Atlanta Falcons' Bijan Robinson eyes peak efficiency for the 2025 season after 365 rookie touches. Can QB Michael Penix Jr. help unlock his full potential? June 2025.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Thursday, June 5th, 2025, and the buzz around Flowery Branch is all about one man: Bijan Robinson. After a rookie season that saw him touch the ball a staggering 365 times, the Falcons are gearing up to not just use their star running back, but to maximize every single touch. It's not just about volume anymore; it's about game-breaking efficiency.
365 touches last season, but the quest for more yards and touchdowns per touch is the new mantra for Bijan Robinson.
Last season, Bijan Robinson was undeniably the Falcons' offensive engine, shouldering a massive workload with 365 touches. While that kind of usage demonstrates his importance, the numbers tell a story of potential yet to be fully unlocked. For instance, when compared to Detroit's Jahmyr Gibbs, who managed more total yards and touchdowns on fewer touches (302), it's clear there's room for Bijan to elevate his efficiency. The Falcons aren't looking to lessen his role, but to make each carry and reception more impactful, turning those good plays into great ones.
A key factor that could unlock this new level of efficiency for Robinson is the arrival of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. While Kirk Cousins is slated as the starter, the long-term vision and even immediate packages could involve Penix. A legitimate downfield passing threat, which Penix certainly represents, can fundamentally alter how defenses approach the Falcons. If defenses have to respect Penix's arm, they can't stack the box as aggressively against the run. This could provide Bijan with lighter fronts, more space to operate, and ultimately, more opportunities for those explosive, highlight-reel plays we know he's capable of. The synergy between a dynamic back and a strong-armed QB could be the recipe for offensive fireworks.
As OTAs continue and training camp looms, all eyes will be on how this offensive philosophy unfolds. Can Bijan Robinson transform his high usage into elite efficiency? And how will the presence of Michael Penix Jr. reshape the Falcons' attack? One thing's for sure: the 2025 season promises to be an exciting one for Falcons fans eager to see their star running back truly take flight.