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Greetings, Falcoholics, and welcome to the sixth edition of The Falcoholic’s Staff Spotlight. This series is similar to the “Fan Spotlight” articles, however, instead we profile a current staff member of The Falcoholic. You’ve read their articles; now get to know them a little bit more. This week’s “Staff Spotlight” is on The Falcoholic’s Eric Robinson.
Outside of football, Eric finds joy working out in the gym, to the point where it’s therapeutic for him. He’s an avid listener of hip hop and R&B music, and takes every opportunity presented to spend time with his awesome 9-year-old son, Camryn.
I asked Eric some questions, so let’s get started.
How did you become an Atlanta Falcons fan, and how did you start writing for The Falcoholic?
On December 1st, 2002, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a young quarterback officially placed his stamp on the NFL. As he streaked down the middle of the Vikings defense in overtime en-route to a 46-yard touchdown run, Michael Vick not only won a key game for the Falcons late in the season, he officially punched my ticket as a Falcons fan. Regardless how you feel about Vick the man, Vick the Falcons quarterback was a sight to see. Was he efficient? Nope. Not at all. But his presence on the field sparked fear in opposing defenses. His time in Atlanta truly bolstered my fan-hood for the Falcons.
I was a reader of The Falcoholic for years before I became of a member of platform. I was recruited by top editor/head coach Dave Choate back in February of 2017 to join the team. It did not take long for me to say yes. Once a former writer for another Falcons site that will go nameless (initials are BD), it was a move that saved my life. Thanks Dave.
You’re a big NBA & NFL fan; Can you compare the competition in both professional leagues?
The competition in both leagues is considerably different. The parity is obviously in favor of the NFL. There are literally a number of new playoff teams just about every postseason in the NFL and it is not uncommon to see a team arise from the middle of the pack to a juggernaut within the league. I will say that the NBA has the bigger star power however as the likes of LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Kawhi Leonard have more of a worldwide appeal than the bigger names in football.
What would an Atlanta Falcons’ Super Bowl victory mean to you?
It would mean literally everything. To have the Falcons enter the fray of Super Bowl champions would mean years of torment thrown out of the window. They could’ve been Super Bowl champions by now if only Kyle would’ve ran the damn ball.
You’re known among your peers as a talented evaluator. Can you discuss the process you go through in breaking down game film?
That mainly depends on the position but many things go into play when it comes to evaluating players. From certain games against elite competition to how a prospect plays against certain schemes. I like to choose at least four games to evaluate a prospect and on many occasions, an extra game or two is needed to truly get a feel. I thank the opportunity I had with The Scouting Academy in 2017 to showing me a different perspective to how to focus on breaking down the skill set of a player.
What’s your outlook/prediction on the upcoming season?
This is a very important season for head coach Dan Quinn as well as general manager Thomas Dimitroff. The playoffs are expected and if not, one or both could be looking for employment after the season. With that being said, if healthy, this team can win 11 or 12 games and make a deep playoff run. The offense will be fine. While not an individual that is head over heels over Dirk Koetter, the Falcons offense was able to make plays last season with no run game, an up-and-down play caller, and an offensive line that was inconsistent. Each of those phases have been addressed and with favorable health on the team all around, winning should be and will be constant. But I will say this, the pass rush is my biggest concern. It could be the difference between the team being good and hoisting the Super Bowl trophy in Miami.
Is there anything you want to say to The Falcoholic readers?
You can find me on Twitter @_Eric_Robinson. Be cautious with the takes on Twitter, please. I’m fragile.
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Well folks, that wraps up another edition of The Falcoholic’s Staff Spotlight. I appreciate Eric for sharing his thoughts on the Falcons with us, and giving us some insight into his life outside of football. Be sure to follow Eric on Twitter @_Eric_Robinson.
Additionally, you can find me on Twitter @EvanBirchfield. If you missed any of the past editions of The Falcoholic’s Staff Spotlight, you can view them by clicking the links below. Thanks for reading, Falcoholics!
Allen Strk | Jeanna Thomas | Carter Breazeale | Cory Woodroof | Adnan Ikic