Where is Falcons' Bijan Robinson in the fourth quarter?

The Atlanta Falcons played another close game Sunday night. But unlike in Week 2, when they closed out a win late in the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Falcons lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 22-17. 

In doing so, they abandoned perhaps their top weapon late in the game, running back Bijan Robinson. 

Through three games this season, Robinson has played well in the first half. But in the fourth quarter, his production has dipped significantly.

Of his 48 carries this season, only nine have come in the fourth quarter. In the first half, Robinson has 121 yards rushing; in the second half, he only has 75 (including just 24 in the fourth quarter). 

Not only are his attempts fewer in the fourth quarter than in other quarters, but his efficiency is down then as well. In the first three quarters, Robinson averages 4.4 yards per carry. In the fourth quarter, he averages 2.7. 

Atlanta backup Tyler Allgeier has assumed some of Robinson's rushing work in the fourth quarter (six carries for 28 yards).

What is more shocking, though, is Robinson's lack of work in the passing game. In each of their three games, the Falcons (1-2) have trailed late, a prime setup for check-downs to the young star. But of QB Kirk Cousins' 30 pass attempts in the fourth quarter, only one has gone to Robinson, who is more than capable as a receiver.

In his rookie season in Atlanta in 2023, Robinson recorded 58 receptions for 487 yards. In three seasons at Texas in college, he logged 60 catches for 805 yards. 

Instead of using Robinson as a receiver in late-game scenarios this season, the Falcons have used the No. 8 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft more as a pass-blocker. 

"Watching Bijan going from this really unique special athlete, runner, pass-catcher to now finding out different ways to be able to protect," Morris said after Atlanta's Week 2 victory (via The Atlanta Journal-Constitution), "Bijan is a well-rounded back. Can go out there and do whatever you ask."

Robinson has proved through his first year-plus in the NFL that he can make opponents miss (30 career broken tackles) and is dominant with the ball. So why, when the game is on the line, do the Falcons not involve him more?

Perhaps the Falcons will answer that question this Sunday, when they host the New Orleans Saints (2-1).