Kevin Stefanski, the new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, is ready to unleash a unique talent in Bijan Robinson. This All-Pro running back isn't just a player; he's a force on the field, and Stefanski is keenly aware of the impact Robinson can have. “The physical skillset is obvious off the tape, and that’s something you see out there on the grass,” Stefanski remarked during mandatory minicamp, highlighting Robinson's ability to change games in multiple ways.
Robinson, now entering his fourth NFL season, has already racked up 3,910 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns. Last season, he was one of only four running backs to break the 1,400-yard mark, finishing fourth in league rushing. But his contributions go beyond just running the ball.
In the passing game, Robinson has been just as impressive, with 198 receptions for 1,738 yards and nine touchdowns. His 2025 season was particularly noteworthy, as he recorded 820 receiving yards, second only to Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers. That year, Robinson led the league with 2,298 scrimmage yards over 17 games, setting the stage for a potentially lucrative contract extension with the Falcons, following new deals for teammates Drake London and Kyle Pitts Sr.
Robinson himself is eager to capitalize on his dual-threat capabilities. “Whether it’s in the run game, the pass game to create mismatches to get in the endzone, that’s what we’ll do,” he said.
“And that’s what I’ve been enjoying ever since I’ve been in the NFL. I’m excited to help lead this team and offense to hopefully great heights.”
Stefanski is no stranger to elite running backs. His experience includes coaching Adrian Peterson during his time with the Minnesota Vikings and working with Nick Chubb at the Cleveland Browns.
It's clear that Stefanski knows a game-changer when he sees one, and he sees that in Robinson. “Well, I’ve been around some good running backs,” Stefanski acknowledged.
“And obviously, we’ve talked about Bijan, you know how I feel about Bijan.”
The Falcons have also brought in Brian Robinson Jr. to complement their backfield after Tyler Allgeier's departure to the Arizona Cardinals. Brian Robinson Jr., entering his fifth NFL season, has accumulated 2,729 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, along with 73 receptions for 612 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Stefanski plans to integrate both Robinsons into the offense under new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees.
Stefanski emphasized the importance of versatility in his running backs. “Obviously, it’s a position we think highly of in terms of Bijan, Brian.
We have guys we feel like can affect the football game,” Stefanski said. “And it’s not just in the run game.
I think the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield is something that we’re looking to do with our guys because when defenses load up to stop one thing, they can do that. And you have to have the ability to pivot at times.”
The plan is for week-to-week communication and strategic game planning to determine which running back will take on specific roles during games. Stefanski will rely on running backs coach Michael Pitre to manage rotations and tailor plays to maximize each player's strengths.
“Whatever we have to do to help the team win, that’s what we’re going to do,” Bijan Robinson stated. “When the game’s on the line, we’ll finish the game.
We’ll put it on our backs. During the game, we want to do that as well.”
With this dynamic duo in the backfield, the Falcons are poised to make waves this season.
In Other News...
This Falcons Veteran Is Suddenly Hard To Ignore Up Front
The Falcons went into the spring looking for help up front, and DaShawn Hand has quickly made himself part of the conversation. Signed to a one-year deal to stiffen the run defense and help bring along a young group of defensive tackles, the veteran has been noticeable enough during minicamp to draw attention from both the coaching staff and the beat writers covering the team.
Marc Raimondi singled Hand out as one of the defensive lines key spring performers, and that kind of buzz matters for a unit still sorting out its identity. Defensive line coach Nate Ollie has also taken a clear liking to what he has seen, which only adds to the sense that Hand is pushing toward a larger role as the Falcons continue their offseason work. [Read more 🡒]
Michael Penix Jr. Still Has One Major Test In Falcons QB Battle
Michael Penix Jr. is still working his way back from a partially torn ACL, but the expectation is that he will be cleared for full contact before or during Falcons training camp. Until that happens, the quarterback battle has hardly had a chance to get off the ground, with Penix unable to fully take part in the kind of work that would give Atlanta a real read on where he stands.
Tua Tagovailoa, meanwhile, has already helped himself with a strong showing in offseason work, including mandatory minicamp, where his accuracy stood out. For Penix, the challenge is simple and sizable: he has to show he can throw with enough consistency to make this a legitimate competition, especially after a career completion rate that has not yet crossed 60%. [Read more 🡒]
Falcons Suddenly Face A Costly Bijan Robinson Contract Dilemma
The Falcons have already locked up Drake London and Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson is next in line as Atlanta looks to keep its young core intact. With two seasons left on his rookie deal, Robinson is not in immediate danger of hitting the market, but his extension is already shaping up as one of the more important financial decisions the franchise will make as it tries to stay ahead of a rising price at running back.
The wrinkle is that Atlanta is not negotiating in a vacuum. The Falcons are in a quiet waiting game with the Lions, who are working through their own extension talks for Jahmyr Gibbs, and both sides want to be the team that does not blink first. NFL Networks Tom Pelissero has pointed out that the club that signs its back first could end up getting the better number, while the second deal may carry the heavier cost, which is exactly why this one figures to drag on awhile. [Read more 🡒]