You’ve probably seen the highlights. The dead-leg jukes that leave safeties grasping at thin air, or that 93-yard house call against the Rams that basically broke the internet. But if you’re only watching the Sunday morning clips, you’re missing the real story of what’s happening in the Atlanta backfield. Being the Atlanta Falcons running back right now isn’t just about being a "ball carrier." It’s about being a 215-pound Swiss Army knife in a league that finally realized running backs can actually catch.
Honestly, it's wild how much the narrative has shifted since 2023. Back then, people were screaming about "positional value" when Terry Fontenot took Bijan Robinson at number eight. Now? Those same critics are quiet. Why? Because Robinson just wrapped up a 2025 campaign that didn't just break Falcons records—it shattered them.
The 2,298-Yard Reality Check
Let’s talk about that number: 2,298. That’s how many total scrimmage yards Bijan Robinson put up in 2025. It’s the 12th-highest mark in the history of the NFL. Think about the names on that list. Faulk. Dickerson. Sanders.
He didn't just lead the Falcons; he led the entire league.
But here’s what most people get wrong. They think Robinson is just a "finesse" guy because he’s so elusive. Wrong. He logged over 1,000 rushing yards after contact last year. He’s taking hits, staying up, and grinding out the "ugly" yards that Raheem Morris loves to talk about in post-game pressers.
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The evolution of the Atlanta Falcons running back role under offensive coordinator Zac Robinson has been fascinating to watch. It’s not your old-school, "three yards and a cloud of dust" vibe. It’s more like a positionless chess match. Bijan spent a massive chunk of 2025 split out wide or in the slot. He finished with 79 catches for 820 yards. For context, those are better numbers than many starting wide receivers in this league.
The Tyler Allgeier Factor
You can't talk about this backfield without mentioning the guy who wears number 25. Tyler Allgeier is the heartbeat of this team in a lot of ways. If Bijan is the lightning, Allgeier is the sledgehammer that comes in and finishes the job.
In 2025, Allgeier actually led the team in rushing touchdowns with eight. He’s the physical closer. When it’s 3rd and 2 in the red zone and the defense is gassed, Raheem Morris isn't always looking for the highlight-reel juke. He’s looking for the guy who redshirted at BYU as a walk-on and played linebacker just to get on the field.
- Bijan Robinson: 287 carries, 1,478 yards, 7 TDs (Rushing)
- Tyler Allgeier: 143 carries, 514 yards, 8 TDs (Rushing)
It’s a 1-2 punch that works because they don't care about the ego. But there’s a massive question mark hanging over the 2026 season. Allgeier is heading toward free agency. Keeping him won't be cheap, and with the Falcons needing to balance the books after some big moves, that "Thunder and Lightning" duo might be entering its final act.
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Why the Scheme Fumbled (And Then Fixed It)
Early in the 2025 season, things felt... clunky. You might remember the Week 3 shutout against Carolina. Zero points. It was ugly. Fans were calling for Zac Robinson’s head on a platter because the outside zone scheme looked predictable.
Teams were stacking the box, daring Michael Penix Jr. (who was stepping in for an injured Kirk Cousins at the time) to beat them deep. It didn't work. The Atlanta Falcons running back room was getting swallowed up before they could even hit the line of scrimmage.
The turning point came when Zac Robinson moved from the booth down to the sideline. He needed to feel the game. He needed to be in the ear of his playmakers. They started mixing in more "duo" blocks and gap-scheme runs, giving Bijan more horizontal room to work with. The result? A late-season surge where Robinson went for nearly 200 scrimmage yards in back-to-back weeks against the Jets and Buccaneers.
The Contractual Elephant in the Room
Bijan is currently playing on his rookie deal, which, for a superstar, is a bargain. In 2026, he’s set to carry a cap hit of about $6.9 million. In the world of NFL salaries, that’s pennies for a guy who is effectively your RB1 and WR2 combined into one human being.
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But the clock is ticking.
The Falcons have him under contract through 2027 if they exercise that fifth-year option, but the market for elite backs is shifting. We saw it with the deals handed out in 2024 and 2025. If Bijan keeps up this All-Pro trajectory, he’s going to be looking for a deal that redefines the position.
What to Watch For in 2026
If you’re looking at the future of the Atlanta Falcons running back position, keep your eyes on Nathan Carter. The Michigan State product is the third man in the room right now. He didn't get much run in 2025, but if the Falcons can't reach a deal with Allgeier, Carter is the guy they’ve been grooming to take those physical, "between the tackles" carries.
Also, keep an eye on the passing game usage. Raheem Morris has explicitly compared Robinson to Cooper Kupp and Julio Jones in terms of work ethic and impact. We might see Robinson’s target share increase even more in 2026, especially as Michael Penix Jr. gets more comfortable as the full-time starter.
Basically, the Falcons have stopped trying to fit Bijan into a box. They’re just letting him be "B."
Actionable Insights for the 2026 Season
- Monitor the Allgeier Negotiations: If he hits the open market, expect the Falcons to look at a mid-round bruiser in the draft to maintain that physical identity.
- Watch the "Wide Back" Alignment: Expect Bijan to see 20%+ of his snaps lined up outside the backfield. If he’s matched up against a linebacker, it’s an automatic win for Atlanta.
- Fantasy Value Check: Despite the low touchdown count (only 7 rushing scores in 2025), his receiving floor makes him a locked-in top-3 pick in any PPR format.
- Health is Wealth: Robinson has been remarkably durable, playing all 17 games in back-to-back seasons. His "limited participant" tags in practice are almost always precautionary maintenance.
The days of doubting the pick are over. Now, it’s just about how far this backfield can carry a team that’s desperate to get back to the postseason. The talent is there. The record-breaking stats are there. All that's left is a January run.