Bengals vs. Falcons: Can Cincinnati slow Bijan Robinson in Madrid?

The Cincinnati Bengals face the Atlanta Falcons in Madrid on Sunday morning for the second game in Spain in league history and the Bengals’ first overseas game since 2019.

This game could get interesting, with the Bengals coming in on three straight wins and the Falcons losing three of their last four. Atlanta was shut out for the first time since 2025 last week. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. threw four interceptions in the loss and totaled just 125 passing yards.

The Falcons are known for their skill players, especially wide receiver Drake London. He’s having a decent season, but not at the level he’d like. He has just one touchdown and has eclipsed 100 yards twice, averaging 45.3 yards per game over the Falcons’ last three contests.

However, no one will demand as much attention from Cincinnati as running back Bijan Robinson, whom some consider the best running back in football and who sometimes shows he has the chops to be one of the most talented players in the league.

He makes 22 mph look effortless at times, mixing that speed with elite contact balance and really good receiving skills. Like London, his numbers haven’t looked elite, especially in the last four games. Now, he does lead the league in rushing yards, which basically invalidates my last statement, but he hasn’t had more than 100 rushing yards in a game since Week 4 against the Saints. He also hasn’t scored in four weeks.

So, how good a chance do the Bengals have of shutting down, or at least limiting, Robinson Sunday in Spain?

Through seven games, Cincinnati has allowed 856 rushing yards, an average of 122.3 per game. The Bengals have allowed two 100-yard rushers: Jaylen Warren, who is having an All-Pro-level season for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard.

Cincinnati limited Derrick Henry to 45 yards on 17 carries and completely shut down David Montgomery in Week 2, holding him to 10 yards on six carries. The Bengals allowed Bhayshul Tuten to rush for 73 yards on 17 carries.

Cincinnati’s defense has been hot and cold this season, and when it’s cold, it really struggles to tackle, especially safety Jordan Battle and cornerback Dax Hill.

Linebackers Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr. have taken big steps forward, both ranking among the NFL’s top 40 linebackers in run-defense grade, according to PFF. DJ Turner has also been great in that area and should give Cincinnati a boost, as he is healthy and will play after a heel issue against the Titans.