3 bold predictions for Packers defense against Falcons in Week 2
By Drew Koch
2. Packers defense holds Falcons RB Bijan Robinson to less than 50 yards rushing
It's not often in today's NFL that you see a running back go in the Top 10 of the draft, but that's exactly what the Atlanta Falcons did this past spring when they selected Texas' Bijan Robinson with the eighth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Robinson was unquestionably the best running back in the draft class, and after a successful career in Austin, it's no surprise that Atlanta took the former Longhorn with their first pick.
But draft status means little to nothing once you step onto the field on Sunday. Don't expect the Packers defense to be surprised or intimidated by the skill of Robinson coming out of the backfield. In his first game against the Carolina Panthers last week, Robinson racked up 56 yards on 10 carries.
Look for the Green Bay defense to make things difficult for No. 7 on Sunday. The Chicago Bears' leading rusher last week was quarterback Justin Fields, who rumbled for 59 yards on nine carries. Running backs added just 27 yards on the ground.
But Bijan Robinson isn't the only running back the Packers will need to account for on Sunday afternoon. Atlanta has a two-headed monster with Robinson and last year's fifth-round pick Tyler Allgeier.
The former BYU Cougar produced 75 yards on 15 carries against the Panthers while also scoring two touchdowns. Allgeier, not Robinson, might be the more problematic running back when the Packers and Falcons square off on Sunday in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.