![](https://draftwire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/72/2023/08/1608723609.jpg?w=1000&h=600&crop=1)
It was a big day for the Atlanta Falcons, who put themselves in sole possession of first place in the NFC South with a 16-13 win over their division rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Even with that win, many fans were left scratching their heads at rookie phenom Bijan Robinson notably missing from the field for the vast majority of the offensive snaps on Sunday.
It was revealed post-game by Robinson that he was dealing with a major set of headaches that made it difficult for him to stay on the field, let alone run the football for his team. There were many theories as to why the rookie was left on the bench, but at the end of the day, a lingering illness makes the most sense for their best weapon to be left on the bench.
The Falcons did not waiver much from their strategy of pounding the rock, even sans their high draft pick investment. Atlanta ran the ball right down the throats of the Buccaneers all afternoon long with second-year pro Tyler Allgeier and veteran Cordarrelle Patterson, who combined for 115 yards on the ground and another 53 yards through the air. Atlanta proved they are deep at the running back position and are dedicated to winning the division with their smash mouth football style.
KEEP FEEDING TYLER ALLGEIER 😤pic.twitter.com/cB3FBdZcY5
— Kevin Keneely (@KevinKeneely1) October 22, 2023
Hopefully Bijan Robinson can work his way back onto the field next week against the Titans and work to prove the Falcons have the best running back room in the entire league.