Bijan Robinson Shines in Debut: Evaluating the Falcons’ Promising Roster

Bijan Robinson Shines in Preseason Debut, Impresses Falcons Coaching Staff

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ATLANTA — In a preseason matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, Atlanta Falcons rookie running back Bijan Robinson made an impressive debut. Despite his nerves, Robinson displayed poise and explosiveness on his first NFL carry, gaining 12 yards and setting the tone for the Falcons‘ 15-play opening drive. The University of Texas product, drafted by the Falcons with the No. 8 pick, demonstrated his versatility by tallying four carries for 20 yards and one reception for 6 yards in one series. Head coach Arthur Smith praised Robinson’s performance, noting that the moment did not appear too big for the young player.

“I thought he handled it really well,” Smith said. “He operated fast. It certainly didn’t look too big for him.”

Robust Start for Falcons‘ Offensive Starters

This game marked the season debut of the Falcons‘ offensive starters, who had sat out the previous preseason opener. While Robinson’s contributions were significant, the entire unit showcased their strength and explosiveness. Wide receiver Drake London had three catches for 33 yards, and tight end Kyle Pitts, returning from a season-ending injury, made one catch for 9 yards. However, penalties hindered the Falcons‘ progress. The offense committed four penalties on the opening drive alone, including two holding calls against Pro Bowl left guard Chris Lindstrom. Despite these setbacks, the team exhibited a promising level of offensive firepower.

Penalty Woes and Offensive Potential

The significant number of penalties committed during the game was a cause for concern for the Falcons. Last season, they registered the fewest penalties in the NFL, but in this preseason game, they were flagged 13 times. Smith expressed disappointment with the pre-snap issues and emphasized the need for improvement in this area. Nevertheless, he remained confident in the team’s overall performance and acknowledged the explosive potential displayed by the offense.

Quarterback Desmond Ridder’s Performance

Desmond Ridder, now in his second year as the Falcons‘ quarterback, had a solid outing, taking 15 snaps, all on the opening drive. He completed 7 of 9 passes for 80 yards but threw an interception in the red zone. Ridder exhibited improved accuracy compared to some of his performances during training camp, although he did miss a couple of screen passes. However, he redeemed himself with a well-executed back-shoulder throw to Drake London on a crucial third down.

Mayfield’s Audition at Left Tackle and Offensive Line Concerns

Jalen Mayfield, the Falcons‘ 2021 third-round pick, started as the second-team left tackle in this game. This indicates that the Falcons are giving serious consideration to Mayfield for the swing tackle position on the 53-man roster. Mayfield, who played for four series, encountered difficulty against Cincinnati defensive end Raymond Johnson III. His struggle against Johnson highlighted the ongoing concern surrounding the Falcons‘ offensive line. Mayfield had initially played left guard during his rookie year but was moved back to tackle this season. The Falcons are hoping that he can show enough improvement to secure a regular spot on the roster.

Wide Receiver Competition and Roster Considerations

The Falcons faced a dilemma when it comes to their wide receiver corps. Last season, they carried six wide receivers on the initial 53-man roster. However, this year, the numbers might break differently. London, Mack Hollins, KhaDarel Hodge, and Scotty Miller are considered the top targets, leaving only two spots available for the regular rotation. During the game, Josh Ali, who entered during the first series, showcased potential with three catches for 39 yards. J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, a second-round pick by the Eagles in 2019, also made a case for himself with two catches for 39 yards. However, Hodge suffered an ankle injury, leaving his status uncertain. Head coach Smith expressed hope that Hodge’s injury is not serious.

Conclusion: Promising Signs for the Falcons

The preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals provided a glimpse into the Falcons‘ potential for the upcoming season. While penalties raised concerns, Bijan Robinson’s impressive debut, Desmond Ridder’s improved accuracy, and the ongoing evaluation of players like Jalen Mayfield and the wide receiver corps indicate promising signs for the team. As the Falcons prepare for their final preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, it remains to be seen how the roster will shape up. Head coach Arthur Smith and his staff will certainly have some tough decisions to make as they solidify their team for the regular season.