Bijan Robinson has made three consecutive Primetime games must-watch TV for the Atlanta Falcons, and he’s the reason why. The team began the season 0-2 behind third-string quarterback Cooper Rush, and nobody expected them to be a draw under the bright lights. Now they’re can’t-miss entertainment.
The back-to-back performances from Robinson have carried this run. In Week 3, he rushed for 194 yards on 29 carries and scored two touchdowns during a blowout win at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers. On the road against the New Orleans Saints, he finished with 145 yards on 19 carries and two more touchdowns in a 45-17 thrashing that pushed the Falcons to 2-2 on the season.
Robinson’s First Touch
A run that reached 59 yards and ended in a touchdown opened the contest against the Saints, with his first touch of the evening. He hit 21 mph during it without seeming to break a sweat. That performance established the standard for the rest of the night, carrying Atlanta through a contest in which the 1-3 Saints were stumped all night long on home turf.
In the red zone, Robinson displayed the hard-nosed running that can dismantle a defense, capping a drive with a four-yard touchdown run that tied the game at 14-0 in the first quarter.
The Backup Adds to the Fun
This Atlanta team loves to spread the ball around, and no player showed that spirit more than Brian Robinson Jr., the man backing up Bijan. Robinson scored three times, finding the end zone more often than his counterpart, while rushing for 62 yards on 14 carries in this one.
Penix Returns Healthy
Michael Penix Jr., whose job is to conduct the offense in a timely manner and make key throws, has been back healthy over the past two weeks. He went 15-of-20 for 223 yards with a touchdown pass to Jahan Dotson, getting himself involved in the scoring. He also loved tossing the rock to Drake London, who matched Bijan Robinson with 194 yards through the air last week in Green Bay. London finished with five catches for 96 yards.
The Line’s Role
A big part of what makes this work is the Falcons’ offensive line, which has carried its share of the load. The defense has stepped up over the last two weeks, giving Penix, Bijan Robinson and others the chance to get the ball back in their hands as often as possible.
What We Make of It
Over the last two weeks, watching the Falcons has brought real pleasure, since one of the sport’s finest players has delivered two straight shows in Primetime. There is still one more game left on Sunday night, when the Falcons face the Baltimore Ravens in Week 5.
“I love the Primetime games under the lights. It brings out a different energy, and I just love this team,” Robinson said after the game.
The Hard Numbers
- Robinson: 194 yards, 29 carries, 2 TD vs. Packers; 145 yards, 19 carries, 2 TD vs. Saints
- Brian Robinson Jr.: 62 yards, 14 carries, 3 TD
- Penix: 15-of-20, 223 yards, 1 TD pass to Dotson
- London: 5 catches, 96 yards
Each week, the Falcons have silenced their critics, particularly at the start of the season, and Robinson has been the standout performer.
Source material: “Falcons turn primetime doubters into believers behind Bijan Robinson's back-to-back masterpieces,” Fox News.
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