Falcons HC Arthur Smith explains why Bijan Robinson hasn't been getting redzone touches
Atlanta Falcons (4-5) running back Bijan Robinson has seldom been used in the last three games, most notably in the redzone.
Robinson, the eighth overall selection in April’s NFL Draft out of Texas, has taken a backseat to fellow tailback Tyler Allgeier inside the 20-yard line, and even tight end Jonnu Smith. In total, Robinson has received just nine redzone carries this season, tied for 41st in the NFL.
Falcons head coach Arthur Smith was asked during Wednesday’s press conference about Robinson’s limited role in the redzone and gave an elaborate five-minute explanation. Bottom line, Smith said, is the Falcons have to do a better job of getting the ball into the endzone, something they’ve only done on 14-of-28 drives in the redzone this season.
Through nine games this season, the 21-year-old Robinson has rushed for 517 yards and a touchdown on a robust 5.0 yards per carry. He has added 28 receptions for 197 yards and two scores through the air. Of running backs across the league to receive 100 plus touches this season, Robinson ranks fifth in yards per touch. Allgeier, who has rushed for 371 yards on 3.2 yards per carry, ranks 30th.
Bijan Robinson impressive in limited touches for Falcons
While the volume isn’t there for Robinson, Smith said his impact away from the ball is opening things up for other players.
“Sometimes, his impact away from the ball can open things up,” Smith said, via Pro Football Talk. “For any rookie, the seasons are long. You’re going to have ebbs and flows. He still has a huge impact on the game.
“He’s got 700 yards [from scrimmage]. You’re still looking for ways, and you know it’s a long journey. We’ll see how this second half of the season goes. But he’s been a huge part of our offense and he’ll continue to be.”
As for Robinson, the only thing he can do is stay ready and continue to improve, specifically with ball security. Robinson fumbled for the second time this season in the 31-28 Week 9 defeat to the Minnesota Vikings (5-4) this past Sunday, a costly turnover in a close game.
“One of those was on me,” Robinson said. “Like I was saying earlier, I have to know, as a guy who just got in this league, if I’m in the space, people are coming for the ball, and that’s what they’re going to do. I need to start working on that right now and just stop that from happening. We want to get the ball in the best position. It was hard to control in some of the situations, and we made some mistakes as well for offense. But we’ll look at the film and get back to getting right.”