One of the most promising young rookies on the offensive side of the football coming into the 2023 NFL season was, without a doubt, running back Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons.
It was surprising, to say the least, that the Falcons were willing to take Robinson as high as they did in the 2023 NFL Draft (No. 8 overall), but it seemed like the team was ready to put him to work right away, as he was thought to be a game-changing talent for the struggling franchise.
Right out of the gate, Robinson was making an impact for the Falcons offense, as he instantly became a dual threat with the ability to hurt opposing defense on the ground as well as through the air as a receiver.
The Falcons got off to a quick start with two straight wins and Robinson putting up numbers, but it seems as the season has progressed, Atlanta has used their star rookie less and less, which feels eerily similar to tight end Kyle Pitts.
Head coach Arthur Smith tried to give some clarity on why Robinson hasn’t been as involved as much lately, via Dov Kleiman.
The #Falcons only gave rookie RB Bijan Robinson 11 carries and 2 catches during their loss to the #Vikings on Sunday
Coach Arthur Smith says: “His impact away from the ball can open things up”
I’m sure fantasy owners love hearing that..
(@catchtheblitz)https://t.co/AnKKx1XVJ2 pic.twitter.com/9eXDMhMocH
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) November 7, 2023
If the Falcons were winning football games, Smith’s comments might have made more sense, but they have lost three of their last four games and may be seeing their playoff hopes slip away.
That said, it’s a bit perplexing as to why Robinson has not been getting the ball, as it seems to come down to coaching and some poor decision-making by Smith.
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