Lawrence Calls Robinson Best Back in League
Bengals defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence praised Atlanta running back Bijan Robinson ahead of their Sunday matchup in Madrid.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Football
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence called Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson the best running back in the league in comments to reporters on Thursday. The two teams meet Sunday, November 8, at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid.
Why it matters
Robinson has been the centerpiece of Atlanta's offense this season, and Lawrence's praise sets up a direct test between the Bengals' run defense and the Falcons' workhorse back. The Bengals have struggled defensively, ranking 30th in explosive play percentage and 23rd in defensive success rate through seven games.
Robinson has 983 yards from scrimmage entering Sunday, while the Bengals sit at 5-2 after a 43-36 overtime win over Tennessee. Lawrence has five sacks this season, and the Bengals rank 30th in explosive play percentage through seven games.
The players
Dexter Lawrence
Dexter Lawrence is a defensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals who has recorded five sacks this season.
Bijan Robinson
Bijan Robinson is an Atlanta Falcons running back and eighth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft who has built his career as one of the league's leading rushers.
The details
Lawrence made the assessment of Robinson in comments to reporters on Thursday, which were shared by Bengals reporter Paul Dehner Jr. Atlanta selected Robinson eighth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, and he is now a 24-year-old workhorse for the Falcons.
Timeline
2023: Atlanta selects Bijan Robinson eighth overall in the NFL Draft.
Thursday, November 5, 2026: Lawrence praises Robinson in comments to reporters.
Sunday, November 8, 2026: Bengals face Falcons at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid.
Season Trajectory
Robinson's rise from an eighth overall draft pick to a central offensive weapon shapes how Atlanta is viewed around the league this season. The Bengals' defensive numbers, including their 30th-ranked explosive play percentage, frame how Cincinnati must handle a back of his caliber.
Fantasy managers rostering Robinson will see his workload central to Atlanta's plan against Cincinnati's defense. The Bengals' 23rd-ranked defensive success rate suggests opportunities for the Falcons' ground game.
The takeaway
Lawrence's comments put Robinson's season-long production in sharp focus ahead of a game that will test Cincinnati's run defense. Readers following the matchup should watch how the Bengals respond to a back carrying Atlanta's offense.
What happens next
The Bengals and Falcons meet Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid.
Further reading
For more on the league's top ball carriers and team matchups, explore Football coverage.
