FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Running back Bijan Robinson set very high expectations for himself in his second season with the Atlanta Falcons.
That should have come as no surprise for a former No. 8 overall draft pick.
What was interesting, though, is Robinson — and the team — made a direct player comparison when explaining what he wanted his 2024 play to look like back in June. Robinson said the Falcons' goal was to use him in a similar way the San Francisco 49ers used All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey in 2023.
McCaffrey was the Offensive Player of the Year last season as the only one who broke 2,000 yards from scrimmage. He hit exactly 2,023 in 2023. Robinson had 1,463 as a rookie.
That's why a "very" preceded "high expectations" at the start.
However, as Week 15 gets underway, it appears the Falcons' plan for Robinson has unfolded as desired.
"It is without a doubt the mindset that we had going into it, talking about the Christian McCaffrey type role or -esque, and he's going out and being able to do a lot of those things," Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said. "He's done even more than I even had for his expectations when it comes to his pass pro, when it comes to some of the toughness that he brings to our table and when it comes to the mindset that he brings to our team."
Robinson currently ranks No. 4 overall with 1,378 yards from scrimmage. Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley is No. 1 with 1,890. Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (1,532) and New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (1,423) are Nos. 2 and 3, respectively.
Injuries have plagued McCaffrey's season, so much so that he has only played in four games and therefore has just 348 yards from scrimmage. He was placed on injured reserve earlier this month.
Robinson's total yardage breaks down into a career-high 977 yards rushing and another 401 yards receiving. He has scored a career-high nine touchdowns, including eight rushing (another career high) and one receiving.
The numbers back up Robinson's offseason claim that he'll be more of a run-first player this year.
"Obviously, the talent, everyone knew it was there," Falcons running backs coach Michael Pitre said. "Now, I think he's just more confident because the game is continuing to slow down for him."
Especially as of late.
Looking at Robinson's nine touchdowns so far, eight have come in the last eight games alone. He scored just one in the first five games.
Also, Robinson has had nine games with at least 100 yards from scrimmage, second only to Barkley's 11. Seven of those have occurred in the last eight games.
"I can't speak highly enough about Bijan," Falcons right guard Chris Lindstrom said. "The runs that he's able to make, the plays he's able to make, also the ball security that he has while he's doing that – he's special. There's no better feeling than watching him make a guy miss or pressing his runs and finishing."
Ball security was a major emphasis in the offseason. Robinson had four fumbles last season. He hasn't had any this year.
And yet, Robinson is still giving every play his all. He has forced 67 missed tackles to rank third among his position group. Henry's 75 tops the chart. Green Bay Packers' Josh Jacobs is second with 72.
"We talk about any real runner, you got to be able to make people miss and you got to be able to run through arm tackles," Pitre said. "If it's blocked up for 4 (yards), we need to be able to find a way to get 7 or 8 out of that play, if not more. So, it's really kind of a mentality mindset.
"And then you just talk about (Robinson's) obvious natural ability and skill set with him taking the coaching and being able to watch the film and evaluate the thing that he needs to do to continue to break tackles."
Speaking of film, that's where another area of improvement in Robinson's game from Year 1 to 2 can be seen more so than on a stat sheet: pass protection. His strides there have been applauded by coaches and teammates alike. Lindstrom even said it'd be hard-pressed to find someone more selfless than Robinson in that regard, which is some serious praise from a sixth-year lineman.
So, yeah, Robinson made a rather strong proclamation in the lead-up to this season. The important thing is the Falcons not only backed him up but actually installed an offensive scheme that allows Robinson to thrive. His potential is being realized.
"He can go as far as he wants to go," Pitre said, "because I think he has that much talent."
