NFL writer names Falcons RB Bijan Robinson Offensive Player of the Year candidate
The Atlanta Falcons have been stuck in NFL purgatory for the last few years. Following three consecutive 7-10 seasons, the team finally made a little progress in 2024 by winning eight games. As the Falcons prepare for Year 2 of the Raheem Morris era, all eyes are on the offense.
With 10 of 11 starters returning, including elite running back Bijan Robinson and wide receiver Drake London, Atlanta’s offense has all the ingredients to be one of the NFL’s elite units this season. Robinson rushed for a career-high 1,456 yards and 14 touchdowns in his sophomore campaign.
Even with Michael Penix Jr. taking over as the starting quarterback, Robinson will likely be the focal point of the offense in 2025. The former University of Texas star is one of the most complete backs in the league. Last season, he thrived as a runner, receiver and blocker.
Pro Football Sports Network released a new feature highlighting one Offensive Player of the Year candidate from each team ahead of the 2025 NFL season. Robinson was listed as Atlanta’s OPOY candidate.
“Amidst stellar seasons from Barkley and Derrick Henry, Bijan Robinson quietly put together a phenomenal campaign in his second NFL season,” wrote PFSN’s Jacob Infante. “With 1,887 total scrimmage yards and 15 total touchdowns, Robinson was the lifeblood of the Atlanta Falcons in 2024. He’s arrived as one of the best running backs in the league, and if he builds on his momentum from last year, Robinson will be a strong OPOY favorite.”
The Falcons were criticized after taking Robinson with the No. 8 pick in the 2023 NFL draft. Not only were running backs being valued at an all-time low, but former fifth-round pick Tyler Allgeier had just rushed for over 1,000 yards as a rookie. Nonetheless, Atlanta knew the kind of talent Robinson possessed.
Two years later, it’s safe to assume the team has no regrets over using a top-10 pick on Robinson.