The Atlanta Falcons missed the 2023 NFL playoffs with just a 7-10 record — again. But there is reason for their fans to be optimistic about Atlanta’s chances to make big splashes in the 2024 campaign.
For one, running back Bijan Robinson is considered as a weapon to watch, with the former Texas Longhorns star having the potential to become among the elite players in his position in 2024. With the Falcons’ offense expected to take a step forward mainly because of the arrival of a new quarterback in veteran Kirk Cousins, Robinson could also enjoy a bigger role in the team’s attack — just like Christian McCaffrey is to the San Francisco 49ers.
“I don’t know what the plan is,” Robinson said during the final week of OTA workouts. “But it’s like run first, like I did in college … but still having that access to do creative things out of the backfield, more so like how they use Christian [McCaffrey] down there in San Francisco, something like that. So that’s kind of what the plan is here.”
Taken eighth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Falcons, Robinson rushed for a total of 976 yards and four touchdowns on 214 carries during his rookie season. He also recorded 387 receiving yards and four touchdowns on 58 receptions. But even though he operated within a run-heavy Falcons attack that finished fourth in 2023 with a 47.8 rushing play percentage, he still was just 19th in the NFL in rushing attempts.
Perhaps Year 2 for Robinson would get him increased touches and healthier production on the ground.
Atlanta Falcons Early 2024 Season Schedule
Robinson and the Falcons will open their season with a home date against the Pittsburgh Steelers before facing the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2 on the road. They will get another tough test in Week 3 with the reigning Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs visiting them for the first of three straight home games for Atlanta. Week 4 will be versus the New Orleans Saints and Week 5 will be a matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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