Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier Can Co-Star, Not Just Co-Exist, in Falcons Offense

It's been just eight months since Tyler Allgeier ran his way into the Atlanta Falcons' record books, breaking William Andrews' 43-year rookie rushing mark with 1,035 yards last season.

Allgeier finished the season strong, rushing for 431 yards and two touchdowns over the final four games while proving he could be a workhorse at the sport's highest level.

This stretch seemingly vaulted Allgeier into contention to lead Atlanta's backfield for the next several years ... but it didn't work out that way.

The Falcons were presented the chance to select arguably the best running back prospect in five years when Bijan Robinson was available at No. 8 overall in April's draft, and they simply couldn't pass it up.

Almost instantly, everyone had the same question - what's this mean for Allgeier?

The answer came in the Falcons' season-opening 24-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers last Sunday, when Allgeier led the team in rushing with 15 carries for 75 yards and two rushing touchdowns.

Better yet, Allgeier's stable production didn't come at the expense of Robinson, who had 10 carries for 56 yards and added six receptions for 27 yards and a score.

Falcons coach Arthur Smith said he was "very" pleased with Allgeier's performance - but most importantly, he's thrilled with the dynamic his two young runners bring to the table.

"You have guys like that, you're coming off a big year, you take a player like Bijan ... they're different players," Smith said. "If you've got selfish guys and they don't trust you, it can go sideways, but what you saw is when you go from Bijan to Tyler, two pretty damn good football players.

"It's a joy to coach them."

Snap counts were similar for both players, with Robinson taking 33 to Allgeier's 29; the Falcons played 52 total offensive snaps during the game, which illustrates the duo's ability to play with one another.

Smith and general manager Terry Fontenot had no doubt this would be the case; they stated immediately after drafting Robinson that his ability to play in space as a slot receiver and impact the game in multiple ways would be conductive for offensive versatility.

The name of the game for Atlanta's offense this summer was positionless football; with Allgeier, Robinson, running back Cordarrelle Patterson, receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts, there are plenty of legitimate playmakers, all of whom bring their own blend of diverse skill sets.

As a result, quarterback Desmond Ridder believes the Falcons are stressing opposing defenses' communication and recognition skills, which achieves the offense's mission of being as confusing as possible.

"We know that we have creatures and monsters all over the field," Ridder said. "It doesn't just have to be a wide receiver or a tight end position - we have it at the back position, too."

Robinson's six receptions led Atlanta's offense, while Allgeier added three catches for 19 yards on his own; the two caught all nine passes that went their way.

Both strong runners with the ability to thrive in a number of ways, Allgeier and Robinson began their relationship believing they could star together, and they've proven they can already.

The Falcons' offense is still just finding its rhythm; Smith noted he would've liked to have put together longer drives with better third efficiency, thus creating more snaps and evening the workload on the ground.

And really, that wish only heightens the upside of this "thunder and lightning" duo; if the Week 1 performance wasn't ideal, just how high can the ceiling be?

Quite lofty - Smith called Allgeier a "special player" with a unique mindset, and Robinson's track record of praise from inside the building is well-documented.

There's legitimate reason to believe this is only the beginning for the duo - Smith pointed out Robinson's alignment as a "nontraditional running back" when Allgeier was in the game and the versatility of calling runs, screens, passes, or anything else with the options at his disposal.

Consider further that Atlanta's offensive line is viewed as one of the league's better run blocking units, and the upside truly feels limitless - and Ridder is loving every second of it.

"Bijan and Tyler both played their butts off," Ridder said. "Those guys have great vision, great awareness and great balance. Once you give them the ball, it's fun to watch them go.”

Similarly dominant with several shared traits for requisite professional success, Allgeier and Robinson have an intriguing blend of skill sets that could create one of the top running back duos in the league.

Off the field, both players aren't overly outspoken, but they work exceptionally hard and are highly regarded for their maturity.

In essence, Robinson and Allgeier are wired with the same attributes that are needed to thrive, but the explosiveness and versatility of Robinson and wear-you-down style of Allgeier complement each other quite well.

And perhaps the most encouraging aspect of it all is that both players are still just getting started - literally in the case of Robinson, who's coming off a standout debut and continues to shine behind the scenes.

"Bijan (is) starting to understand, and he’s grasping the aspects of being a professional," Falcons offensive coordinator Dave Ragone said. "There’s natural ability. You see it on film. You saw it in the game. There’s also the mental part, which he’s growing each day with."

Robinson, 21, has only helped push Allgeier, 23, to grow, as well. The former BYU star has seen his confidence and leadership rise this offseason, armed with the knowledge that Robinson is in the process of acquiring.

When entering Year 2, players often go one of two ways - a noticeable breakout or a sophomore slump.

Allgeier's debut is a strong indication he's in for the former, following up a record-setting rookie year with more proof he can be a long-term impact player and elevate the group around him.

"With Tyler in general, his intent, the way he sees it, he trusts his instincts," Ragone said. "He trusts the guys around him. And again, when you talk about the run game in particular, what’s really cool to see when you put the film on is the effort and the intent and the finish of everybody around him."

When Robinson scored his first career touchdown during Sunday's game, Allgeier was the first to follow and celebrate with him. It was a no-brainer.

For Robinson, seeing his teammates swarm around him in the endzone is something he'll long remember, and having the other running back who he was supposedly replacing only adds to the story.

The reality is that adding Robinson was never about replacing Allgeier; not for Smith or Fontenot, and certainly not for the two runners.

Instead, it was about adding more talent and causing late night headaches for opposing defensive coordinators, a result that certainly seems likely sooner rather than later.

But best of all, Robinson and Allgeier aren't just co-existing in this talented offense. They're starring together and making one another better, raising the ceiling not only for themselves but the city of Atlanta as it pursues its first Super Bowl title.

"It's just healthy competition," Allgeier said. "That's my boy right there. Us just feeding off each other - he makes a big play, (I'm) like 'okay, I've got to make a big play.' I make a big play, he wants to make a big play, too. It's really just feeding off each other."

So, dating back to that question, what's the addition of Robinson mean for Allgeier?

A new friend, a new partner for a dynamic duo, and most importantly, a player who may ultimately help turn the walk-on linebacker turned NFL running back into the best version of himself while helping the Falcons soar to new heights.