This week, we’re pivoting from quarterbacks—well, kind of—and zooming in on the play callers. You know, the guys pulling the strings behind the scenes, dialing up plays that make or break games.

Everyone’s eyes are usually glued to the quarterback or the star receiver, especially if you’ve got fantasy teams or bets riding on their stats. But I like to see things from the perspective of the play caller—the offensive coordinators and head coaches designing the plays that these athletes execute.

We’re zooming in on 3 play callers this week:

• Falcons: Zac Robinson

• Vikings: Kevin O’Connell

• Steelers: Arthur Smith

Zac Robinson’s Balancing Act

Let’s kick things off with a first-time offensive coordinator, someone I’ve got a bit of history with:

Zac Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons.

Stepping Into The Spotlight

Zac Robinson is stepping into the spotlight this season as the Falcons' offensive coordinator, and I couldn’t be more intrigued.

He’s the latest branch off the Sean McVay coaching tree, a tree that seems to keep sprouting successful play callers across the league.

Zac and I go way back—we’ve squared off in a few preseason games, both fighting for a spot on our respective rosters.

We’ve been friends ever since, and I’ve always admired how sharp and detail-oriented he is.

One thing I’ve always appreciated about Zac—and this isn’t a necessity, but it sure helps—is that he’s played the quarterback position in the NFL.

There’s just something about a play caller who’s been in the huddle, who’s faced that pressure and knows firsthand what he’s asking his players to do.

It gives him a unique perspective and a level of empathy that can translate to more effective play designs.

A Balancing Act

Zac is in an interesting situation in Atlanta. The Falcons made waves at the NFL Draft when they picked Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick, despite already having Kirk Cousins locked in on what I’d call a max contract.

This puts Zac in the unique position of balancing the development of a young quarterback while maximizing the talent of a seasoned veteran.

And let’s not forget the new faces in Atlanta—Bijan Robinson, who came in last year, didn’t exactly get the usage fans were hoping for under Arthur Smith.

But Bijan is an elite pass catcher, and I’ve seen people draft him top-three in fantasy football this year, so there’s definitely some excitement around how Zac plans to deploy him.

Then there’s the emerging talent of Drake London and the enigma that is Kyle Pitts.

Pitts was taken fourth overall a few years ago—one pick ahead of Ja'Marr Chase, I’ll remind you—and hasn’t quite lived up to the hype.

Zac has a golden opportunity to change that. And with Cousins at the helm, a veteran who’s essentially a coach on the field, I’m really curious to see how this offense takes shape.

All The Ingredients

Zac Robinson has all the ingredients for success—a savvy veteran quarterback, young stars with something to prove, and a fan base hungry for explosive plays.

The Falcons have had a solid run game for years, but with the talent they’ve amassed, the pass game should be ready to explode.

If Zac can bring all these elements together, Atlanta could be one of the most exciting teams to watch this season from a playcalling perspective.

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Kevin O’Connell’s Vision for the Vikings

Next up, we’ll dive into another play caller from the McVay tree, Kevin O’Connell, and how he’s planning to shake things up in Minnesota.

Kevin’s not just a head coach—he’s also the primary play caller, which means the offensive identity of the Vikings is largely shaped by his vision.

A Journey Intertwined With Arms

Kevin O’Connell’s journey with the Vikings has been intertwined with Kirk Cousins.

As an offensive coordinator and now as a head coach, O’Connell has been in lockstep with Cousins, a quarterback known for his accuracy, strong arm, and ability to manage a game.

Before that, O’Connell spent time with Matthew Stafford during his stint with the Rams. Both Cousins and Stafford are elite in their own right—great arms, solid pocket presence, and sharp decision-making.

But what they aren’t known for is their mobility. Neither is a guy you expect to see making plays outside the pocket or beating defenders with their legs.

Added Skillset To The Arsenal

This year, though, O’Connell has a new toy to play with in Sam Darnold.

And Darnold brings a completely different skill set to the table.

He’s younger, more mobile, and has a knack for making off-platform throws—something that could open up a whole new dimension to the Vikings’ offense.

Now, I’ve spent a lot of time with Sam Darnold, and I’m not shy about my thoughts on him.

I think he’s one of the best off-platform throwers in the NFL. When this guy is on the move, his accuracy doesn’t dip, and his speed—especially in game situations—is in the upper tier for quarterbacks.

This isn’t just about scrambling out of necessity; Darnold has the ability to extend plays and create opportunities that just aren’t there in a traditional drop-back offense.

So, the big question is, how does Kevin O’Connell plan to utilize this mobility?

With Cousins and Stafford, O’Connell has always relied on structured, timing-based offenses. But with Darnold, he has the chance to mix things up.

We could see more rollouts, bootlegs, and designed runs—plays that get Darnold outside the pocket where he can make decisions on the fly.

Moving him outside the pocket on nakeds (plays where the QB rolls out without a lead blocker) could be a staple in this offense, giving Darnold a run-pass option that defenses will have to respect.

Of course, mobility is only part of the equation. The Vikings have a serious arsenal at their disposal, and it’s going to be fascinating to see how O’Connell leverages these weapons alongside Darnold’s unique skill set.

First up, you’ve got Jordan Addison, a receiver on the rise who’s quickly becoming a go-to target.

Then there’s T.J. Hockenson, a top-tier tight end who’s coming back from injury. He’s a guy who can create mismatches all over the field. And let’s not forget about Aaron Jones, one of the best pass-catching running backs in the league.

With these pieces in place, O’Connell has everything he needs to craft an offense that’s not just effective, but unpredictable.

An Offense To Watch

This season is a big one for Kevin O’Connell. He’s stepping into a new chapter, with a quarterback who offers a different set of tools than what he’s used to.

But that’s what makes this so exciting. O’Connell has the chance to redefine what the Vikings’ offense looks like.

Will he stick with the tried-and-true methods that have worked with Cousins and Stafford, or will he lean into Darnold’s mobility and off-script abilities to create something new and dynamic?

One thing’s for sure: the Vikings’ offense is going to be one to watch this season. 

Arthur Smith’s Redemption in Pittsburgh

Now, it’s time to wrap things up by looking at a coach who’s in a unique position to redefine his career—Arthur Smith, now with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Smith’s journey has been a rollercoaster, and this season presents a crucial opportunity for him to show what he’s really capable of as a play caller.

Arthur Smith’s tenure with the Atlanta Falcons was a mixed bag. There’s no denying that he got the run game going—a hallmark of his offensive philosophy.

But where things fell short was in the passing game. Despite having weapons, Smith couldn’t unlock the potential of the Falcons’ aerial attack.

Desmond Ridder, the young quarterback who took the reins, played admirably under the circumstances, but the explosive passing game just wasn’t there.

A New Set Of Tools

Part of the challenge in Atlanta was the lack of a true game-breaking receiver.

But now, in Pittsburgh, Smith has inherited a new set of tools, and at the top of that list is George Pickens. Let’s talk about George Pickens for a minute.

Statistically, he might not crack the top ten in the NFL, but ask any group of NFL receivers, and I’d bet a lot of them would include Pickens in their personal top ten.

The talent is undeniable. This guy’s ceiling is sky-high, but he’s been underutilized. And that’s where Arthur Smith comes in.

Picken’s Potential

The big question is: Can Smith tap into Pickens’ potential?

In an ideal world, Pickens should be force-fed the ball, especially down the field.

He’s got the size, speed, and hands to be a dominant deep threat. Pittsburgh’s offense has the chance to be much more explosive if Pickens is given the opportunity to shine.

But that’s easier said than done, especially when you factor in the quarterback situation.

Smith’s success in Pittsburgh is going to hinge heavily on the quarterback play.

Whoever the Steelers choose to lead this offense needs to have the ability to get the ball to Pickens consistently.

Whether they go with a veteran or decide to roll with a younger option, the chemistry between QB and receiver is going to be critical.

Plenty Of Weapons

But Pickens isn’t the only weapon in Smith’s arsenal.

There’s also Pat Freiermuth, a tight end who’s quietly one of the best in the league. Like Pickens, Freiermuth has been underutilized, and Smith’s task will be to get him more involved in the passing game.

A dynamic duo of Pickens and Freiermuth could give opposing defenses nightmares, especially when you consider the play-action opportunities that Smith’s run-heavy philosophy creates.

And then there’s Najee Harris, a running back with all the talent in the world but one who hasn’t quite lived up to his potential in Pittsburgh’s offense.

Harris is a workhorse who can handle a heavy load in the run game, but the Steelers need to find a way to utilize him more effectively in the passing game as well.

Harris has the hands and the athleticism to be a true dual-threat back, and if Smith can unlock that aspect of his game, it could take the Steelers’ offense to another level.

A Pivotal Season

Here’s the thing about Pittsburgh—they don’t need to be an offensive juggernaut to win games.

The Steelers boast one of the best defenses in the NFL, and that takes a lot of pressure off the offense. But that doesn’t mean the offense can afford to be mediocre.

If Arthur Smith can get this unit to consistently put up 17 points a game, Pittsburgh should be in a position to win most of their matchups.

But finding that balance is going to be key.

Smith’s challenge will be to create an offense that complements the defense—a unit that can control the clock, keep the chains moving, and capitalize on big-play opportunities.

It’s easier said than done, but if anyone can pull it off, it’s Arthur Smith.

This season is a pivotal one for Smith. He’s got a fresh start in Pittsburgh, a roster full of untapped potential, and the backing of one of the most storied franchises in the NFL.

Now it’s up to him to make it all come together.

That wraps up our series on the play callers to watch this season. From Zach Robinson’s debut in Atlanta to Kevin O’Connell’s evolving system in Minnesota, and now Arthur Smith’s quest for redemption in Pittsburgh, these are the minds shaping the future of NFL offenses.

It’s going to be one hell of a season—so sit back, and enjoy the show.

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