The Atlanta Falcons were flat-out embarrassed on Sunday on the road against the Carolina Panthers. The offense, which has been hyped all season, simply didn’t do anything on Sunday. The Panthers shut down the Falcons, and now panic is starting to set in during year two of Raheem Morris’ tenure. So far this season, the Falcons have yet to record a touchdown from any of their wide receivers or tight ends.
“No Falcons wide receivers or tight ends have caught a touchdown pass yet this season,” Falcons beat reporter Marc Raimondi posted.
Following this stat, the Falcons quickly made a change on Monday, firing their wide receivers coach after a poor start to the season.
“The Atlanta Falcons fired wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard on Monday, one day after being routed by their NFC South rivals, the Carolina Panthers. Offensive passing game coordinator T.J. Yates will assume Hilliard's duties, the team said,” ESPN’s Marc Raimondi wrote.
This decision didn’t sit well with some, as Duke and Bell’s Mike Bell shared his thoughts on the move.
“So last year even with Kirk Cousins' struggles and benching we nearly had two 1,000 yard receivers. Now Coach Rah cuts loose that same WR Coach. Mooney and London have been banged up. No idea what's going on with this team,” Bell posted.
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Just last year, the Falcons’ wide receivers were thriving and looking good. The unfortunate injury to Kirk Cousins happened, and that is when the offense began to struggle. However, this season, it has been almost as if the receivers are non-existent. Hopefully, things will improve with offensive coordinator Zac Robinson also moving to the sideline from the coaching box.
“Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson will move down to the sideline from the coaching box moving forward, head coach Raheem Morris said Monday,” Raimondi wrote.
The quick trigger came as a surprise to Hilliard, but the Falcons felt it was necessary. If the trend continues, Robinson could very well be next. The Falcons face the Washington Commanders next, so adjustments need to be made quickly.