Running back Bijan Robinson powered the Atlanta Falcons to a 45-24 win over the New Orleans Saints and made history along the way, tying one NFL record and setting two others. The 5-foot-11 back out of Texas showed off his speed and breakaway ability as he took off for a 59-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter, giving his team a 7-0 lead. That helped him tie Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith for most 50-plus-yard rushing touchdowns in "Monday Night Football" history.
Both players have three 50-plus-yard rushing touchdowns on "MNF," but Robinson became the sole owner of another record. It marked his third consecutive "MNF" game with a rushing touchdown of 50 yards or more. Robinson became the first player in NFL history to record a 50-plus-yard rushing touchdown in three straight "MNF" games.
His other two came in 2025, per Essentially Sports. Robinson had a 93-yard rushing touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in one "MNF" game and an 81-yard touchdown against the Buffalo Bills in another "MNF" game. More news: Tyler Shough Calls Out ‘Embarrassing’ Saints ‘MNF’ Loss to Falcons Robinson wasn't finished after his early touchdown, as he continued to power Atlanta's offense.
He finished with 145 rushing yards and two touchdowns in another massive performance for the star running back, who could be in the Offensive Player of the Year conversation later this season. The other record Robinson owns is the highest scrimmage-yards-per-game average by any player in primetime in NFL history, since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger. Robinson averages 145.4 scrimmage yards per primetime game, with Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders next at 126.3.
OJ Simpson ranks third at 123 scrimmage yards per primetime game, per ESPN Insights. Robinson's season is already off to an incredible start. On 85 carries, he's tallied 494 rushing yards, which ranks fourth in the NFL.
Robinson has also scored four rushing touchdowns, and his 5.8 rushing yards per carry ranks third in the league. He's also contributed as a receiver, with 14 catches, 120 yards, and one receiving touchdown so far this season. Along with his standout performances, the Falcons appear to be gaining momentum, with back-to-back wins over the Green Bay Packers and the New Orleans Saints.
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