The Atlanta Falcons ruffled fan feathers on Sunday Night Football in Santa Clara, as Bijan Robinson and the Falcons suffered a disappointing 20-10 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. However, it wasn’t just the loss that upset fans — a crucial moment involving the All-Pro running back sparked widespread frustration.
Late in the fourth quarter, Atlanta faced a key fourth-and-one situation. Surprisingly, the Falcons opted to run their play out of the shotgun formation, with Robinson notably left on the sidelines. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. threw an incompletion, resulting in a turnover on downs. Fans immediately criticized the play call, expressing their displeasure on social media.
“No Bijan on the field and you came out in the gun. You deserve that,” one Falcons fan posted on X (formerly Twitter). The situation was further inflamed when offensive coordinator Zac Robinson went with a four-wide receiver set in this short-yardage scenario, leading to constant roasting of the second-year OC under head coach Raheem Morris.
One fan published a detailed post explaining why they believe Robinson “ain’t the guy” to lead this offense, while another predicted that he might not be calling plays for the Falcons much longer.
### How the Falcons and Bijan Robinson Performed vs. the 49ers
Heading into the game, Penix Jr. was optimistic about his team, especially after their huge upset of AFC powerhouse Buffalo the previous Monday Night Football. However, Atlanta’s offense looked stagnant against a 49ers defense missing star linebacker Fred Warner, who watched from the suites due to an ankle injury.
Robinson was held to just 40 yards on 14 carries, averaging only 2.9 yards per attempt against a defense without Warner. Overall, the Falcons managed only 62 rushing yards as a team. The 49ers were also missing All-Pro edge rusher Nick Bosa, yet they still contained Atlanta effectively.
Penix endured two sacks on the night, and no Falcons wide receiver gained more than 69 receiving yards. Meanwhile, Mac Jones made the start for the 49ers and extended his impressive streak, improving his record to 4-1 this season.
Robinson’s 40-yard performance marked his second-worst outing of the year, with his Week 1 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers where he rushed for just 24 yards remaining the lowest. Despite this, fans voiced their greater frustration toward the offensive coordinator’s reluctance to rely on Robinson in critical moments.
The Falcons will look to regroup and adjust as the season progresses, but the call to trust Bijan Robinson more — especially in crucial situations — remains a common theme among their passionate fanbase.
https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/atlanta-falcons/falcons-news-fans-incensed-after-bijan-robinson-sits-on-bench-during-key-fourth-down