RUNNING OFF OF VIBES AND CAFFEINE — I had two-and-a-half hours of sleep from Monday night into Tuesday morning, so if this article feels convoluted, so, too, does my brain. Regardless, I have to say this notebook was really tough to nail down. There were so many storylines I wanted to dive into when I went back through my notes and began watching the all-22 Tuesday morning.
However, after spending all postgame talking about Kirk Cousins and that game-winning drive, I found myself actually wanting to go back to the run game. There were major steps taken in the right direction by way of run blocking and formation changes. It led to obvious improvements in execution and production from Week 1 to Week 2.
The usage of Bijan Robinson is more in line with what many expected from him since he joined the Falcons last season. He has the makings of a powder keg about to explode through the line of scrimmage whenever he touches the ball, and that was evident in the Falcons' Monday Night Football win vs. the Philadelphia Eagles. Though everyone is talking about the final drive of the game (and they should be), it's important to talk about Robinson and the Falcons run game, too.
It's why the note I am pulling from the notebook in the aftermath is: "And there goes Bijan."
The Stats
Bijan Robinson finished the evening three yards shy of breaking the 100-yards rushing threshold. He had 97 rushing yards on 14 carries with an average yards per carry of 6.9. Majority of that production came in the first half, 10 carries for 72 yards to be exact. This was a stark difference from the first half run-game performance in the Falcons' Week 1 loss to the Steelers. Robinson still had 10 carries in the first half against Pittsburgh, but he only had 26 rushing yards.
By looking at the all-22 film, the key difference between the two outings was where Robinson was getting that first taste of contact. Against Pittsburgh, more times than not it was at the line of scrimmage, if not behind it entirely. Against Philadelphia, Robinson was able to get to his second and third step, which allowed him to shift into another gear and cause six missed tackles Monday night.
As an offense overall, the Falcons run game was firing on all cylinders in the first half. In Week 1, the unit had 89 total rushing yards. The group surpassed 100-yards rushing by the time halftime came and went in Week 2.
As much as overall production, the run game differed even more from Week 1 to Week 2 from a formation standpoint, too. Robinson took every carry but one from pistol in Week 1. Of his 14 carries Monday night, nine came with Cousins starting under center. When running out of either pistol or shotgun on the other five plays, the Falcons picked up 19 yards. The rest of Robinson's yards came on those nine plays on under center runs. According to Next Gen Stats, the Falcons had a 77.8% success rate with Robinson when Cousins' started under center.
What's more, Robinson's 97 rushing yards against the Eagles was his third-best rushing performance as a Falcon. According to Terrin Waack's Falcons Takeoff story, Robinson became the first Falcons running back since Michael Turner in 2011 to have at least 100 scrimmage yards in the first two games of the season.
The Plays
Breaking down four of Robinson's most explosive runs, and how the Falcons accumulated yards based on blocking and assignments.
Play No. 1
The situation: First quarter (4:03), second-and-8 from the Atlanta 11-yard line
The formation: Shotgun
The execution: Robinson had a hole the size of Texas to run through (only a little pun intended). Cutting to his left following the handoff from Cousins, there was nothing but green grass ahead of Robinson thanks to Jake Matthews and Matthew Bergeron's seal to the inside and Kyle Pitts picking up outside linebacker Josh Sweat coming off the edge. The key block, though, came with Drake London on the second level. His block on strong safety Reed Blankenship made it to where Robinson was untouched for about five yards before cornerback Quinyon Mitchell stepped up to make the tackle. Well, he tried to make the tackle anyways. In true Robinson fashion, a cut back to the right had Mitchell falling off balance and on his back as Robinson ran by. Robinson picked up 14 yards by the time he was brought down.
Play No. 2
The situation: Second quarter (3:26), first-and-10 from the Atlanta 30-yard line
The formation: Under center
The execution: A key block by Matthews as Sweat jumped to Matthews' inside shoulder allowed Robinson to run off the left side of the protection with ease. A hole made by Bergeron and Ray-Ray McCloud kept Robinson untouched to the 37-yard line before he was brought down just shy of the first down.
Play No. 3
The situation: Second quarter (3:00), second-and-1 from the Atlanta 39-yard line
The formation: Under center
The execution: Running behind a hole created by a charging Chris Lindstrom, Robinson mades it to midfield before first contact. A lot of Robinson's success in the run game Monday came with following Lindstrom out from the line of scrimmage. There were a few times the Falcons saw a return in yards by putting Drew Dalman and Kaleb McGary in charge of the Eagles' defensive tackles and allowing Lindstrom to push through the second level to attack the middle linebacker, as was the outcome in this case.
Play No. 4
The situation: Third quarter (14:24), second-and-3 from the Atlanta 37-yard line
The formation: Under center
The execution: Sending McCloud in motion from right to left lessoned the overload of defenders on the right side of the field, so when Robinson got the handoff and bounced to the right side, he had the advantage with Charlie Woerner out in front of him. At the snap, Woerner ran alongside Eagles defensive end Bryce Huff, keeping him away from Robinson, before slowing down cornerback Darius Slay in his pursuit of Robinson. The Falcons running back picked up 19 yards before running out of bounds.
The learnings
There was a theme in these successful plays, did you see it? Everyone at every level of the offense was involved. Whether it was Kyle Pitts, Drake London, Ray-Ray McCloud or the entire Falcons offensive line, the Atlanta run game is at its best when assignments are upheld, even if its just slowing a defender down here or there by getting in between them and the ball carrier. Robinson is a special talent, yes. But as we saw against Pittsburgh, if he is getting hit at or behind the line of scrimmage, there's little even he can do. These plays are evidence of what Robinson can do when you give him an extra step here, another hole there. It can be important for the Falcons in their pursuit of offensive success.
The questions
As the Falcons chased the Eagles to the very end after establishing the run in the first half, my Twitter was inundated with the same question over and over again: "Tori, why did the Falcons stop running the ball?" or better yet, "Bijan is averaging over six yards a carry. Give him the ball!"
Well, I am here to tell you there are a few reasons why the Falcons went away from the run in the second half. Long story short, they didn't.
For starters, they went to Robinson on four straight plays to open the second half. Two designed runs that yielded 24 rushing yards and two pass plays that resulted in a total pickup of 20 yards. So, there was that.
Then, their second drive saw the pass game come alive once the Falcons converted a crucial fourth down play from Cousins to McCloud to set up a 42-yard catch-and-run by Darnell Mooney. However, they had to start worrying about the clock when they found themselves down 18-15 after a 17-play Eagles drive that took over nine minutes of time off the clock in the fourth quarter. Still, though, it wasn't like they went away from the run thereafter, either. The Falcons went back to Robinson on their first-down play to begin their second-to-last drive. It was a run that didn't go much of anywhere, though, and only yielded a yard. Then, on fourth-and-one, CJ Gardner-Johnson just made a good play, stuffing Robinson before he reached the first-down marker.
By the time the Falcons got the ball back, there was 1:39 on the clock and they were down 21-15 and couldn't run the ball. In the end, though, Cousins' and Co. came through in the pass game to secure the win.
Monday's game showed viewers that the Falcons' run game is something to watch out for. From Week 1 to Week 2, it heated up, as did Robinson. And even with more production needed on third down and in the red zone, the Falcons run game is still trending in the right direction.
Immerse yourself in the subtle drama of the Falcons-Eagles meetup at Lincoln Financial Field with our monochrome snapshots from Week 2, shot on Sony.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 arrives before the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 catches a touchdown pass during the fourth quarter of the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Scene setter images before the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 locker room celebration after the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 arrives before the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 reacts after the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank and quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 in the locker room prior to the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 prior to the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 prior to the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Locker room celebration after the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris locker room celebration after the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Charlie Woerner #89 and tight end Ross Dwelley #85 in the locker room prior to the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris prior to the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 prior to the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Matthew Bergeron #65 locker room celebration after the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 prior to the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Matthew Bergeron #65 and kicker Younghoe Koo #6 react after the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 prior to the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 and safety Jessie Bates III #3 prior to the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank on the field prior to the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Micah Abernathy #29 during the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III #34 runs with the ball during the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III #34 in the locker room prior to the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Matthew Judon #15 celebrates after a sack during the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 looks onto the field during the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 stands during the anthem during the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie #17 during the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank reacts after the interception to clinch the victory during the fourth quarter of the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Joe Hale/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Richie Grant #27 during the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 celebrates after a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Joe Hale/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Casey Washington #82 runs out during the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 gets into the huddle before the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 and inside linebacker Troy Andersen #44 celebrate after a big play during the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 scores a touchdown during the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 celebrates after defeating the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 arrives before the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 arrives before the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 warms up before the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 in the locker room prior to the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tackle Jake Matthews #70 in the locker room prior to the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Matthew Judon #15 warms up before the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 hands off to running back Tyler Allgeier #25 during the first quarter of the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Avery Williams #26 and wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III #34 huddle up before the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 in the locker room prior to the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 on the sideline during the first half of the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 runs after a catch during the third quarter of the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 runs with the ball during the third quarter of the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 in the locker room prior to the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 and running back Tyler Allgeier #25 prior to the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Sideline during the national anthem prior to the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Hughes #21 breaks up a pass during the first quarter of the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris prior to the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III #34 in the locker room prior to the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Matthew Bergeron #65 blocks during the first half of the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Casey Washington #82 in the locker room prior to the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 receives a snap from offensive lineman Drew Dalman #67 during the third quarter of the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 looks to pass during the first quarter of the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tackle Jake Matthews #70 arrives before the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
