DeMeco Ryans Praises 'Explosive' Atlanta Falcons RB Bijan Robinson

The Atlanta Falcons running game drew praise from Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans this week.

The Atlanta Falcons and Houston Texans may have the same record entering their Week 5 matchup, but the moods surrounding both fan bases, specifically at quarterback, are polar opposites.

The Texans seem to have struck gold in rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. Originally anticipated to be one of the NFL's most lackluster teams in 2023, Houston (2-2) finds itself in the midst of the early, neck-and-neck race for the AFC South.

The Falcons, on the other hand, are struggling at quarterback with Desmond Ridder who has thrown three touchdowns and three picks so far this season, a far cry from Stroud's stat line of six scores and no interceptions.

Even with the quarterback position remaining a question mark in Atlanta, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans is not taking the Falcons lightly this week. Why? Because there are athletes all over the field.

"Much respect for Arthur (Smith) and their offensive line, one of the best running outfits," Ryans said this week. "Fast, physical, have three backs who can get it done. Bijan (Robinson) is one of the most explosive backs in the league."

Oct 1, 2023; London, United Kingdom; Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) carries the ball against Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Darious Williams (31) in the second half during an NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The ground game has been a bright spot during Atlanta's offensive struggles, specifically the aforementioned Robinson. The rookie running back out of Texas has put up over 300 yards on the ground and hauled in an extra 134 in receiving, complete with a score.

Robinson is just one of the weapons on the Falcons' offense, however. If they can find better play under center, this offense can be dangerous, and Ryans knows it.

"They've surrounded (Ridder) with a ton of dynamic playmakers," Ryans said.

Can the Falcons and these playmakers get back on track this week? They'll host Houston on Sunday at 1 p.m. on FOX in an attempt to do so.