Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. will be key to star RB achieving lofty 2025 goal

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson has big plans for 2025. His biggest obstacle might be starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

The star Falcons back, entering his third NFL season, recently told Will McFadden of the team's official website that he's been working on breaking off more explosive runs this fall.

Last season, Robinson's longest rush was 37 yards. According to Pro Football Reference data, eight non-running backs had longer runs in 2024, including Saints versatile tight end Taysom Hill, 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall and quarterbacks Joe Burrow, Jayden Daniels, Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson, Drake Maye and Kyler Murray.

"I work on it every single day," Robinson told Falcons.com senior editor and staff writer Will McFadden.

"We're done with the 30-yard runs and all that stuff," he added.

Robinson is the Falcons' best offensive playmaker. Per NFL Pro, he reached a max speed of 15 mph on 79 carries during his second NFL season, the most among all running backs. However, he only reached 20 mph twice, nine less than Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley and tied for 10th among 44 qualified players.

"We're all waiting for that Saquon type of season when it comes to explosives," Robinson shared.

If the workhorse back, who had 304 carries, 1,456 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns in 2024, takes that next step in his development, Atlanta's offense should be among the NFL's best.

Penix could hinder Robinson's lofty expectations for himself.

The 2024 NFL Draft's No. 8 overall pick started three games last season but is still an unknown. Defenses will likely force Penix to beat them with his arm.

While he was great last season on throws outside the numbers, his biggest area of growth might be on attempts in the middle of the field.

During a Week 18 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers, Penix was 13-of-19 for 215 yards outside the numbers but a rough 8-of-18 for 97 yards between the numbers.

Among qualified running backs, Robinson saw the second-fewest stacked boxes (12.8 percent), defined as plays when eight or more defenders are lined up near the line of scrimmage, generally within five yards.

If defenses make a concerted effort to stop Robinson, Penix must prove he's capable of picking up the slack to loosen up those formations and give Robinson favorable pre-snap looks.

While Robinson is right to set his sights higher after a strong 2024 season, it might not be up to him whether he reaches his goal.