Bijan Robinson scores first touchdown of the year for the Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are on the scoreboard in 2023 and they have rookie first round pick Bijan Robinson to thank.
The former Texas superstar is already making good on his top-10 selection as he took a screen pass from QB Desmond Ridder into the end zone to help Atlanta take the first lead of the ballgame. Check out the impressive play, where Robinson scoots past three Panther defenders for the score:
Through one half of play, Robinson totaled 29 rushing yards on five carries, second on the team behind last year’s leader and 1,000-yard back Tyler Allgeier. He also has five catches but for just 10 total yards, seven of which came on that TD grab above. Meanwhile, the Falcons went into half tied with Carolina but just allowed a Panthers field goal right out of the break.
Robinson earned starting RB job
The Falcons made their point earlier in the summer, listing the former Texas Longhorns running back as their No. 3 ball-carrier on their initial depth chart. However, with the season approaching this weekend, Atlanta has adjusted things, and Robinson has taken his rightful place atop the list.
“NFL teams are quick to note that the depth charts they issue throughout the preseason are unofficial and the ones the Falcons put out the last few weeks made that point clear,” wrote Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. “Rookie running back Bijan Robinson was listed as the team’s third-string running back despite being the eighth overall pick in this year’s draft and the subject of much praise from those around the team over the course of the summer.
“It’s now time for the regular season to begin and the Falcons have adjusted the chart to better reflect Robinson’s actual role on the team. Robinson is listed as the starter in the backfield with Tyler Allgeier and Cordarrelle Patterson behind him in the pecking order.”
Alas, it was evident the Falcons had no plans of Robinson being their third back, as you don’t draft a running back in the top ten and let them sit behind two veterans. This isn’t the quarterback position.
Bijan Robinson figures to be an electrifying player in the NFL for years to come. When he hits the field, all eyes will be on the Falcons’ newest toy on offense.