Bijan Robinson emerging as a leader amid Falcons' struggles

The 23-year-old Robinson has been a major bright spot despite all of the losing in Atlanta, having racked up 783 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns to go with another 506 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns through 10 games, per ESPN stats.

Falcons run through Bijan Robinson

If there’s any indication of just how important Robinson is to the Falcons on the field, it’s their lack of success when he struggles or doesn’t get enough touches.

Atlanta is 3-3 when Robinson racks up 100 or more scrimmage yards this season. On the flip side, they are 0-4 when he fails to reach the mark, which includes a 0-4 record when he is held under 50 rushing yards. 

It’s a clear correlation: When Robinson is humming and being used like a workhorse, the Falcons are a solid football team that could push for a playoff spot. When he gets stymied or they fall behind and don’t get him enough carries, their chance to win is almost zero. 

Wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts are very talented weapons themselves, but their importance doesn’t compare to that of their bell-cow running back, who opens things up for everyone else on offense.

With London and quarterback Michael Penix Jr. now both on the shelf with knee injuries, the Falcons' reliance on Robinson will only increase in the upcoming weeks. 

Something has to change for Atlanta to find ways to win without relying solely on one player, but if there’s anything positive about this situation, it’s that the Falcons have not only one of the best running backs in football but also a leader who wants to be part of the solution.