Bijan Robinson foresees Falcons utilizing him how 49ers use Christian McCaffrey

Bijan Robinson‘s rookie campaign was a rollercoaster with extreme highs and deep lows.

Sometimes, it seemed like the previous management of the Atlanta Falcons did not fully utilize their dynamic running back. Now, with Zac Robinson, who has spent the last five years under the mentorship of Sean McVay in Los Angeles, assuming control of the offense under Raheem Morris, there is hope that Robinson will be used more by the Falcons.

On Monday, Bijan spoke glowingly of the diversity of the Falcons’ new rushing game, noting there are a “lot of different options” they can use to attack defenses. The second-year back thinks he can be used similarly to how the San Francisco 49ers utilize Christian McCaffrey.

“Yeah, so I’m going to be more of a runner that does everything else,” he said, via the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “Like not as much, I don’t know what the plan is, but it’s like runner first, like I did in college, and then still having that access to go to receivers, having that access to do creative things out of the backfield, more so like how they use Christian down there in San Francisco. Something like that. So that’s kind of what their plan is here.”

It is not unwise to compare Robinson and CMC. They both have dual-threat abilities and can turn a short gain into a substantial one. However, in his first year, Robinson did not receive the same level of workload that McCaffrey is used to.

Under the guidance of Arthur Smith, who was the coach last year, Robinson averaged 12.6 carries each game. He rushed for 976 yards, scored four touchdowns, and made 58 catches for 487 yards, adding four more touchdowns. Meanwhile, McCaffrey averaged 21.2 touches in each game last season, which included 17 carries per game, leading him to be honored as Offensive Player of the Year.

If Zac Robinson’s offense mimics McVay’s, we’d expect him to lean on one primary back, particularly given Bijan’s dual-threat ability. However, Tyler Allgeier is a talented complement who could siphon off some of those totes. That will be one storyline to track later this summer during training camp.

If Robinson aims to take on a role similar to CMC, maintaining his health will be crucial. After an absence due to an ankle injury, the back has returned to OTAs this week.

“I’m feeling fantastic,” declared Robinson. “I was aware that I needed to persist with my rehabilitation and become comfortable with returning to my usual self. But it’s positive. It’s wonderful to be back on the field with the team.”