Raheem Morris, the Falcons' head coach, made comments that might lead to a reduction in Bijan Robinson's playing time.

Drew Bishop

Why Bijan Robinson's usage could decrease after comments from Falcons' head coach Raheem Morris image

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TL;DR

  • Bijan Robinson's fantasy value may be declining despite being a top draft pick.
  • Coach Raheem Morris praised Tyler Allgeier, raising concerns about Robinson's playing time.
  • Allgeier has scored more touchdowns than Robinson this season.
  • Robinson still leads in backfield snaps, but Allgeier is a significant presence.

This year, Bijan Robinson was a unanimous top selection in fantasy drafts, yet his value might be declining as the season concludes. 

This third-year running back has carried the ball 135 times this season over 9 games, accumulating 679 yards (averaging 5 yards per carry) and scoring 2 touchdowns. His low touchdown total is partly due to sharing the backfield with Tyler Allgeier, a powerful player often used near the goal line. 

Allgeier carried the ball 11 times for 57 yards and scored 2 touchdowns in Atlanta's overtime defeat against the Indianapolis Colts this past Sunday. When questioned about the running back on Wednesday, head coach Raheem Morris offered such high praise for Allgeier that some supporters are now worried about a potential reduction in Robinson's playing time.

Raheem Morris's remarks regarding Tyler Allgeier

When asked about his backup running back, Morris gave high marks. 

“Tyler is the least-talked about superstar on our football team," Morris said. “He's a stud…. Wherever you put him, whatever you ask him to do, he's able to go out there.”

Calling a player a superstar when they get under half the snaps in their backfield is a stretch. Allgeier began as the primary rusher in his first year, yet the Falcons opted to select Robinson in the subsequent season.

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Morris wasn't the coach when both players were brought in. He feels no particular loyalty to either running back and might decide to give Allgeier more playing time if his performance keeps getting better. 

Bijan Robinson versus Tyler Allgeier snap percentage

Even with Allgeier's rise, Robinson has maintained his lead in backfield snaps recently.

Snap %Bijan RobinsonTyler Allgeier
Week 860%40%
Week 996%30%
Week 1086%37%

The Falcons have frequently employed two-running back formations to enhance their offensive threat with both players. Robinson's versatility as a receiver means he can remain on the field even when Allgeier is positioned in the backfield. 

Morris's remarks don't assure Allgeier will see increased Sunday action. However, they suggest a coach inclined to favor players performing well, rather than sticking rigidly to Robinson.

Fantasy managers and supporters of Robinson should anticipate the third-year running back to maintain his leading role, with Allgeier remaining a significant presence for the foreseeable future.

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