Is Bijan the Best? Falcons’ Coach Makes Bold Claim About Rising Star

The Atlanta Falcons are soaring high early in the 2025 season, and a significant reason for their success is the electrifying play of running back Bijan Robinson. After a dominant 22-6 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football, where Robinson rushed for 143 yards, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris didn’t hold back his praise. “He’s definitely the best player in football, without a doubt,” Morris declared, setting the stage for a debate that’s sure to ignite the NFL. But is the hype justified? Let’s delve into the numbers and examine what makes Bijan Robinson a potential game-changer.

Robinson’s Explosive Start to 2025

Through the first two games of the season, Bijan Robinson has been nothing short of sensational. He currently ranks fifth in the NFL in rushing yards with 167 and is tied with Christian McCaffrey for the most receiving yards among running backs, boasting an impressive 125 yards through the air. His Week 2 performance against the Vikings showcased his ability to take over a game, rushing for 143 yards on 22 carries.

Robinson’s versatility is what truly sets him apart. In Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while his rushing numbers were modest (24 yards on 12 attempts), he exploded as a receiver, hauling in six receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown. This included a 50-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Michael Penix Jr. on the Falcons’ first offensive possession of the season.

The Numbers Don’t Lie: Robinson’s 2024 Dominance

While his 2025 season is off to a blazing start, it’s important to look back at Robinson’s performance in 2024 to understand the foundation of this rising star. Last season, Robinson was a force to be reckoned with, finishing third in the league in rushing yards (1,456) and fourth in yards from scrimmage (1,887). He also found the endzone 15 times, 14 rushing and 1 receiving.

Robinson’s ability to consistently gain yardage is remarkable. He averaged 4.8 yards per carry on 304 attempts in 2024, demonstrating his power and elusiveness. He also proved to be a reliable pass-catcher, securing 61 receptions for 431 yards.

What Makes Bijan Robinson “The Best”?

Raheem Morris’s bold statement isn’t just based on statistics; it’s also rooted in Robinson’s unique skill set and intangible qualities. “Unique skill set,” Morris said. “Unbelievable vision, unbelievable teammate, speed, physicality. Like you come across when you first meet him, you think he’s a scat back, but he’s really just everything. He has the ability to get out of the backfield, run receiver-like routes. He can stay in the backfield and block whichever linebacker you decide to bring. He just does it all.”

Morris further elaborated on Robinson’s impact, highlighting his confidence, demeanor, mindset, and leadership. These are the qualities that elevate a player from being merely talented to becoming a true leader and game-changer.

Comparing Robinson to the NFL’s Elite

To truly assess Robinson’s place among the NFL’s best, it’s essential to compare him to other top running backs. Names like Christian McCaffrey, Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, and Jonathan Taylor immediately come to mind.

Christian McCaffrey: McCaffrey is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and dynamic running backs in the league. His ability to excel as both a runner and receiver makes him a constant threat.
Derrick Henry: Henry is known for his incredible power and ability to wear down defenses. His combination of size and speed makes him a nightmare for opposing tacklers.
Saquon Barkley: Barkley is an explosive playmaker with exceptional agility and speed. He’s a threat to score every time he touches the ball.
Jonathan Taylor: Taylor is a dynamic runner with a knack for finding the end zone. His combination of speed and power makes him a difficult matchup for defenses.

While each of these backs possesses unique strengths, Robinson’s versatility and well-rounded skill set allow him to compete with the best. In fact, Saquon Barkley himself has praised Robinson’s cutting ability, stating, “There’s nobody who’s able to cut like Bijan in the NFL. There’s not.”

The Falcons’ Offensive Scheme and Robinson’s Role

The Atlanta Falcons’ offensive scheme, now under the guidance of offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, is designed to maximize the potential of its playmakers, particularly Bijan Robinson. Robinson’s offense incorporates elements of the Los Angeles Rams’ system, emphasizing speed, motion, and versatility.

The Falcons are expected to utilize a variety of rushing concepts to get their runners in the open field. Zac Robinson’s approach is to create space for playmakers, and Bijan Robinson is poised to be the primary beneficiary of this strategy.

The Road Ahead: Can Robinson Maintain His Dominance?

While Raheem Morris’s bold claim has generated significant buzz, the question remains: can Bijan Robinson maintain his dominance throughout the 2025 season? The NFL is a league of constant adjustments, and defenses will undoubtedly focus on containing Robinson as the season progresses.

However, Robinson’s versatility and the Falcons’ commitment to utilizing him in various ways should make him a difficult player to game plan against. As long as he stays healthy and the Falcons’ offensive line continues to perform at a high level, Robinson has the potential to remain among the league’s elite.

The Verdict: Is Bijan the Best?

Is Bijan Robinson the best player in the NFL? That’s a subjective question with no definitive answer. However, his exceptional talent, versatility, and early-season performance have certainly placed him in the conversation.

Whether or not he ultimately earns the title of “best player,” one thing is clear: Bijan Robinson is a rising star with the potential to become a dominant force in the NFL for years to come. Atlanta Falcons fans have every reason to be excited about what the future holds.