Falcons RB Bijan Robinson Eyes 2,000-Yards, Wants to 'Make More Plays' in Year 2
Marred by incompetency above and around him, Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson's rookie season rode a rollercoaster of productivity.
Drafted No. 8 overall last April, Robinson arrived in Flowery Branch with expectations of being a rookie of the year contender. He was a finalist, but ultimately came up short.
In a sense, the Falcons' season followed a similar path.
Atlanta was expected to take a step forward. It led the NFC South entering December but lost four of its last five games, finishing 7-10 and leading to the dismissal of head coach Arthur Smith.
Robinson came out of the gates strong, rushing for 364 yards on 67 carries while adding 21 receptions for 146 yards and two touchdowns through the air, giving him 510 yards from scrimmage.
Still, the 21-year-old battled his own inconsistencies, being held under 40 yards rushing on six occasions while also having six games with two or fewer catches.
All told, Robinson's rookie campaign was a success. He broke Atlanta's record for yards from scrimmage by a rookie, posting 1,463 yards and eight total scores. He still wants more.
"Yeah, I had 1,400 yards, but for me, I have such high expectations, that's not a great season," Robinson told Sports Illustrated before the Super Bowl. "From the expectations people have from me, I could see them looking at that season like, 'that may be great somewhere else but that shouldn't be the standard for me.'"
Robinson led the Falcons with four receiving touchdowns, was second in receptions with 58, third in targets at 86 and fourth in yards with 487.
Nov 26, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) reacts after scoring a touchdown after a catch against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
He just missed the 1,000-yard rushing plateau, finishing with 976 and four scores, but he was the team leader in yards, attempts and yards per attempt. He was the lone Falcon with at least 20 rushes to average more than four yards per carry.
Better yet, Robinson played in all 17 games with 16 starts, surviving perhaps the most challenging physical season he'll have to endure.
The 18-week NFL season, which is preceded by a month of training camp and preseason, is only made longer for rookies, who have a strenuous spring before late April's draft.
Robinson not only checked that box but finished the year on a high note, scoring a season-long 71-yard receiving touchdown against the New Orleans Saints in Week 18 to highlight a 131-all-purpose-yard performance.
Oft praised for his professionalism and the way he's wired, Robinson proved his toughness in 2023 - but may have left some production on the table.
"He did an unbelievable job being able to get through this entire season with the load, mentally and physically, that we put on him," Falcons running backs coach Michael Pitre said. "I think for him, he would tell you he wants to be able to make some more plays."
Robinson finished the year with 408 yards after contact, No. 14 league-wide, and 15 broken tackles, which put him in a tie for 15th.
Uniquely, Robinson had more yards after catch (519) than receiving yards (487), illustrating his ability with the ball in his hands over the actual play design.
But there's another layer where Robinson needs to grow.
"The way he's going to make some more plays and be able to affect the game a little bit more, is just by getting that attention to detail within the play," Pitre said. "Our aiming point, our eyes, understanding some of those little things that all guys go through, that transitional time as a rookie."
Another area Pitre singled out: ball security.
Robinson fumbled the ball four times, losing three, which tied for 19th-most in the NFL. This wasn't a problem for Robinson at the University of Texas, as he fumbled only five times in three seasons, only losing three.
But his fumbles appeared in key moments last season, including one that lost momentum against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 9 and another that gave the Carolina Panthers three points in a 9-7 Panthers victory.
Pitre's been drilling home the idea of reducing fumbles to Robinson this offseason.
"Making sure we're doing a better job taking care of the football and not putting ourselves in a bad situation as a football team by being careless with the football," Pitre said.
Robinson's rookie year set a strong baseline - but he wants more.
He's expressed excitement about playing for Smith's replacement, Raheem Morris, who called Robinson some 15 minutes after taking the job.
With a new coach comes a new coordinator. Robinson felt Smith had too much on his plate as a head coach and offensive play-caller, but new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson doesn't face the same dilemma.
The entire offensive line returns. So does receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts. Atlanta's expectations will once again be to contend for the NFC South crown.
And Robinson, amidst a plethora of expectations, may have set his bar higher than any other.
"I want 2,000 yards rushing," Robinson said. "I know those are big expectations, what we can do as an offense, with all the weapons, our O-line, with Zac being at the helm, it can be something special.
"I think it's going to be one of those special seasons that Atlanta's been waiting for us and all of us as players have been waiting for. So, let's get it."
