Falcons WATCH: Bijan Robinson Makes History, Scores 71-Yard TD at Saints

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder hit Bijan Robinson for a 71-yard touchdown against the New Orleans Saints.

The Atlanta Falcons (7-9) offense is off to its hottest start this season in Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints (8-8) inside Caesars Superdome.

Fresh off a seven-play, 94-yard touchdown drive on their first series, the Falcons returned to the field in emphatic fashion.

Tied 7-7 with five minutes to play in the first quarter, Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder looked left and hit running back Bijan Robinson on a wheel route.

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) and quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) / © Brett Davis, USA TODAY

Some 71 yards later, Robinson was in the endzone, celebrating the longest touchdown of his young career.

Here's a look at the play ...

.@Bijan5Robinson goes all the way!!!

📺 CBS | NFL+ pic.twitter.com/YenonZsFtD

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) January 7, 2024

With quarterback Taylor Heinicke inactive due to a left ankle injury, Ridder received the start - and has now completed all five of his passes for 157 yards and touchdowns.

As for Robinson, the 71-yard gain puts him 45 yards away from becoming the third player in Falcons history with 500 rushing and receiving yards in the same season. He'd join Devonta Freeman and Cordarrelle Patterson, who did so in 2015 and 2021, respectively.

Robinson entered the day tied with William Andrews for the most yards from scrimmage by a rookie in team history but quickly cleared the mark, totaling 87 scrimmage yards in the first quarter alone.

Robinson needs 78 rushing yards over the final three quarters to break Tyler Allgeier's franchise record 1,035 rushing yards by a rookie, set last season.

Falcons vs. Saints Live Updates Highlights: Bijan Robinson Balling

Atlanta, meanwhile, needs a win and Tampa Bay Buccaneers loss to the Carolina Panthers to win the NFC South - and if its offense keeps rolling, may be able to handle business.