NW Atlanta News

The Atlanta Falcons have demonstrated notable success in fourth-down situations during the 2024 season, successfully converting 11 out of 15 attempts. This aggressive approach is attributed to a strategic mentality cultivated by the coaching staff and executed by the players.

Head Coach Raheem Morris emphasized the importance of collaboration between coaches and players in achieving this success. "It's (offensive coordinator) Zac Robinson,... (quarterbacks coach) T.J. Yates and (offensive assistant) D.J. Williams and what they're able to do to keep me poised, keep us in the mindset of what we want to do and how aggressive we want to be," Morris stated.

Morris also credited quarterback Kirk Cousins for his role in executing plays effectively. "I love the way Kirk is able to see the whole process, go through it and be able to get the ball where he needs to get it to," Morris explained.

Cousins acknowledged the head coach's willingness to take risks as a key factor in their fourth-down strategy. "Your head coach has to be willing to put that out there and be aggressive and go for it," Cousins said. He also praised offensive coordinator Zac Robinson for his quick decision-making in critical moments.

Despite being a typical short-yardage situation, the Falcons often opt for passing plays on fourth down. Cousins has attempted passes on fourth down 11 times, completing nine of them, with notable targets including Darnell Mooney and Drake London.

A specific alignment involving running out of shotgun formation with multiple wideouts has proven effective for the Falcons, contributing significantly to their yardage gains and touchdowns during these plays.

The team's ability to quickly execute these decisions without hesitation has left opponents scrambling defensively. This confidence in aggression from both decision-makers and executioners seems central to their success so far this season.