Falcons RB Bijan Robinson Smacks the Buffalo Bills

After starting the 2025 NFL season with a four-game streak, the Buffalo Bills have now lost consecutive primetime games. Their weak run defense was exposed by the Atlanta Falcons and elite running back Bijan Robinson, who dominated the first half on the ground. In response after halftime, the Bills stacked the box and limited Atlanta to shorter gains, but Robinson still made key plays to secure the win. Building on their early lead, the Falcons kept pressuring Buffalo’s defense throughout the game. By the end of the game, Falcons running back Bijan Robinson ran for 170 yards and a touchdown on only 19 carries. To sustain their advantage in the second half, the Falcons got Robinson involved in the passing game, which allowed Atlanta to pick up key first downs and melt the game clock in the fourth quarter. Despite Buffalo’s eight-man box and pressure attempts to shut down the Falcons’ outside zone run scheme, Robinson dominated the contest from start to finish.

RB Bijan Robinson Puts on a Clinic

Bijan Robinson is one of the premier offensive playmakers in the NFL. He has the speed to outpace defenses and the power to gain significant yardage. Robinson excels as both a zone runner and a tackle for Atlanta. Even when the Buffalo Bills stacked the defensive front, Robinson was productive nearly every time he touched the ball. When Buffalo limited Atlanta’s run game, Robinson proved his effectiveness as a receiver out of the backfield.

Injuries, Injuries, Injuries

Along with Robinson’s dominant performance, the Buffalo Bills’ run defense was depleted by injuries. By game’s end, they relied on backup linebackers, as Matt Milano was out and Terrel Bernard was injured mid-game. Buffalo was also dealing with multiple injuries on the interior defensive line. These setbacks left the run defense ineffective, allowing Robinson to run at will over the Buffalo defenders.

Defense Cannot Force a Turnover to Neutralize the Falcons

Several times this season, the Buffalo Bills have struggled to stop opponents’ rushing attacks. However, they have compensated for weak run defense by forcing turnovers. Buffalo had chances to intercept several of Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr.’s passes, but failed to capitalize. This let the Falcons sustain long touchdown drives, adding pressure on the Buffalo offense and quarterback Josh Allen.

Bills QB Josh Allen Cannot Match Robinson’s Impact

The Buffalo Bills trailed the Falcons by 14 points at halftime. Hoping to close the gap, Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen needed to channel Bijan Robinson’s energy and carry the offense. Allen, however, threw two interceptions, including one on the final drive. The Falcons’ dominant running game, coupled with Allen’s struggles against the NFL’s top defense, proved costly. As a result, Buffalo’s record drops to 4-2, and they are now tied with the New England Patriots at the top of the AFC East.

Long-Term Implications for the Rest of Buffalo’s Season

f the Bills cannot find a solution to their lack of run defense, they will continue to face teams that work to establish their running game against Buffalo.  In addition to the Bills’ defensive failures, Josh Allen and the Bills’ offense have struggled to execute at a high level.  In particular, when facing the pressure of overcoming their defense’s inconsistency.  Buffalo will have the opportunity to make adjustments and recover during their bye week in Week 7.