cut that even in half or less than that — then we're doing something really good on offense."