Why Atlanta Falcons RB Bijan Robinson Isn't Playing Much vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Atlanta Falcons fans are scratching their heads and screaming at the television about the lack of opportunity running back Bijan Robinson has had in the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Falcons coach Arthur Smith spoke with FOX Sports reporter Kristina Pink on the broadcast just before the team trotted out for the second half.
"He's not feeling all that great," Smith told Pink.
The Falcons wouldn't have selected Robinson at No. 8 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft if they weren't planning on him being a franchise player and cornerstone out of the backfield.
But naturally, as a ball carrier that's going to take tons of hits, extending Robinson's playing career by limiting his workload might be a smart decision. It's a topic of discussion that makes for an interesting debate, and it's something that Falcons coach Arthur Smith is well aware of as he looks to lead his team to a bounce-back win.
"I think you've got to be careful," Smith said. "I think it's not just physical, it's the mental things that can get some of them guys. You want them to do everything and he's a unique player, and that's part of the things too you look at operationally, if you're putting too much on them. That's where CP [Cordarrelle Patterson] coming back you hope that's a give and take. You got to be careful but he's here and he's helped us a lot but that's certainly something you've got to look at all the time."
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) runs after a catch against the Washington Commanders in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
© Brett Davis, USA TODAY
Robinson, 21, still has fresh legs, and getting him heavily involved early is good for his growth down the line. Atlanta is clearly keen on doing this, evident by the fact that Robinson enters Week 7 leading all running backs with 26 catches (32 targets) while also being 10th in rushing yards (401) and 15th in attempts (80).
But of course, the Falcons aren't putting everything on Robinson's shoulders. The presence of Tyler Allgeier in the backfield goes a long way. While he's not as involved in the passing game and lacks Robinson's explosiveness as a runner, the Falcons have taken pressure off of their star rookie by having Allgeier handle 75 carries, which is just five fewer than Robinson and tied for 18th-most in the league.
It seems that Smith and the coaching staff have found a nice balance with Robinson. He's a pivotal part of the offense, but his future is too bright to be wasted away by heavy usage as a first- and second-year player.
The Falcons and Bucs are tied 10-10 at halftime.
