Falcon Report

Falcons' Bijan Robinson Lives Up to Hype, Shines in Preseason Debut

Atlanta Falcons rookie running back Bijan Robinson is facing sky-high expectations, but he proved it's more than warranted with an exciting, highlight-filled drive in Friday night's preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Daniel Flick

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Bijan Robinson took the handoff and bolted right before cutting up-field, adjusting his track and finding an alley to the second level.

The Atlanta Falcons' first-round pick was then faced with a one-on-one against veteran safety Nick Scott ... which he decisively won with a quick flick of the joystick, juking left and making Scott miss in the hole before finally being brought down for a 12-yard gain.

It was the first professional carry for Robinson, the highest drafted running back since Saquon Barkley in 2018, and a salivating taste of what's to come - which was only furthered by his impressive one-handed catch later on in the Falcons' 13-13 tie with the Cincinnati Bengals during Friday night's preseason affair.

Robinson played just one drive but showed all he needed to, finishing with four rushes for 20 yards and one reception for six yards. Both Falcons coach Arthur Smith and quarterback Desmond Ridder said they felt Robinson was going to score a touchdown on a carry in the first quarter before the play was blown dead due to a Bengals challenge.

Entering the game, Smith noted he was eager to see Robinson's tracks and wanted him to get his feet wet ... and even though Atlanta's offense ran, in Smith's words, "pretty vanilla" concepts, the early returns were left the Falcons' third-year coach encouraged with what he saw.

"He handled it really well," Smith said. "I thought Bijan operated fast. It certainly didn't look too big for him."

Perhaps most importantly, Robinson continues to show that he provides value in more ways than just carrying the ball - in addition to his difficult catch, he "protected well" as a blocker, per Smith, and remains an option as a punt returner if needed.

When the Falcons drafted Robinson, the notion that he'd be able to impact games in multiple facets was one of the biggest driving forces behind the decision ... and it's already showing up.

Better yet, Ridder relayed that Robinson felt comfortable - and he certainly looked like himself while donning pads for the first time inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

"He's out there doing what he does," Ridder said. "Just get the ball in his hands and let him go."

And if Friday night is any indication, Smith, Ridder and the Falcons plan on doing exactly that with Robinson this fall ... and the result could be as special as Atlanta feels its talented ballcarrier can be.

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Daniel Flick
DANIEL FLICK

Daniel Flick is an accredited NFL writer for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Daniel has provided boots-on-ground coverage at the NFL Combine and from the Atlanta Falcons' headquarters, among other destinations, and contributed to the annual Lindy's Sports Magazine ahead of the 2023 offseason. Daniel is a co-host on the 404TheFalcon podcast and previously wrote for the Around the Block Network and Georgia Sports Hospitality Media.

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