To say Bijan Robinson made it look easy would be the understatement of the young NFL season.
When the Atlanta Falcons rookie running back took a swing pass from quarterback Desmond Ridder at the Panthers' 11-yard line and broke one tackle and exploded towards the end zone, splitting defenders before crossing the goal-line for his first career touchdown, Robinson flashed exactly why expectations were sky high for the University of Texas alum leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft.
Before reaching the end zone, Robinson left a trail of Panthers defenders in his wake.
Oh my goodness, Bijan Robinson ?
WHAT. A. TALENT. pic.twitter.com/rKMtbLS4m8
— Matt Lombardo ? (@MattLombardoNFL) September 10, 2023
The Falcons will certainly sign up for plenty more plays like that from their prized first-round rookie, who threw down an early gauntlet in this year's Offensive Rookie of the Year race.
Robinson's combination of size (5-foot-11 and 216 pounds), explosiveness, and elusiveness had many believing that the Falcons had landed a generational prospect with the No. 8 overall pick in April's draft.
Prior to being chosen by the Falcons, Robinson departed Austin fourth on the Longhorns' all-time rushing list, third in rushing touchdowns, and eighth in all-purpose yards.
Across three collegiate seasons, Robinson rushed for 3,410 yards with 33 touchdowns while catching 60 passes for 804 yards and eight more scores. His production and athleticism made him the runaway choice as the top running back prospect in this year's class.
Atlanta is banking on Robinson becoming a focal point of the offense, around second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder, and it didn't take long for the rookie back to show that his versatility both as an explosive runner and reliable pass-catcher out of the backfield gives him the chance to be that and more for the Falcons.
If Robinson can continue to stack plays such as his masterful first career touchdown, he'll quickly take his place among the most dangerous backs in the league. He's certainly off to an exciting start.
