Atlanta Falcons Coach Arthur Smith Reacts to 'Absurd' Bijan Robinson Catch
Another week in the NFL means another opportunity for Atlanta Falcons rookie running back Bijan Robinson to make a highlight play once again. And in Atlanta's 21-19 win over the Houston Texans on Sunday, he might've had his best one yet.
Robinson has already been making one-handed grabs since the preseason, making these snags look like clockwork in the process. But against the Texans, his highlight came at a crucial point in the game. With the Falcons trailing 12-7, Robinson snuck free at the offensive line for a designed shovel pass play that saw him reach behind for a one-handed catch that he pinned to his side before walking in for a six-yard touchdown.
The Falcons took a 15-12 lead on the ensuing two-point conversion, as Robinson now had his second-career NFL touchdown. The play certainly "wowed" coach Arthur Smith, but he also admitted it's hardly becoming a surprise anymore to see the exciting rookie make these kind of plays.
“Yeah, it was absurd. Felt good about the play," Smith said. "He just continues to do stuff – I said it yesterday and I mean it – the great players make the hard things look really easy. How he can catch it – but he does it all the time at practice – so it shouldn’t surprise you."
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) runs for a touchdown after catching a pass against the Houston Texans during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
© Dale Zanine, USA TODAY
Through his first five games, Robinson has posted 67 carries for 364 yards but has yet to find the end zone on the ground. However, he's shown incredible ability as a receiver, catching 21 balls for 146 yards and two scores.
Smith admitted that Robinson doesn't practice the one-handed catches that he seems to be making nearly every game now.
“I don’t have a drill for that. He can catch a football," Smith said. "Did I know he was going to do no-look catches? No. I mean, there’s a lot we liked about him. Look, he’s playing with a lot of confidence, and I thought it was a good mix. The key is, he’s a huge part of our offense."
Robinson and the Falcons will look to move to 4-2 when they take on the Washington Commanders at home on Sunday.
