2024-09-17 10:20:04
Bijan Robinson has always had the pedigree. On Monday night, the Falcons running back proved he had the consistency, too, turning Lincoln Financial Field into his playground during a first-half showing unlike any other.
Atlanta put a ton of faith in the Texas alum, making him its No. 8 overall pick in an era where successful tailbacks often don’t hear their names called until the second or third day, if at all.
His maiden season in the professional game was a bit of an odyssey. Then-head coach Arthur Smith didn’t seem willing to hand Robinson the keys to the run game, routinely leaving him on the sideline instead of giving him a chance to operate.
New head coach Raheem Morris has a different view. He appears interested in giving Robinson free rein to run roughshod on opposition defenses. Against the Eagles, that ideology worked like a charm — at least in the first half.
With that, here’s a closer look at Robinson’s impressive outing against Philadelphia.
Bijan Robinson stats today vs. Eagles
Final score: Falcons 22, Eagles 21
| Stat | Total |
| Rushes | 14 |
| Yards | 96 |
| Rushing yards per attempt | 6.9 |
| Rushing touchdowns | 0 |
| Receptions | 4 |
| Receiving yards | 25 |
| Receiving yards per attempt | 7.0 |
Robinson was a nuisance to Philadelphia’s front seven throughout the first half, carving the hulking behemoths that populated the Eagles’ line of scrimmage to the tune of 72 yards on 10 carries.
Robinson slalomed beyond his markers with aplomb, finding gaps of space to wreak havoc on Philly’s vaunted defense. He was the bright spot of an otherwise dour first-half showing for the Falcons. It was little surprise he received the brunt of Atlanta’s workload in the tailback position.
Falcons halftime HB snap count
Bijan Robinson 25
Tyler Allgeier 8Out of 33 plays
— Nathan Jahnke (@PFF_NateJahnke) September 17, 2024
Despite Robinson’s big first half, a handful of lengthy Eagles’ drives limited his touches in the second half. He managed just 23 yards on four carries over the final two quarters. He did catch three passes for 18 yards, but the Eagles did a better job of containing the star rusher late in the game.
Bijan Robinson highlights vs. Eagles
There were a handful of impressive moments from Robinson in the opening 30 minutes, including this inch-perfect cut which sent his defender flying.
— wow that was crazy (@CowardlyDoggo) September 17, 2024
Not every one of his runs was eye-catching. But they proved increasingly effective, best evidenced by his 7.2 yard-per-carry average.
Unfortunately for Robinson, he was stonewalled on what looked to be the game’s biggest play — a critical fourth-and-one from Atlanta’s 39-yard line with 5:41 remaining. Fortunately, it didn’t cost Atlanta the game.
Crazy no penalty on CJ GARDNER JOHNSON for taking his helmet off to celebrate the 4th down stop
Just more charity calls for the eagles tonight against the falcons pic.twitter.com/lXfuaMlvD1
— Football Fanatics (@FFB_Fanatics) September 17, 2024
