The Falcons Wide Zone Wrinkle

How a pistol look and a “fullback” set are adding new stress to a classic play.

It’s no secret Wide Zone is one of my favorite plays. Over the past five years, the NFL has leaned heavily on it, but defenses have started to catch up.

That means Wide Zone offenses can’t just sit in their base formations and expect the same success. I’m always watching for new wrinkles, and this year the Falcons have my attention.

Zac Robinson, a McVay disciple, is calling Wide Zone at one of the highest rates in the league. It’s been a perfect fit for Bijan Robinson’s explosive running style.

But what really stands out is a unique formation wrinkle the Falcons have added.

That’s what we’ll break down today.

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The Falcons’ Formation Stress

A 2-back pistol alignment is nothing new in football. What makes this version from the Falcons stand out are the details.

First, take a look at the splits. The guards are in a standard one-foot split, but the tackles are pushed out nearly three feet. On top of that, the tight end is aligned extra wide. The “fullback” is tucked into the strong-side B gap, almost like he’s part of the offensive line.

These tweaks accomplish a few things: