bijan robinsonThe first NFL NFL race was exactly what the atlanta falcons wants to get out of it.
Robinson, who did not play in the Falcons’ preseason opener, got his first NFL preseason snaps Friday night against the Cincinnati Bengals. On his first carry, he took it off right tackle, made a small cut inside to go through the hole and then flashed his flurry for a 12-yard gain. He did a completely blow safety in the open field as well.
There will be many more runs like that for Robinson, the eighth overall pick in the NFL draft.
There was a lot to like about the Falcons’ young core on their first series of the game.
desmond rider he was a little off on a few passes, but his receivers helped him out. kyle pits he made a nice adjustment to catch a pass behind him. Robinson followed suit on a screen pass, grabbing Ridder’s pass behind him and pulling it back with one hand. Robinson will also be a big factor in the Falcons’ passing game.
Ridder is the key to the offense entering his second season. He had an interception that ended the Falcons’ first drive. On third-and-goal he had a pass into coverage that was deflected up and intercepted by the defensive end. joseph ossai.
It was not all a loss for Ridder. Ridder had a great connection with the second-year receiver drake london for a gain of 21 yards down the sideline.
Ridder also fought for a first down on third-and-four to keep the drive alive. The Falcons failed to get a touchdown on the drive. The Falcons were left in a hole after having first and goal due to holding and false start penalties, but still should have gotten away with a field goal. In Ridder’s defense, the Bengals could have been called for pass interference, but there was no flag. Either way, Ridder can’t turn it that deep into an opponent’s territory. That’s a good lesson for a young quarterback.
It’s easy to be excited for the Falcons’ young core. Ridder and London are in their second season. Robinson is the favorite to win the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Pitts is in his third season, and was only the second tight end to record a 1,000-yard season as a rookie. Ridder’s interception didn’t erase all the highlights those players had on Friday. It was just a reminder that the quarterback isn’t a finished product yet. The Falcons’ skill position starters took their seats after that first drive.
The Falcons are building an exciting young core on offense. The potential was on full display in Friday’s preseason game.