Falcons' Bijan Robinson offers surprising self-critique: 'I gotta be better'

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Falcons' Bijan Robinson offers surprising self-critique: 'I gotta be better'

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Nov 5, 2026 6:23 PM ET

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson is his own harshest critic.

Heading into Atlanta's Week 9 road game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid (NFL Network, 9:30 a.m. ET), Robinson leads the NFL in rushing yards (780 on 150 carries). And yet, the RB is unsatisfied with his recent play.

Bijan Robinson offers unexpected self-critique

"I'll be honest, I don't feel like I'm playing like [one of the best RBs] in the league right now," Robinson said Thursday, via Daniel Flick of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "I gotta be better. I gotta be better for this team, I gotta be better for this offense."

The Falcons (3-5) are tied for second in the NFC South after a 16-0 road loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-5). Robinson ran for 76 yards on 19 carries but scored no touchdowns. It marks the fourth consecutive game he failed to reach the end zone. Only cranky fantasy owners will care.

Bijan Robinson, responding to a question that included calling him the best RB in the NFL:

“I'll be honest, like, I don't feel like I'm playing like that right now. I have to be better. I have to be better for this team. I've been to be better for this offense.”
— Daniel Flick (@ByDanielFlick) November 5, 2026

Anyone who watches the Falcons knows Robinson is doing more than his fair share. The team's offense would tank without him, as the RB is the team's primary runner and a key part of its passing game.

You can't tackle the man@Bijan5Robinson

FOX | NFL+ pic.twitter.com/nnKWBghiSB
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) November 1, 2026

The RB ranks second on the Falcons in receptions (25) and third in receiving yards (203). Per Sports Info Solutions, Robinson is tied with Pittsburgh Steelers star Jaylen Warren for the sixth-most receptions among RBs and ranks ninth in receiving yards.

The only player who is more of a workhorse than Robinson is Detroit Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs. Gibbs has a league-leading 191 touches (157 carries, 34 receptions), while Robinson is right behind him with 175. Unsurprisingly, both are in the Offensive Player of the Year conversation. As of Thursday, FanDuel Sportsbook lists Gibbs at +170 and Robinson at +1400.

Robinson may be frustrated over his lack of TDs, but his cold streak could end against Cincinnati. The Bengals (5-2) rank 20th in the league in rushing yards allowed (122.3 PPG) and 23rd in opponent rushing TD percentage (43.75 percent).

Robinson waltzing into the end zone on Sunday would make him feel better about his recent play, not that he should be disappointed with it.

Clark Dalton

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

More must-reads: