Why Falcons RB Bijan Robinson can actually break Chris Johnson's NFL record image
The Atlanta Falcons are heading into the 2026 NFL season with a question mark at the quarterback position. It's either going to be Michael Penix Jr. or Tua Tagovailoa. The decision has yet to be made.
But they've locked down Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and most recently Bijan Robinson to long-term deals. Robinson was incredible last year and is sure to have another great season for the Falcons in 2026 as well.
He's poised for such a large role and huge season that an NFL record set by Chris Johnson might actually be within reach. Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report named Robinson as the RB who could break the scrimmage yards record, and it's actually possible.
Bijan Robinson has chance to break 2,509-yard NFL record
"Bijan Robinson: Single-season yards from scrimmage. Current record: Chris Johnson (2,509 in 2009)," Gagnon writes. "... It's certainly a strong possibility considering Robinson's abilities as a rusher and receiver."
Robinson surpassing 2,509 scrimmage yards would be an absolutely incredible accomplishment. He had 2,298 yards from scrimmage last year, and it was the most in the 2020s, barely beating out Saquon Barkley with 2,283 yards with the Philadelphia Eagles.
To have such a monstrous season, Robinson is likely going to need to set career highs in both rushing and receiving yards.
He put up 1,478 yards rushing on 287 attempts last season, with 79 receptions on 103 targets for 820 yards. Overall, on 366 touches, Robinson totaled 2,298 yards.
Johnson, in his record-setting 2009 season, ran for 2,006 yards on 358 attempts with 50 receptions on 71 targets for 503 yards.
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Robinson is going to need around 400 touches in 2026 if he wants to break Johnson's record, and in a full 17-game season, that means he'll need to average over 23.5 touches per game while averaging 147.6 yards per game.
It's not going to be easy, but he does have a few things going for him. Robinson is the clear-cut No. 1 RB with Tyler Allgeier gone, and he's bound to get a ton of volume after signing his massive new contract extension.
Plus, if Tagovailoa is the starting QB, he has a propensity to check it down often, which could be a huge boon for Robinson in the receiving game.
2,000 rushing yards might be a bit out of reach, but he could put up 1,000 receiving yards in a season, and if he combines that with similar rushing production to what he's done in his career, this record is well within reach.
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