The Atlanta Falcons have taken the first steps to address their disastrous start to the season. Wide receiver coach Ike Hilliard has been let go.

The Atlanta Falcons have reacted: After a disastrous 0-30 defeat against the Carolina Panthers, the team has fired wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard with immediate effect. The Falcons’ offense is in deep crisis – and Hilliard is now serving as the scapegoat.

In an official statement on Monday, the Falcons confirmed the departure of the 49-year-old, who was in his second season with the NFC South team. Offensive Passing Game Coordinator T.J. Yates will take over Hilliard’s duties for the time being. Yates, 38, has been with the Falcons since 2021 and served as WR coach in 2022 and 2023 before being promoted to quarterback coach last year.

NFL: Atlanta Falcons lacking any punch

The trigger for the dismissal was the Falcons’ disastrous performance in Sunday’s game in Charlotte. Atlanta didn’t even make it into the Panthers’ red zone and suffered a 0-30 drubbing – the Panthers’ biggest win in a decade.

Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. had his worst game yet: two interceptions, including a pick-six, and not a single touchdown pass to a wide receiver or tight end this season. In fact, Penix has thrown only one TD pass all season so far—a 50-yard checkdown to running back Bijan Robinson in week one.

The Falcons offense is in an alarming slump: they have scored only one touchdown in the last eight quarters.