Patriots Defense Makes NFL History After Shutting Down Bijan Robinson

Atlanta Falcons star Bijan Robinson became the latest running back held in check by the New England Patriots’ stout defense, finishing Sunday’s 24-23 loss with only 46 yards on 12 carries.

Not only did the much-improved Patriots move to 7-2 and remain atop the AFC East, but they also achieved a rare feat. According to ESPN, the Patriots are the only team since 1950 — and, by extension, the first team in the Super Bowl era — to hold opposing running backs to under 50 yards in a season’s first nine games.

You can find the complete list of running backs below. To be clear, this list only features the opposing team’s top player in terms of carries. We have also focused solely on their rushing yards rather than yards from scrimmage.

New England has held opponents to a league-best 679 yards and three touchdowns. Only the Seattle Seahawks (3.5) have allowed fewer yards per attempt than the Patriots, whose 3.6 mark is tied with the Cleveland Browns.

“It’s so cool, especially going against these great backs who get 100 or 80-plus yards every week,” defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga said on Sunday. “Shout out to the defense. Not just the D-line, but everyone on the defense. Everyone was at the point of attack today. And I think we did well.”

Cook’s 867 rushing yards trail only the Indianapolis Colts’ Jonathan Taylor (895) through nine weeks. Achane and Robinson rank 7th and 10th league-wide with 606 and 595 yards, respectively.

What’s Next for the Patriots?