A former Atlanta Falcons defender recently took a shot at his former coach and current Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith. Tyrann Mathieu signed with the New Orleans Saints in free agency, and he’s ready to spill the beans about his time with the Falcons.
Mathieu was a guest on the Green Light with Chris Long podcast. Per a transcription of Mathieu’s comments by Grant Gordon on the NFL’s website, the star safety said he didn’t think the Falcons used Bijan Robinson enough in his rookie season:
“He’s going to be special,” Mathieu said of Robinson on the Green Light with Chris Longpodcast. “Marshall Faulk, you know. Edgerrin James, you know what I mean? Like, LaDainian Tomlinson, you know? And I didn’t think the Falcons really used him as good as they should have last year, but, man, he’s going to be good.”
Mathieu didn’t mention Smith in the comment, but it was clear who he blamed for Robinson’s lack of touches. Fantasy football players had the same issue with Smith’s offense last season. Robinson was expected to be a major feature of the Falcons’ offense after the team selected him with the No. 8 pick in last year’s draft.
Robinson finished the 2023 season with 976 rushing yards on 214 carries and 58 receptions for 487 yards. He also scored eight touchdowns.
Smith might need to change his philosophy with the Steelers. He’ll be under pressure in a city that wanted former offensive coordinator Matt Canada fired early in the season. The Steelers gave Smith help in the form of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields to upgrade their quarterback situation. But Smith will have to use them correctly.
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