The key to the New Orleans Saints getting an important victory Monday night against the Atlanta Falcons isn’t a mystery. The game will likely be dictated by whether or not the Saints find a way to limit Falcons running back Bijan Robinson.
Doing so won’t be easy. Not just because Robinson’s game is so expansive, but because the talented rusher is one of the hardest players to bring down in football.
Per Next Gen Stats, Robinson has forced 22 missed tackles so far this season. His 33.3% missed tackle rate ranks No. 8 in the NFL.
The key will be getting many players to the ball and tackling with more than one body when Robinson has possession.
In order to do so, the Saints’ defense will have to be one step ahead. Defensive coordinator Brandon Staley had a strong gameplan for Robinson last year in their Week 18 clash. The back was held to just 33 rushing yards on 15 attempts in that game.
One of the ways the Saints put a cap on him was by winning at the perimeter. They’ll have to do so again this time around.
The Falcons, like last season, lead the NFL in rushing attempts outside of the tackles (70.2%). That is where New Orleans will have to beat the Falcons’ offense to the punch.
By either slicing through from the interior or wrapping over the top, getting multiple hats to the point of attack on the edge will be a must.
The issue is that so far this season, the Saints have allowed 5.7 yards per rush outside of the tackles, fifth-most in the NFL. They will also be without three key defenders in linebacker Kaden Elliss and edge rushers Carl Granderson and Anfernee Jennings. Linebacker Pete Werner is also questionable.
This week will come down to coaching and a “next man up” mentality along with front-seven.
Not limiting Robinson on the ground may end up being the quickest path to an upsetting Domecoming anniversary commemoration.
