The Falcons might have the best running back duo in football. Other than the Chargers, no two backs had a better debut than Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. I’m not making any declaration, but it’s an argument.
Atlanta’s backfield is the driving force in Arthur Smith’s offense; that’s not up for argument. The pair combined for 34 offensive touches — 25 carries and nine receptions — for 177 total yards and three scores. That’s 25 of 26 total carries and nine of 15 total completions.
Entering the season, there were concerns about Allgeier’s role with Robinson in the fold; it’s clear the Falcons have no qualms about feeding both horses.
The 8th overall pick scored the first touchdown of the season, breaking three tackles after hauling in a swing pass en route to the endzone. He totaled 56 yards on 10 carries to pair with 27 yards through the air on six receptions.
His counterpart was the offense’s leading rusher in Week 1 as he was last year. Allgeier totaled 75 yards on 15 carries along with a pair of touchdowns.
Robinson’s touches will exceed Allgeier’s, but that’s because of his targets in the passing game. The pair combined for 34 touches, which is more than 80% of all touches from the Falcons’ offense; it’s clear the engine of this group is the backfield.
Graziano: You can start the Falcons’ Tyler Allgeier if you’re in a bind at running back. Rookie Bijan Robinson had a big debut, but Allgeier actually outscored him, indicating that coach Arthur Smith intends to use both backs and use them both a lot. Allgeier might not be as involved in the passing game as Robinson, which could be an issue in games where the Falcons fall behind. But the matchup with Green Bay is a sweet one, and Smith seems pretty dedicated to leaning on his run game as much as he can. When you realize the Falcons ran only a paltry 48 plays Sunday against the Panthers, it’s clear that there’s room for everyone in this offense to contribute more moving forward.
Fantasy footballers don’t have to worry about starting either Robinson or Allgeier. In fact, I would feel more confident in starting the BYU product than Drake London and Kyle Pitts. The pair of top 10 draft picks combined for just two catches for 44 yards.
Arthur Smith will win in any way he can, and it seems shortening Desmond Ridder’s leash is an early strategy. That’s not to say the offense won’t open up and enable Pitts and London to flourish, but right now, the offense will run through Allgeier and Robinson.
I’d start both in any fantasy football league.
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