Already, the Atlanta Falcons have an argument that they employ the league's best rusher in Bijan Robinson. Atlanta fans understand just how much work Robinson has put in over the last two seasons, creating yardage where there aren't any clear lanes to be found. The rusher was creating plays with a quarterback in Kirk Cousins that simply wasn't able to push the ball down the field, resulting in the defense daring Atlanta to beat them by throwing the football.
This helps explain why Robinson's numbers might not be league-leading, with James Cook, Derrick Henry, and Jonathan Taylor finishing ahead of Bijan in rushing a season ago. However, Robinson led the league in scrimmage yards with 2,298 and was a force in the passing game as well, bolstering his argument as the league's best.
What will be interesting for Falcons fans heading into the season is considering just how much of an impact Kevin Stefanski could have on the career of Robinson. The head coach has an impressive track record when working with talented running backs, starting in 2019 as the Minnesota Vikings' offensive coordinator.
Falcons Head Coach Kevin Stefanski Can Establish Bijan Robinson as League's Best Playmaker
As the OC in Minnesota, Stefanski oversaw a rushing attack that had Dalvin Cook offering 1,135 rushing yards as well as 13 touchdowns in a great season that included 519 receiving yards. This was despite 149 carries and over 600 rushing yards coming from Minnesota's primary two backup options at the position.
This earned Stefanski a promotion as the Cleveland Browns head coach, where Nick Chubb would finish with over 1,000 rushing yards despite only playing 12 games. This set up an even bigger 2022 season where Chubb finished with 12 rushing touchdowns and 1,525 yards despite playing in an offense led by Deshaun Watson and Jacoby Brissett.
All of this adds up to make an incredibly strong case that the Falcons are in for the best season yet of Robinson's career. While both Chubb and Cook are incredibly talented players, neither offers the receiving skills or unique ability to create space that Robinson offers. Bijan is the best back that Stefanski has been offered, leaving fans considering just what the ceiling might be.
It is a reasonable expectation to believe that Stefanski is going to end the year with Robinson established as the league's best back and a clear path to earning a record extension. What is a bit murkier is looking at Stefanski's losing record and a 1-2 playoff record, wondering if the head coach is qualified for more than getting the best out of one specific position.
Regardless of the answer, there is no questioning what a huge season Robinson appears to be set up to have. One that should put to bed any debate about who the league's best running back might be and put Bijan in rarified air in the debate as the most impactful non-quarterback in the league.
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