Bijan Robinson Exposes Raheem Morris’s Failures Ahead of Vikings Clash

While the 2025 season ended in disappointment for the Atlanta Falcons, the season opener had a similar fate last week. They lost their first match of the 2025 season to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday by a close contest of 20-23. Although the return of the star RB Bijan Robinson surely gave the Falcons some boost to their roster, but seems like it wasn’t just enough. Though Robinson impressed in his return, his postgame remarks hinted at concerns that could put Head Coach Raheem Morris under the spotlight.

“They came out in a look that we haven’t seen,” Bijan Robinson said. “Our playbook got shorter, and we were trying to run other plays to outscheme them. We prepared for something completely different. It wasn’t about effort or anything like that. We were just outmatched in that game,” he added, which compelled everyone to think that the loss might be a shortcoming of Rahim’s approach as well. The Buccaneers’ defensive lineup completely shut down the Falcons’ running. Just 69 rushing yards on 28 carries! Well, that wasn’t just bad luck.

Robinson’s statements point out that most of it seems to fall on Raheem Morris and his game plan. The Falcons’ running was too predictable. He was not too creative with inexperienced players like Eli Wilkinson, who also could not manage to create an impact. This left young QB Michael Penix Jr. with limited options, which led him under pressure. Although Robinson did give an electrifying performance in week 1 with that 50-yard TD and those 100 receiving yards, they still fell short in the first week.

The Atlanta Falcons entered the 2025 season poised to contend for the NFC South title or at least a wild-card playoff spot. Offensively, the team has a talented core led by Bijan Robinson, who racked up 1,887 all-purpose yards and 15 touchdowns last season. Key skill players include receivers Drake London and Darnell Mooney, tight end Kyle Pitts, and second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who is starting his first full season as the team’s QB. On defense, they fixed their problems by picking up talented players who can rush the quarterback.

What’s next for the Falcons this week?

Defensively, the Falcons addressed their weaknesses by drafting promising pass rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr., and defensive backs Xavier Watts and Billy Bowman Jr. They also added veteran pass rusher Leonard Floyd in free agency to bolster a unit ranked 23rd in points allowed last season. This mix of young talent and veteran presence gives the Falcons a balanced roster capable of playoff success in 2025. They are looking to open their account for week 2 against the Vikings.

Week 2 is likely to provide a friction for the Falcons and Raheem Morris. They will be heading to Minnesota for their match against the Vikings. Kirk Cousins returns to the team he spent six seasons with, but this time as a backup QB. Vikings are starting the second-year QB J.J. McCarthy, who replaced Sam Darnold over the offseason. This transition requires an immediate action plan for the Falcons if they want to take control over the Vikings.

Bijan Robinson, who had a solid first week, will aim to exploit the Vikings’ defense and needs assistance with the ball from Michael Penix Jr. as well. The offensive lineup can use the Vikings’ defensive loopholes that allowed 119 rushing yards to the Bears in week 1. The Vikings will pose a tough challenge to the Falcons’ weak defensive arsenal as well. They have the home crowd support with them, but Morris has those weapon-like talents that can make it a close contest.