Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson had quite the debut on Sunday night. Sadly though, all of his great efforts were forgotten after the entire team’s dismal performance in the crushing defeat against the San Francisco 49ers. On top of that, Robinson accumulated 92 yards from scrimmage including one receiving touchdown. What frustrated him even more was the fact that he lost because the Falcons’ offense only managed 10 points.
The storyline of the tired Falcons fighting hard against multi-talented juggernaut 49ers shifted the conversation from Atlanta’s reality. They really struggled as QB Michael Penix was pressured on 34% of his dropbacks. Individually, Robinson’s accomplishments were remarkable, finishing the season first in the league with 152.3 yards from scrimmage per game. His efforts still weren’t enough to bring the reeling team an elusive, desperately needed victory.
Last week, Robinson had the best game of his professional career. He went for 238 total yards (including an 81-yard touchdown run) on the Buffalo Bills. His rising star has drawn praise from Falcons coach Raheem Morris, who has consistently touted him as one of the best players in the NFL throughout the season. After the loss in San Francisco, Robinson indicated he was uninterested in the honors.
“I don’t listen to stuff like that,” – Bijan Robinson.
Robinson added that as exciting as his individual achievements were, the team needed to be more concerned about winning ballgames. He willingly accepted that he got bested by his friend and fellow running back, Christian McCaffrey. McCaffrey gained 201 yards from scrimmage, including 129 on the ground and two scores.
It served to remind the home crowd just how electric the Falcons’ offense can be. They come in seventh in the NFL, averaging 364.3 yards per game, but a lot of that success needs to turn into points now. After the game, Robinson was still shaking his head when he spoke to the reporters waiting in the locker room, reiterating that things have to get better.
“We’ve got to find a way to win,” – Michael Penix Jr.
Even as Robinson looked back on the game, his instinct to raise his team’s level of play shone through during Robinson’s postgame reflection. As he has said many times before, if this team is to go wherever it wants to go, the scoring has to get better.
“We’ve got to get some points on the board. That’s the main goal to win a game is getting points and three points is cool, but we really need to get some touchdowns,” – Darnell Mooney.
In his third year in the league, Bijan Robinson continues to establish himself as a key player for the Falcons. His elite speed and quickness has made him a weapon on offense. Still, his priorities are clearly on winning as a team before they are on winning any individual awards or accolades.
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