Atlanta Falcons’ new head coach Kevin Stefanski is poised to revitalize the team’s offense, drawing from his successful strategies that have previously maximized running backs’ effectiveness. A significant part of his game plan may revolve around utilizing Bijan Robinson in a similar manner to how he employed Dalvin Cook in Minnesota and Nick Chubb in Cleveland. Last season, Robinson established himself as a critical asset for the Falcons, accumulating 366 touches for 2,298 yards and 11 touchdowns, and has continued to impress as an All-Pro running back.
Stefanski’s coaching reputation has garnered respect, with Browns cornerback Denzel Ward praising his leadership style. Ward highlighted Stefanski’s ability to connect with players and maintain a positive locker room presence, which could bode well for the Falcons as they look to boost their offensive output.
The Falcons struggled to find offensive consistency last season, ranking 24th in scoring with an average of 20.8 points per game and 30th in third-down efficiency at 33.3%. Stefanski’s prior experience in guiding the Browns’ offense will be instrumental as he develops strategies that leverage the talents of Robinson while also redistributing touches to the receivers to ensure long-term durability for the young star.
Stefanski has a rich history of working with a variety of quarterbacks and running backs, showcasing his adaptability in the league. In Minnesota, during his tenure as offensive coordinator, he transformed the Vikings’ offense. Under his guidance, the team climbed from the bottom of the league in offensive rankings to a playoff contender, successfully balancing the roles of Cook and the passing game.
This season, it is anticipated that Stefanski will implement a strong play-action game, much like his successful strategies with the Browns that featured Chubb and Kareem Hunt. By strengthening the backfield dynamics with Robinson and featuring Tyler Allgeier, Stefanski aims to create opportunities that enhance the Falcons’ offensive potency.
With these adjustments and a focus on improving overall team efficiency, the Falcons are hopeful that Stefanski’s leadership will set the stage for a more successful season ahead, allowing their offensive weapons to shine and forge a new identity for the team.