The first round of March Madness has just begun, and most brackets have already been eliminated. With Kentucky and BYU basketball eliminated by 14th and 11th-seeded teams, respectively, less than 1% of brackets remain intact, including Bijan Robinson’s. The Atlanta Falcons rookie instantly eliminated Kentucky and BYU, as well as anointing Texas basketball the overall champion. (from the NCAA March Madness official X account)
When his bracket was posted, it elicited numerous responses from users.
Even the Atlanta Falcons’ official account chipped in, sending a photo of Robinson from his college days at Texas football.
Robinson has worn the orange shirt for three years, so it’s logical that he has the Longhorns winning it all. His football career at Texas earned him the eighth overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.
Robinson carried for 3,410 yards and 33 touchdowns on 539 attempts over his three seasons with the Longhorns. He also accumulated 805 receiving yards and eight touchdown receptions. His best year, undoubtedly, came in 2022, when he rushed for 1,580 yards and 18 touchdowns in 12 games as a junior. Robinson was also recognized as an All-American that year.
Can the Atlanta Falcons finally come back?
Returning to the present, Robinson’s prediction luck appears to be very high, so if he predicts a Falcons Super Bowl appearance, would it happen miraculously? Although unlikely, the team’s offseason moves indicate a potential improvement.
This year’s free agency in Atlanta is headlined by the signing of Kirk Cousins. Realizing that Desmond Ridder would not be the quarterback they needed, the Falcons signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract. The team subsequently traded Ridder for wide receiver Rondale Moore.
In addition to Moore, Darnell Mooney is a fresh addition to the wide receiver rotation. Mooney was awarded a three-year, $39 million contract, which a few of fans questioned. While his under-500-yard total over the last two seasons is the primary source of suspicion, two points should be addressed. One, the WR amassed 1,055 yards in 2021, and two, he had only 61 targets in the preceding two seasons.
$39 million is still a lot of money, but it appears that the Falcons management is counting on Cousins to spark a Darnell Mooney revival alongside Drake London.
Overall, Bijan Robinson will play in an altogether new offense. And the running back’s rookie season indicates that he is ready for year two. In 2023, Robinson carried for 976 yards and four touchdowns, while also receiving 487 yards and four scores.
The last time the Atlanta Falcons made it to the Super Bowl, what transpired on the field is something the state of Georgia would rather forget. The team hasn’t played in a postseason game since the year after its debut. Who knows. Perhaps 2024 will be their redemption season.
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