NFL Combine INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 05: Bijan Robinson of Texas participates in the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 05, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson has lofty goals for 2024 despite a turbulent rookie season. The eighth overall pick in the 2023 Draft is expected to take on a more expanded role under new head coach Raheem Morris.
“I want 2,000 yards rushing,” Robinson told Sports Illustrated. “I know those are big expectations, what we can do as an offense, with all the weapons, our O-line, with Zac being at the helm, it can be something special. I think it’s going to be one of those special seasons that Atlanta’s been waiting for us and all of us as players have been waiting for. So, let’s get it.”
After Robinson was drafted, becoming the first running back to go in the first 10 picks since Saquon Barkley in 2018, many expected the University of Texas product to make an immediate impact. While Robinson did show flashes of talent throughout the season, he also received erratic playing time under former head coach Arthur Smith.
The relationship between Robinson and Smith was reportedly tense, as the head coach preferred to keep Robinson in a timeshare with Tyler Allgeier. The star rookie only rushed for 100 yards in two games and didn’t score his first rushing touchdown until Week 8. He did play a considerable role in the team’s meager passing game, however, and earned 1,463 total yards from scrimmage.
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“Yeah, I had 1,400 yards, but for me, I have such high expectations, that’s not a great season,” Robinson said before the Super Bowl. “From the expectations people have from me, I could see them looking at that season like, ‘That may be great somewhere else but that shouldn’t be the standard for me.'”
With Smith out as head coach and the Falcons’ offense expected to improve, Robinson’s stock should rise as the team builds around him. Atlanta is reportedly in the market for a new quarterback to replace Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinecke. Morris, the new head coach, also pointed out Robinson and wide receiver Drake London as strong assets earlier this month, implying that the offense could run through the pair going forward.
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