Tag: bijan robinson

3 bold predictions for Chargers in Week 13 vs. Falcons

The Chargers lost their first game in over a month in Week 12, but they’ll look to improve to 3-0 against the NFC South this weekend.

The Chargers’ four-game winning streak ended in Week 12 when they lost to the Ravens. Now, they have to travel to Atlanta to face the NFC South leaders, the Falcons.

The Bolts stand at 7-4 with a current spot in the postseason on the AFC side. Another win on Sunday, and they will continue to better their chances at reaching the playoffs in Jim Harbaugh’s first season as head coach in L.A.

Justin Herbert throws for 275+ passing yards

Since recovering from his injury early in the season, Herbert has been one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. He’s reached 275+ passing yards in four of his last six games, and there’s no reason to think he can’t do it again on Sunday. The Falcons give up the seventh-most passing yards (229.9) per game. With J.K. Dobbins out, expect the Chargers to rely more on Herbert in Week 13.

Chargers don’t allow a sack

The Chargers have one of the best offensive tackle duos in all of football, which has helped keep Herbert more upright in 2024. The Falcons have just ten sacks in 11 games this season, which is by far the worst pass rush in the league. In fact, the second-worst pass rush (Panthers) has seven more sacks than the Falcons. As long as the interior part of the Chargers offensive line holds its own, this doesn’t feel as bold of a prediction as some may think.

Chargers win by 7+

There is never an easy road game in the NFL, particularly against a talented unit like the Falcons. That said, this Chargers team has been trending upward for over a month now. Coming off their first loss in quite some time, expect Harbaugh’s unit to come out and send a message to the Falcons. Los Angeles has won by an average of 20.5 points in their two matchups against NFC South sides this season.

Key things to know about Chargers’ Week 13 opponent: Falcons

Here are some important things to know about the Falcons ahead of the Week 13 matchup with the Chargers.

The Chargers are on the road to face the Falcons on Sunday, Dec. 1, at 10:00 a.m. PT.

To get you prepped for the Week 13 bout, here are a few key things to know about Los Angeles’ opponent ahead of the matchup.

How things are going…

The Falcons are 6-5 on the season. They’re in first place in the NFC South.

Prolific passing offense

The Falcons made an offseason move to acquire quarterback Kirk Cousins, which has seemed to pay dividends. Atlanta ranks No. 5 in passing offense, averaging 243.6 yards per game. They’re eighth in yards per play (7.8). Cousins’ top targets, Darnell Mooney and Drake London, have over 700 receiving yards.

Beware of Bijan

Running back Bijan Robinson is another skill player the Chargers need to account for at all times. Robinson is good on the ground and can catch the ball. He has over 1,000 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns.

Not so good on the other side of the ball

The Falcons have struggled on defense this season. They’re allowing 24.9 points per game, which ranks 25th. Atlanta is 19th against the run and 26th against the pass. The Falcons have ten sacks through 11 games, the fewest in the league.

Look out for…

Robinson. The Chargers struggled to stop the run last week against the Ravens, and they will have a tall task against Robinson, who has proven to be electric on the ground.

NFL rushing leaders (including Bijan Robinson) entering Week 12

NFL rushing leaders (including Falcons RB Bijan Robinson) entering Week 12 of the 2024 season

The Atlanta Falcons have been explosive on offense this season, but they were completely shut down by the Denver Broncos in Week 11. The team rushed for just 50 yards and Bijan Robinson had an uncharacteristically quiet day.

The second-year running back has become a true dual-threat, recording over 1,142 all-purpose yards and seven touchdowns over the first 11 games. Robinson has become a go-to weapon for the Falcons’ passing game but still ranks among the top 10 in total rushing yards.

Here’s a look at the top 32 NFL rushing leaders entering Week 12 of the 2024 season:

  1. Derrick Henry: 1,185 yards
  2. Saquon Barkley: 1,137 yards
  3. Josh Jacobs: 838 yards
  4. Chuba Hubbard: 818 yards
  5. Jahmyr Gibbs: 796 yards
  6. Bijan Robinson: 783 yards
  7. Alvin Kamara: 782 yards
  8. Joe Mixon: 764 yards
  9. Kyren Williams: 750 yards
  10. J.K. Dobbins: 726 yards
  11. Najee Harris: 708 yards
  12. Jordan Mason: 703 yards
  13. James Conner: 697 yards
  14. Aaron Jones: 692 yards
  15. Tony Pollard: 681 yards
  16. Jonathan Taylor: 673 yards
  17. D’Andre Swift: 635 yards
  18. Breece Hall: 632 yards
  19. Chase Brown: 607 yards
  20. James Cook: 596 yards
  21. David Montgomery: 595 yards
  22. Rhamondre Stevenson: 585 yards
  23. (QB) Lamar Jackson: 584 yards
  24. Tyrone Tracy Jr.: 545 yards
  25. De’Von Achane: 530 yards
  26. Brian Robinson Jr.: 524 yards
  27. Tank Bigsby: 519 yards
  28. Kareem Hunt: 509 yards
  29. Bucky Irving: 492 yards
  30. (QB) Jayden Daniels: 482 yards
  31. Kenneth Walker: 452 yards
  32. Javonte Williams: 447 yards

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Texas Ex Bijan Robinson Credits Kirk Cousins for Growth, Eyes Texas SEC Championship Run

Bijan Robinson has a good feeling the Longhorns will take an SEC title in their first year. Plus, who he credits for his NFL success.

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson is making waves in his rookie season, posting 632 rushing yards and 303 receiving yards across nine games. The former Texas Longhorn is on a Pro Bowl-caliber path, attributing much of his early NFL success to the leadership of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins.

In an interview with On3, Robinson highlighted Cousins’ impact on his growth and development. “He’s a veteran in the league, so he’s had a lot of experience,” Robinson said. “To have a guy that’s seen a lot of different looks, seeing a lot of different schemes and that knows what to anticipate and what’s to come. And that’s been the biggest difference for me.” Robinson noted that Cousins has not only guided him in gameplay but also instilled leadership qualities. “(Kirk) teaching me how to be a leader and showing me the steps and how to be the best player possible is definitely been something that I haven’t had before. But man, I mean he’s definitely been great for this offense and hopefully we continue to keep on putting up awesome numbers and great games like how we want to.”

Though dedicated to helping the Falcons succeed, Robinson hasn’t lost sight of his roots with the Texas Longhorns. Confident in his alma mater’s chances, he believes Texas can make a historic run and win the SEC title in December. “When you play at Texas, every single game is going to be a championship game,” Robinson remarked.

“Every single opponent is going to treat us like that, the fans, the atmosphere, it’s going to be sold out, it’s going to be just a bunch of hate coming our way. But I believe if we just continue to just lock in and if they just do what they’re supposed to do from week to weekend, know that every single opponent is going to bring their very best to try to beat us, I think we’ll be just fine. And I think we will win the SEC and then with this new playoff system, hopefully, we can win the championship as well.”

With Cousins guiding Robinson in Atlanta and his continued support for Texas, both Falcons and Longhorns fans have plenty to cheer for this season. The only fans who might have mixed feelings? Dallas Cowboys fans.

‘A True Falcon’: Bijan Robinson continues to draw praise for versatility

Falcons running back Bijan Robinson continues to draw praise for his versatility and impact on and off the field

Falcons running back Bijan Robinson checks all the boxes of what an NFL rusher is supposed to be in the modern era: a player who can play the traditional role on the ground, block when called upon and catch passes out of the backfield.

Robinson has received praise for all three of these areas since his time at the University of Texas, and this trend has continued in Atlanta. But what the second-year running back stands for transcends beyond what he has accomplished on the field.

“He does everything,” Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said. “I can’t say enough positive things about Bijan. Running the football, blocking, protection, catching the ball out of the backfield, scoring touchdowns, cheering for his guys, being locked and loaded, being a positive leader, an inspiration behind everything we do and what he does in our community.”

The culture Morris has instilled in Atlanta has been a huge part of the team’s success this season, and players like Robinson have embodied the standard he wishes to see within his team.

“He is the definition of what is a Falcon,” Morris said. “We talk about going to look for these people and our process of bringing them in here, you can just put a picture up of Bijan [Robinson] and say ‘that is it, at the highest level.'”

And it’s easy to see the comfort level quarterback Kirk Cousins has both in handing the ball off to Robinson and using him in the passing game. Cousins has consistently targeted Robinson out of the backfield and the results have been impressive.

“He’s a big deal,” Cousins said. “I want him to show up in the pass game, I want him to be able to check the ball down to him, I want to be able to put the ball in his hands… I see a running back as a running and I also see them as a receiver. Bijan [Robinson] has a lot of ability catching the football and I love when he shows up in our passing game too.”

Robinson finished Sunday’s 27-21 win over the Dallas Cowboys without a score, but his stat line didn’t tell the full story of just how big a role he played.

He led the team in rushing with 86 yards on 19 carries and finished as the second-leading receiver with 59 receiving yards on seven catches. Robinson recorded a career-high 26 touches in the game, adding to a long list of milestones.

Among the latest of those came in the 31-26 road win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when he scored his first receiving touchdown of the season and put together three consecutive games in which he had scored at least one touchdown.

Expect Robinson to continue improving upon what he’s done in his second year in Atlanta as the Falcons face an incredibly shaky New Orleans Saints team on the road Sunday.

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Bijan Robinson hits rushing milestone in Falcons’ win over Buccaneers

Bijan Robinson hit yet another milestone in the Falcons’ 31-26 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson has been a large part of the team’s offensive success during the 2024 season, and he hit yet another milestone in Sunday’s 31-26 road win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

He finished the game with 63 rushing yards on 13 carries en route to achieving 1,500 total rushing yards for his career. Robinson was also a force out of the backfield for the team, catching six passes for 37 yards and one touchdown.

That six-yard scoring reception in the final 20 seconds of the third quarter was his first score through the air this season. Robinson has now scored at least one touchdown in three consecutive games and has five all-purpose touchdowns in the first eight games.

The former Texas standout’s versatility was praised before the season began and his dual-threat ability has been a huge asset. Robinson has also thrived as a blocker for Atlanta.

“I thought the blocking he did the other night was incredible,” offensive coordinator Zac Robinson said about his star running back earlier this season. “Him being able to close the space on some of those linebackers and show what he can do in pass protection is as valuable as anything, but he’ll just continue to get better.”

Robinson and the Falcons will look to build upon Sunday’s win over the Buccaneers when they host the Dallas Cowboys next weekend at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

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Falcons run game could give Seahawks defense fits on Sunday

Falcons run game could give Seahawks defense fits on Sunday

The Seattle Seahawks defense has struggled against the run throughout the early portion of the 2024 season. Mike Macdonald’s unit has allowed 868 rushing yards through six contests, fifth-most across the entire league. The defense is currently allowing 5.0 yards per carry, fourth-worst in the NFL. Starting linebacker Tyrel Dodson recently discussed those struggles.

On paper, the matchup against the Atlanta Falcons’ rushing attack in Sunday’s upcoming Week 7 contest doesn’t look particularly scary. The Falcons are currently averaging a 21st-best 113.7 rushing yards per game. Their 682 total rushing yards rank a middling 16th in the NFL, and their four rushing touchdowns are tied for 23rd.

The advanced metrics are however far better. Starting running back Bijan Robinson is averaging 4.6 yards per carry and has forced a missed tackle rate of 19.2%, according to data collected by Chris Trapasso. Robinson is also averaging 2.72 yards after contact per attempt, and is enjoying an overall success rate of 53.7 percent.

Robinson’s backup Tyler Allgeier is heavily involved and has been equally as impressive. Allgeier is averaging a team-high 5.5 yards per carry and has forced a missed tackle rate of 31.3%. That’s extremely concerning for a Seahawks defense that has struggled with missed tackles. Atlanta’s No. 2 back is also averaging 3.90 yards after contact per attempt, with an overall success rate of 60.8 percent.

Macdonald’s defense must display a gap-discipline game while showcasing better wrap-up tackling abilities. The matchup against Atlanta’s rushing attack is more difficult than the basic numbers indicate. Seattle must be ready for a dog fight in the trenches.

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Falcons hit multiple milestones in 38-20 victory over Panthers

The Atlanta Falcons hit multiple milestones in Sunday’s win over the Carolina Panthers.

The Atlanta Falcons continue to dominate the NFC South, adding another one to the win column after they defeated the Carolina Panthers, 38-20 on the road Sunday.

In addition to the victory itself, the team hit a few notable milestones. The Falcons racked up 423 yards of total offense, passing for 225 yards and rushing for 198 rushing yards. It was Atlanta’s highest rushing total of the season.

Running back Bijan Robinson headed the effort, carrying the ball 15 times for 95 yards and two touchdowns. It’s the first time in Robinson’s NFL career that he’s rushed for touchdowns in a game and also the first multi-touchdown game he’s had since Week 12 of the 2023 season.

Only Tyler Allgeier tallied more yards on the ground, rushing for 105 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. It was the third-year running back’s third career game topping the century mark. Allgeier also surpassed 2,000 career rushing yards in Week 6.

Atlanta’s three first-half touchdowns mark the first time the team has totaled at least three touchdowns before halftime this year. In terms of points scored, the Falcons have combined for 74 points over the last two games, the highest total in two games since Week 14 and Week 15 of the 2016 season.

The Falcons will aim to stay on the right side of the win column as they face the Seattle Seahawks in Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Oct. 20. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET.

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Kyle Pitts’ huge catch sets up Bijan Robinson’s 2nd TD vs. Panthers

WATCH: Kyle Pitts’ 52-yard catch sets up Bijan Robinson touchdown run to give Falcons the lead vs. Panthers

The Atlanta Falcons finally took the lead in their Week 6 matchup against the Panthers thanks to a crucial Kyle Pitts catch and run to flip the field. The fourth-year tight end hauled in a 52-yard reception in the second quarter, which set up a seven-yard touchdown run by running back Bijan Robinson.

It was Robinson’s second touchdown run of the game. The second-year running back has eight carries for 41 yards and two touchdowns in the first half of Sunday’s contest. Pitts has two catches for 56 receiving yards. Check out both plays below, as shared by the team’s Twitter account.

https://twitter.com/AtlantaFalcons/status/1845579086183514510

https://twitter.com/atlantafalcons/status/1845577781024874882?s=46

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Falcons need to flex their muscles against the Panthers in Week 6

The Falcons need to flex their muscles against the Panthers in Week 6..

As we approach Week 6 of the 2024 NFL season, the Atlanta Falcons stand atop the NFC South after defeating the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in consecutive weeks. The team’s next test is a road matchup against the Carolina Panthers.

While the Panthers do seem to be more fluid on offense with Andy Dalton replacing Bryce Young at quarterback, they’re still a team in disrepair and in need of a major rebuild. Sunday’s game will be the Falcons’ best opportunity yet to flex their muscles and dominate an opponent.

The team pulled off two improbable comebacks to beat Philadelphia and Tampa Bay, but Atlanta has yet to win convincingly. Eagles running back Saquon Barkley dropped a fourth-quarter pass that would have sealed a win in Week 2.

That blunder gave the Falcons new life, and to their credit, they took advantage. Atlanta needed to outscore the Bucs 13-6 in the second half just to force overtime before benefitted from winning the coin toss.

Obviously, it’s nice to win when you’re not playing your best football, but the Falcons have to prove they can play well for four quarters. Carolina is 1-4 this season with an average margin of defeat of 24 points.

The Panthers opened the season with a 37-point loss to the Saints and are coming off a 26-point loss to the Chicago Bears last Sunday. The Falcons’ average margin of victory is just three points and all five games this season have been within a single possession.

In Week 5, Kirk Cousins showed the league that the team isn’t scared to throw the football by recording the 25th 500-yard passing game in NFL history against the Bucs. This should work in Atlanta’s favor in Week 6 as Carolina ranks 22nd in passing yards allowed per game.

Surprisingly, the ground game is where the Falcons need to show the most improvement. The Panthers’ run defense ranks 27th in the league, allowing just under 145 yards per contest.

The Falcons haven’t had a 100-yard rusher all season and are one of eight teams averaging under 100 rushing yards per game. When your backfield consists of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, those are unacceptably low numbers.

As highlighted above, the matchups favor Atlanta in Week 6. Now it’s time for this team to prove its early-season success wasn’t a fluke.

Sunda’s game starts at 4:25 p.m. ET inside Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Check out the team’s latest injury report, depth chart, and 53-man roster entering Week 6.

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