Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) runs against New Orleans Saints defensive end Tyree Wilson (98) during the first half at Caesars Superdome.
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) runs against New Orleans Saints defensive end Tyree Wilson (98) during the first half at Caesars Superdome.
Before facing the New Orleans Saints in Week 4, Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson said he is raring to treat the fans to something special.
It only took him a few minutes to do exactly that. Robinson started the scoring at Caesars Superdome with a 59-yard touchdown in the first quarter, displaying the speed and power that have made him one of the league's most lethal weapons.
Before the end of the opening period, Robinson scored again on a four-yard rush.
In the process, the two-time All-Pro achieved a feat not seen in almost two decades, according to Falcons reporter Will McFadden.
“Bijan Robinson's 78 rushing yards are the most a Falcons player has had in the first quarter since September 7, 2008, when Michael Turner went for 117 rushing yards versus Detroit (Lions) in his first game as a Falcon. What a debut that was to get Matt Ryan a win in his first career start,” wrote McFadden on X.
Before battling the Saints, the 24-year-old Robinson said it is his responsibility to show up for the fans, drawing inspiration from NBA legend Kobe Bryant. He has been terrific in primetime games, averaging 185.8 yards from scrimmage since last season.
“Whether it's primetime, whether it's a one o'clock game, they're all the same in terms of my mentality. Everybody watches you on TV, and they watch you in the stands,” said the two-time Pro Bowler in a report from ESPN's Marc Raimondi.
As of this writing, Atlanta is ahead of New Orleans, 24-7, at halftime.
Robinson has 12 carries for 103 yards and two touchdowns. Michael Penix Jr. is 10-of-15 for 125 yards.
The Falcons and the Saints each have a 1-2 record.