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Mark Raimondi
multiple authors
atlanta–new Falcon Head coach Kevin Stefanski took the high road in response Baker MayfieldKi’s steamy recent x post.
Stefanski was asked about Mayfield’s comments at his introductory press conference at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Tuesday. Mayfield, The tampa bay buccaneers The quarterback wrote on Jan. 20 that Stefanski never called or texted him after that. cleveland browns He was sent away “like a piece of trash.” Mayfield was Stefanski’s quarterback in Cleveland in 2020 and 2021.
“Baker is someone I have a lot of respect for, both as a player and as a person,” Stefanski said. “I love rivalries in sports and obviously there’s a great rivalry between the Buccaneers-Falcons. It’s something I’m excited about, but I won’t get into the specifics of that type of thing other than to say that I have a lot of respect for Baker as a player, as a person. It’s a great team with a great player.”
Mayfield said in his post: “Coach, can’t wait to see you twice a year.” The Bucs recently hired Zach Robinson as offensive coordinator. Robinson remains in the same role with the Falcons through 2024 and 2025.
Stefanski and the Falcons hired Tommy Rees to replace Robinson as offensive coordinator. Rees, a former Notre Dame quarterback, held that position with the Browns last season.
On Tuesday, Stefanski said the 33-year-old Reese will be the one calling the plays. Stefanski began calling the plays last season before giving up the job to Reese last November.
“Tommy will call the plays,” Stefanski said. “It’s a setup I’m very comfortable with. I think he’s an excellent football coach. He’s young, but I don’t know if you always measure experience in years. I think he’s had incredible experiences in his young career. [and] He is someone I trust. We see the game the same way, but we also push each other because we’re different so Tommy will lead that offensive staff. I’m excited about some of the guys we’ve already brought to this group and I have full confidence in Tommy.”
Falcons football president Matt Ryan and Stefanski both said they envision the team as a team that runs the football and can stop the run. Stefanski said he has already talked to the All-Pro bijan robinson On the phone he praised him as a player and a person.
Stefanski said of Robinson, “He’s a special guy that everyone told me about, but then I saw for myself what type of person he is and how team-oriented he is.” “He’s an intelligent player and there’s no shortage of things he can do with the football in his hands and our job as coaches is to find ways to get that ball in his hands.”
Stefanski said he’s “crazy” about player development and the quarterback Michael Penix Jr.. He is a player he is looking forward to working with. Penix is currently recovering from left ACL surgery and Stefanski said he is “attacking his rehab.”
“I think you see on tape a player who can make strides, layer the ball, push the ball to all areas of the field,” Stefanski said. “Obviously, was very productive in college, had some really, really, really good moments here in the pros. So, I just see a young player who will continue to develop and keep getting better.”
