The Atlanta Falcons didn’t qualify for the playoffs this season, but they’ve been in the news for other reasons on the opening day of wild-card weekend. The NFL fined running back Bijan Robinson and wide receiver Drake London for infractions committed during Sunday’s season finale.
Robinson was fined $22,511 for unnecessary roughness on a fourth-quarter run against the Carolina Panthers in Week 18. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Robinson’s fine came from using his helmet to make contact on the run.
The NFL fined #Falcons RB Bijan Robinson $22,511 for unnecessary roughness (use of the helmet) on this play last week. pic.twitter.com/luGcbflINk
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 11, 2025
Robinson dominated in Sunday’s loss to the Panthers, rushing for 170 yards and two touchdowns. The second-year running back finished the season ranked top five in rushing yards (1,456) while adding 14 touchdowns.
London, who finished the year with a monster performance (187 yards and two touchdowns), was fined $11,255 by the league for taunting a Panthers defender.
The Falcons also fired defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake and defensive line coach Jay Rodgers on Saturday afternoon. While coaching changes were expected after the team’s disappointing finish, Atlanta took a week to evaluate before firing Lake and Rodgers.
We’ll keep you updated on potential candidates and interviews for the team’s defensive coordinator vacancy over the coming weeks.
