McVay says Robinson is ‘as good as it gets’ at the running back position, comparing him to Jahmyr Gibbs

The Los Angeles Rams have had to go through a gauntlet of running backs this season, facing some of the best players at the position. They’ve been tasked with containing Saquon Barkley, Jonathan Taylor, Christian McCaffrey, Derrick Henry and Jahmyr Gibbs, but the job’s not done yet.

In Week 17, they’ll face another Pro Bowl back: Bijan Robinson. The Atlanta Falcons star is the definition of a do-it-all running back, leading the Falcons with 1,250 yards rushing and ranking third on the team with 776 yards receiving, scoring nine total touchdowns.

His 2,026 yards from scrimmage are the most in the NFL, putting together his best season as a pro. And he’ll try to keep it going against a stout Rams run defense on Monday night.

Sean McVay knows what a challenge Robinson is to contain, raving about the Falcons running back during his media session Monday.

“He’s unbelievable. It’s a tremendous impact and you have to be aware of him. They have great skill (players) everywhere. Kirk (Cousins) does a great job running the show. Bijan is so unique. He’s very similar to Jahmyr Gibbs. They can beat you in a variety of ways. Every time they touch the football, they’re a threat to score. He has such great field contact balance, spatial awareness, explosion. You name a trait that’s desirable for a running back, this guy is checking the box. Oh, and by the way, you do the same thing for a receiver, he checks those boxes too. He’s special. I have a ton of respect. I’ve obviously watched him closely just because of the relationship you have with a lot of coaches on that staff.”

Robinson isn’t the only playmaker the Rams are concerned with. They also have to deal with Kyle Pitts and Drake London, who McVay also heaped praise on this week.

I think Pitts is playing the best ball of his career,” McVay continued. “Drake London is a total stud. I think (Tyler) Allgeier is an excellent running back too behind him. They do an excellent job upfront. They’re really well- coached with what they’re trying to get done in both protection and in the run game. It’s an excellent challenge, but Bijan is as good as it gets. We have our hands full.”

For the most part, the Rams have been excellent against the league’s top backs this season. They held Barkley, Taylor and McCaffrey all in check in consecutive weeks before giving up 122 yards to Derrick Henry in a 17-3 win.

Gibbs only rushed for 38 yards on 13 carries when the Rams beat the Lions, having one of his worst games of the season. You could make the case that Robinson is better than them all, which is why Los Angeles will pay so much attention to him on Monday night whenever he’s on the field.