The Falcons are one exhibition game into the preseason, but the starters played sparingly. That is expected to change in the second contest against the Bengals as Arthur Smith stated, which includes Bijan Robinson, who will make his professional debut.
“We’re not going to go crazy,” the Falcons coach said. “We just need the reps. We need to get our bread-and-butter concepts in there and he’ll see his tracks. We’re not going to sit there and show everything but we need to execute well.”
Preseasons comprise of vanilla schemes made just to get a read on the roster, specifically those fighting for a roster spot. For the starters, it’s about figuring out the logistics and execution of those concepts.
When it comes to the Falcons’ top draft pick, it’s the first opportunity to show Dirty Bird faithful what the fan base has to be excited about; he’s equally excited as well.
“I’m really excited,” Robinson said. “Shoot, even last week, it was super fun just to support my teammates and be the best teammate I can be.”
Though Falcons fans (and myself) want Arthur Smith to dial up some crazy plays for Robinson, it’s doubtful we get that. Smith is just going to introduce him to the league, not set him loose.
“So this is another step for him. We’re not going to show everything with him. He just needs to get his feet wet.”
I will say that the Falcons shouldn’t play any starters on offense unless everyone along the front is healthy. Matt Hennessy and Drew Dalman are both dealing with injuries. If Atlanta somehow doesn’t have either of those players, Desmond Ridder, Bijan Robinson, and every other starter shouldn’t be on the field. I would simply push the plan to play starters back one week.
Nonetheless, it’s an exciting time for Falcons fans, who will get their first glimpse at the new-look roster in Mercedes Benz Stadium.
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Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire
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