Bijan Robinson runs wild in Madrid as Falcons dominate Bengals 37-13

Madrid, Spain - On the international stage at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Bijan Robinson delivered a performance worthy of the spotlight. The Atlanta Falcons running back turned 18 carries into a game-high 228 rushing yards and three touchdowns, powering Atlanta to a commanding 37-13 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in their Week 9 showdown in Spain.

With the matchup taking place at one of Europe’s most iconic sporting venues, Robinson made sure Atlanta’s ground game took center stage. He accounted for 228 of the Falcons’ 256 rushing yards and broke a game-long 69-yard run. His three scores included a 24-yard touchdown with 7:35 remaining in the fourth quarter, adding another highlight to a day in which Cincinnati never found an answer for his production.

"Once I got going, I wanted to stay decisive and make every carry count," Robinson said. "The offensive line gave me room, and I tried to finish every opportunity they created. To have that kind of day and get the win makes it special."

The Falcons finished with 408 offensive yards despite recording two fewer first downs than the Bengals, 19-17. Their 256-62 advantage in rushing yards created the clearest statistical contrast of the game, while Atlanta also converted five of 10 third downs.

Anthony Richardson Sr. completed 12 of 20 passes for 163 yards and a touchdown, posting a 102.7 passer rating without an interception. He connected with Jahan Dotson for a touchdown with 5:54 left in the third quarter. Dotson finished with two receptions for 61 yards, while Richardson recorded the game’s longest completion at 64 yards.

"I wanted to stay efficient and not force the ball," Richardson said. "When the opportunities were there, we had to take them. With the way we were producing on the ground, my job was to stay composed and do my part."

Nick Folk supplied two third-quarter field goals for Atlanta. He converted from 47 yards with 6:52 on the clock and later made a 42-yarder at the 4:34 mark. The Falcons made six red-zone trips, finishing those possessions with two field goals and no touchdowns.

Cincinnati generated most of its offense through Joe Flacco and the passing game. Flacco went 25 of 39 for a game-high 301 yards, one touchdown and one interception, finishing with an 85.5 passer rating. He found Ja’Marr Chase for a touchdown with 3:41 remaining in the second quarter.

Chase caught six passes for a game-high 129 yards and the score, providing Cincinnati’s most productive receiving performance. The Bengals totaled 284 team passing yards and 346 offensive yards, but their ground game produced only 62 yards. Chase Brown led Cincinnati with 52 yards on 16 attempts.

"There were yards out there, but we didn’t turn enough of them into points," Flacco said. "Thirteen points isn’t where we expect to finish. I also have to take care of the football, and that’s something I’ll own."

The Bengals converted four of 11 third downs and failed on both of their fourth-down attempts. Three trips into the red zone produced one field goal and no touchdowns. Atlanta, meanwhile, recorded two sacks and one interception; Cincinnati finished with one sack and no interceptions.

Although the Falcons were held to 152 team passing yards, Robinson’s rushing total alone exceeded that figure by 76 yards. His 12.7 yards per carry and three touchdowns stood at the center of an Atlanta rushing performance that averaged 16 yards per attempt as a team.

For Atlanta, the trip across the Atlantic ended with another important victory. The result moved the Falcons from 5-3 to 6-3 and extended their winning streak to two games. Cincinnati entered the international matchup at 5-2 but fell to 5-3 after struggling to contain Atlanta’s explosive ground attack.

Robinson’s 228-yard performance ultimately became the defining storyline of the Madrid matchup. On a day when the Falcons and Bengals brought their Week 9 battle to the home of Real Madrid, Atlanta’s star running back delivered the kind of individual display that made the international contest memorable.

Up Next

Following their international appearance in Madrid, the Falcons return to Atlanta to host the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 10. Cincinnati also heads back to the United States, where the Bengals will look to rebound at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers.