The Atlanta Falcons pulled off one of the biggest surprises of the NFL season Monday night, stunning the playoff-bound Los Angeles Rams 27-24 on a last-minute 51-yard field goal from Zane Gonzalez. But the real story was Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, who exploded for a career-high 195 rushing yards and authored a franchise-record 93-yard touchdown run that left the football world in awe.
Bijan Robinson's Historic Night: How One Player Dominated Monday Night Football
In what Falcons head coach Raheem Morris called "the best player in football" proving his worth, Bijan Robinson put together a performance for the ages against one of the NFL's top defenses. The third-year running back carried 22 times for 195 yards, added 34 receiving yards on five catches, and scored twice—once on a 4-yard reception and again on his historic 93-yard sprint that gave Atlanta a 21-0 halftime lead they would barely protect.
Beyond the statistics, Robinson's performance validated the Falcons' investment in building their offense around the dynamic back. "I said this 18 weeks ago: He's the best player in football," Morris reiterated after the game. "It's just as simple as that. He's unbelievable. Everything he does for our football team, from running the football to catching the football to protection to being a leader. He's also our chaplain. He does it all."
The numbers support Morris' bold claim. Robinson's 93-yard touchdown wasn't just the longest in Falcons history—it was the longest scoring play from scrimmage in the entire NFL this season. He's now one of only two players (along with Jerry Rice) to have consecutive games with 200-plus scrimmage yards on Monday Night Football. His 190 scrimmage yards after contact Monday were the most by any player since ESPN began tracking the statistic in 2009.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins, who has played with elite running backs throughout his career, offered perhaps the most telling assessment: "What he can do in both the run game and pass game is very unique. He's a great teammate. He's a great person. Bodes well for his future. And I think the key is we've got to use him correctly and not overwork him because I think tonight we asked a lot of him and I want to make sure that he's fresh for what he's got ahead of him. But if you call his number, he's going to answer. He's not going to complain or tell you he's tired."
Where Things Stand Now: Playoff Implications and Record Chases
The victory gives Atlanta (7-9) its first three-game winning streak of the season and improves their prime-time record to 4-1. While eliminated from playoff contention for almost a month, the Falcons are playing with purpose. "We made it known as soon as we got that elimination that we're going to finish this season off the right way, finish it all strong so we can lead into next season because we're all men," Robinson said. "We're all men that love this game so much. So, it's very important for us to finish the right way as a team."
For the Rams (11-5), the loss complicates their playoff positioning but doesn't eliminate them from contention. Stafford's three-interception performance was his first game with more than two picks this season, though he did pass Ben Roethlisberger for sixth on the NFL's all-time passing yards list. Head coach Sean McVay confirmed after the game that his starters would play in Week 18 against Arizona, indicating the Rams still have something to play for.
Robinson's individual accomplishments continue to mount. He leads the NFL in scrimmage yards (2,255), ranks second in rushing yards (1,445), and is second among running backs in receptions (76). He has averaged 180.4 scrimmage yards per prime-time game this season and has emerged as a legitimate candidate for Offensive Player of the Year honors.
What Happens Next: The Road Ahead for Falcons and Rams
The Falcons close their season at home against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. A victory would give them an 8-9 record and significant momentum heading into the offseason. For Robinson, the final game offers another opportunity to pad his already-impressive statistics and make his case for postseason awards.
The Rams host the Arizona Cardinals in their regular-season finale, needing a win to maintain their playoff seeding. Despite Monday's setback, Los Angeles remains a dangerous postseason opponent with Stafford, Nacua, and a defense that showed resilience in their comeback attempt.
Perhaps most importantly, Monday night's game served notice that the Falcons have a foundational piece in Robinson. As the team continues to rebuild under Morris, they can take solace in knowing they possess what their coach calls "the best player in football"—a talent capable of single-handedly changing games and rewriting record books.
The Bottom Line: Key Takeaways from Falcons' Statement Win
• Bijan Robinson's 195 rushing yards and 229 scrimmage yards were both career highs, and his 93-yard touchdown was the longest in Falcons history
• Robinson broke the Falcons' single-season scrimmage yards record (2,255) and set the NFL mark for most yards under age 24 (5,585)
• The Falcons won their third straight game despite being eliminated from playoff contention a month ago
• Matthew Stafford's three interceptions doomed the Rams' comeback attempt, though he passed Ben Roethlisberger on two all-time lists
• Atlanta's 21-0 halftime lead marked the first time all season the Rams were held scoreless in any half
• The Falcons improved to 4-1 in prime-time games this season, showing they perform best when the lights are brightest
In a season of disappointment for Atlanta, Monday night provided a glimpse of what could be—a superstar running back at the peak of his powers, a resilient team playing for pride, and a victory that suggests better days may be ahead for the Falcons franchise.
