It's time for the Atlanta Falcons to consider benching Bijan Robinson

Let's be clear right off the bat that this in no way means Bijan Robinson won't remain an important part of the Atlanta Falcons' offense. His skills as a receiver and ability to make defenders miss in open space are top notch. There's still a chance he develops into the kind of defenseman the Falcons thought they would be a top-ten pick for two seasons ago.

However, if we are objective and don't judge based on emotions or draft prices, Tyler Allgeier deserves entry. The defender has been more productive than Robinson for two weeks in a row, making things happen even with little space around him. The same offensive line blamed for Robinson's problems is blocking Allgeier, who always seems to get tripped up on three extra yards.

Robinson had a good game against the Eagles and wouldn't have done anything to get benched without Allgeier's performance. Which defender you start shouldn't matter as Atlanta maintains a constant rotation between both players. Nevertheless, Allgeier has earned a starting position with his play and consistent performance.

If the team drafts players based on their performance and not what the team has invested in the player, Allgeier will be in the lineup on Thursday. Due to perceptions and concerns about what impact this could have on Robinson's future, this change is unlikely to occur.

Both are understandable concerns, but they don't take away from the fact that Allgeier was always the better player and deserved the starting role. Robinson's talent is top-notch and has been on display throughout his first two seasons with the Falcons.

The problem for Robinson and the Falcons is simple: The Lightning are just that. There is still no reliability or the star running back that Atlanta was expecting. All the pressure is still on Atlanta's quarterback and the Falcons aren't holding up when they rush the ball with Robinson.

Bijan Robinson remains an exciting candidate who could prove that this approach and others age poorly. Atlanta fans hope this is the case, but the reality remains. Tyler Allgeier played better and deserves to be in the starting lineup.