Texans' Jimmie Ward Breaks Down Falcons 'Home Run Hitter' Bijan Robinson

Originally posted on FanNation Texans Daily
By Hunter De Siver | Last updated 10/4/23

While the Houston Texans are ranked towards the middle of the NFL in terms of rushing yards allowed this season, they will be challenged by one of the league's premier rushing attacks on Sunday against rookie running back Bijan Robinson and the Atlanta Falcons.

Texans safety Jimmie Ward has Robinson on his mind over the rest of Atlanta's offense and listed many reasons why the 21-year-old is "a good back."

"He's an explosive home run hitter that can breakaway from a defender and catch," Ward said in the locker room on Wednesday. "He's the whole package and I think he's worth the first-round pick."

Every few years, there's a rookie skill player that the NFL community hypes up long before the season starts. The University of Texas product has been widely regarded as one of the best players at his position even before he took his first career snap.

Robinson hasn't fallen from his generational-talent expectations just yet, as he's currently tied for the third-most rushing yards in the NFL (318) and is second among active starting running backs in yards per carry (6.0).

The Falcons have a couple of other talented skill players on their offense, including receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts. However, they aren't targeted as often as they probably should be. That being said, Ward believes that Robinson and the rushing attack will be Atlanta's main game plan.

"They got wide receivers if they use them, but I don't think they're trying to pass the ball," Ward said. "They're trying to out-physical teams and run the ball, so we'll have a tough task in trying to stop it."

Robinson isn't the only threat in Atlanta's backfield, as second-year running back Tyler Allgeier was their main ball-carrier last season and is still making a big impact this year despite being a backup.

Like Texans coach DeMeco Ryans and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, Ward also came to Houston this offseason after a long stint with the San Francisco 49ers. Last season, San Francisco played Atlanta, but Ward was out due to injury. The 32-year-old explained that Atlanta "ran the ball and beat us up pretty bad," and that they'll probably stick to that game plan once again come Sunday.

The Texans have caught the attention of the NFL community after their dominant wins the last two weeks. A big game from Robinson and the Falcons rushing attack could lose some members of the early hype train.

This article first appeared on FanNation Texans Daily and was syndicated with permission.

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