ESPN on what the Falcons do better than any other NFL team

FeedzyAtlanta Falcons earn high marks for their production in 12 personnel Read More
With the exception of the New York Giants picking up John Harbaugh, no team around the NFL upgraded their coaching staff more this year than the Atlanta Falcons hiring Kevin Stefanski and his all-star group of assistants.
For the last six seasons Stefanski was the head coach for the perpetually-dysfunctional Cleveland Browns, and he somehow managed to win two Coach of the Year awards despite a rotating carousel at quarterback that’s become the league’s longest-running meme.
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In addition to Stefanski’s quality experience, he’s a great fit for what the Falcons already do best. According to an analysis by Matt Bowen at ESPN, that’s running 12 personnel (two tight ends, two receivers, one running back), which Cleveland ran more often than any other team in 2025.

“On 400 snaps in 12 personnel, the Falcons had a 50.16 EPA, second highest in the league. They had an NFL-best 2,455 yards and 49 total explosive plays (28 rushes, 21 passes), too. With their alignment versatility, running back Bijan Robinson and tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. allowed the Falcons to effectively use the grouping. And we should expect them to continue using 12 personnel at a high rate, as new coach Kevin Stefanski was in charge of Cleveland’s snap-leading offense last season.”

It helps that Atlanta has three blue chip skill players to round out this grouping. We know that Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts will be out there, and this year the returning veteran Austin Hooper will be filling that second tight end spot.
The only question is who will take over the wide receiver spot opposite London. The two best candidates on paper are free agent pickup Jahan Dotson and third-round draft pick Zachariah Branch.
The problem there is that Branch is very undersized for a boundary receiver and Dotson has yet to really impress at this level, outside or otherwise.
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This horse is already long dead and we’re just flogging its ghost at this point, but the Falcons really need another reliable outside receiver to complete the look. Stefon Diggs and Tyreek Hill are both on the wrong side of 30 years old and neither would be cheap to sign, but they’re also by far the best options still available.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons earn high marks for their production in 12 personnel