After a strong rookie season in Atlanta, Bijan Robinson took a massive step forward in 2024. He rushed for nearly 1,500 yards and scored 14 touchdowns in his second year with the Falcons. Is there a chance he takes it one step farther in his third year and breaks into an MVP discussion?
The Morning Shift discussed what it might take for Robinson to enter the conversation as a running back.
No running back has taken home an MVP award since Adrian Peterson last won it in 2012. However, five running backs have taken home the award for AP Offensive Player of the Year in that time -- and all of them reached the 2,000 total yard plateau.
"Do you think that if Bijan Robinson got to 2,000 yards," started Mike Johnson. "And maybe because Michael Penix opened up the offense, [but could] we be having serious conversations about Bijan Robinson being an MVP candidate?"
Robinson nearly reached that total yardage threshold last season and added 15 total touchdowns, but didn't receive a single vote for an Offensive Player of the Year -- but only two players who didn't reach the playoffs received any votes. With that said, it's safe to acknowledge that team success will also carry a significant amount of weight for any recognition coming to the Falcons' star running back.
"I think it is a 2,000 yards, 20 total touchdowns while the Falcons are 12-5 or better," Beau answered. "Even then, I think there's a chance Bijan Robinson is overshadowed [by Michael Penix]."