When NFL.com’s Maurice Jones-Drew released his preseason running back rankings, he listed Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons outside the top 20. He didn’t list Tyler Allgeier at all.
We took issue with his rankings at the time:
Jones-Drew tried to make amends after Week 1 by listing not one, but both of the Falcons running backs in the Top 15 of his updated running back rankings.
Allgeier came in ahead of Robinson after his performance against the Carolina Panthers at No. 8.
“As much as everyone loves Bijan Robinson’s explosiveness, Allgeier is a much-needed presence in the Falcons’ rushing attack,” wrote Jones-Drew. “He’s a steady workhorse who proved as much in Atlanta’s 24-10 victory over the division-rival Panthers, slightly outproducing the ballyhooed rookie. Keep an eye on this young duo moving forward. Allgeier and Robinson accounted for 177 of the Falcons’ 221 net yards and all three touchdowns.”
That’s good advice. Evidently, we should keep an eye on Allgeier and Robinson. Who’d a thunk it?
Jones-Drew moved Robinson up to No. 13 on his list.
“The No. 8 overall pick looked explosive in both the run and pass games in his NFL debut,” wrote Jones-Drew. “He was exceptional on this 11-yard screen play, breaking numerous tackles on his way to the end zone. Robinson’s Week 1 performance felt like just the beginning of a big-time role in Arthur Smith’s offense.”
I don’t think you’re going to get much of an argument if you were to say “Bijan Robinson is better than the No. 13 running back in the NFL.” However, we’re at least we’re getting in the ballpark.
Ranking Robinson and Allgeier outside the top 20 didn’t make sense on any level. Not fantasy numbers. Not talent.
Although the defense and running game carried the Atlanta Falcons in their win over the Panthers on Sunday, it won’t be like that every week. The Falcons will have to sort out their pass protection and loosen up the back end of opposing defenses.
They’ll get their next chance on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Packers are coming off a dominating 38-20 victory over the Chicago Bears.
