Bijan Robinson Handling Hype’? Expectations in Falcons Debut vs. Bengals

Ahead of his preseason debut, Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson is blocking out the noise - and proving to be highly mature behind the scenes.

The Atlanta Falcons went against the grain by selecting former Texas star Bijan Robinson at No. 8 overall in April's draft, making him the highest-drafted running back since Saquon Barkley went No. 2 in 2018.

Robinson, of course, was the third-consecutive offensive weapon drafted in the first round by the Falcons' regime led by general manager Terry Fontenot and coach Arthur Smith.

With that, expectations naturally come - Smith called it "a lot of weight" - but Robinson doesn't focus on that. Instead, he's focused on the day-to-day battle of self-improvement, taking each practice, meeting or snap for what it is - a chance to get better.

"I'm a guy that doesn't look ahead," Robinson told SI's Falcon Report. "I'm always where my feet are, just knowing that I've got to do what I've got to do today. And then if I don't know make it happen today, then I've got a better opportunity to do it tomorrow. So, I mean, me looking ahead, it's hard for me to do."

That includes not listening too much to the outside noise - which includes considerable talk about his chances of winning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Should Robinson take home the award, he'd be the first Falcon to do so since quarterback Matt Ryan in 2008 and the first ballcarrier since Barkley.

And yet, while Robinson acknowledged it'd be an accomplishment to earn the accolade, it's "not really" something he's paying attention to or thinking about entering his professional debut this Friday against the Cincinnati Bengals.

"I understand where that talk's coming from but, like I said, every single day, trying to get better," Robinson said. "And then, hopefully down the line, something happens, but I'm not really looking at that right now."

It's easy to tell just by speaking and listening to Robinson, but Smith made sure to call the 21-year-old a "very mature person" who's been enjoyable to work with.

The goal now becomes getting Robinson acclimated to NFL speed - he, along with the rest of Atlanta's starters, didn't play in last Friday's preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins but is poised to debut against Cincinnati.

Robinson, who stands 5-11, 215 pounds, isn't expected to get a ton of work this Friday, with Smith prioritizing the long game; the aim isn't to "go crazy" but instead simply keep providing learning experiences for both Robinson and the Falcons as they continue to figure each other out.

“We just need the reps," Smith said. "We need to get our bread-and-butter concepts in there. See him, see his tracks. We’re not going to sit there and show everything, but we need to execute well. That’s what you’ll see, some of the basic stuff just to get him going so he can feel the speed and a little bit more speed than he’s felt out there at practice, get tackled, and get him ready to go for September 10.”

It's simply the next step in Robinson's professional career, which has already been quite impressive. During both training camp and joint practice sessions, he's broken several big runs while making highlight reel plays as a pass catcher, proving the versatility that Atlanta felt he had upon turning in the card on draft night.

Still, Smith has long stressed the importance of carrying consistency throughout the preseason and sustaining it through the entirety of the 17-game regular season, which is much easier said than done.

Smith noted testimonies from past rookies, including London and outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie, while conveying the message of just how lengthy the season is and how much of a "constant education" players receive in their first campaign.

"These players will tell you, a lot of rookies, you say how long it is, but they hit that November and they’re like, ‘Holy hell,’" Smith said.

And so, playing the aforementioned "long game" during the preseason is the avenue that Smith and staff feel is best for Robinson and the rest of the rookie class.

It's a clear juxtaposition of the mindset of a player vs. coach - Robinson, staying true to the day-to-day mindset he's embodied, simply wants to use the preseason opener as a chance to improve, and while Smith feels similar, he's moreso eyeing the season's latter portion.

But Smith isn't really worried about Robinson; he trusts what he's seen away from football, and his "unique" on-field ability speaks for itself.

Better yet, Robinson arrives with a ready-made routine and headspace, something Smith has mentioned previously as an important aspect for rookies to develop early in their careers.

"My mindset is already made for the game," Robinson said. "When I get on the field - like the energy (when) I just see the stadium, the stands, all the fans - I'm ready to go. I say my quick prayer, and I go out there and do what I've got to do."

In the case of this Friday night, there may not be too much for Robinson to do ... but there's also not a whole lot left for him to prove until the regular season kicks off.

And so, Robinson's professional debut is largely just that - a chance to take the field for the first time and receive live action snaps, inching one play closer to the opportunity to prove he can live up to the hype in front of the rest of the league.

But inside Falcons headquarters in Flowery Branch, Robinson, who frankly doesn't give too much attention to that hype, has already proven more than enough ... and appears destined for stardom with the manner in which he carries himself.

"For a guy that’s had a lot thrown at him, a lot of hype, a lot of celebrity, whatever - he’s handled it really well, better than most people," Smith said. "This is another step for him. We’re not going to show everything with him.

"He just needs to get his feet wet. That’s an analogy that I think is appropriate to use.”

Robinson's Falcons are set to host the Bengals at 7:30 p.m. EST this Friday ... and while he's certainly looking to accomplish many things inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium throughout the fall, the only goal on his mind is simple - be the best he can be in the moment.

And that level-headed maturity, when paired with his evident skill on the gridiron, has Smith and the Falcons very optimistic about what's to come.

You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @ByDanielFlick

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