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Part I: Take advantage of your opportunities
Look, I’m well aware that Arthur Smith is probably the most hated head coach in the history of fantasy football. At this point, that pretty much goes without saying.
BUT.
When Bijan Robinson does get his opportunities, it’s put up, or shut up. The highly-touted rookie had 13 touches on Sunday, which he only converted into 59 total yards and a lost fumble. No touchdowns, nothing spectacular, nothing of note. Powerful Tyler Allgeier totally outplayed him in Atlanta’s crowded backfield.
Now, I understand it would be nice if Smith treated Bijan like the eighth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft – which he was – but coach has no obligations to the fantasy football world. It’s his team, his decisions. Thus, from our perspective in fantasy, Bijan simply has to convert those 13 touches into productive plays and stats.
I mean, look around. When rookie De’Von Achane (pre-injury) got his opportunities with the Miami Dolphins, he turned those touches into explosive plays with high-impact value. That just isn’t happening with Bijan right now. We had that bizarre game where he ‘wasn’t feeling himself,’ and since we’ve had little in terms of fantasy production.
It’s on the coach AND the player in this instance. Bijan Robinson, for all the hype he came with, simply has to play better football.
Part II: Speaking of the Dolphins…
… They need to start playing better against top-tier competition.
Sure, they fought back in their ugly 21-14 loss to the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, but this is becoming a repeat offense against the better teams. Earlier this year, Mike McDaniel’s squad got absolutely mopped by the Bills in 48-20 Week 4 drubbing.
It’s all well and good when the Dolphins are up against weaker competition – they run and gun, Tua Tagovailoa has good days, Tyreek Hill goes wild – but Miami simply looks like a mediocre squad against the better teams.
So, what’s the fix?
Maybe Miami needs to come out establishing the run more, showing more physicality and in-the-trenches play. The high-flying stuff is great for fantasy football, but do the 2023 Miami Dolphins have any substance when it comes to hard-nosed grinder games?
Doesn’t seem that way, thus far. Right now, I just can’t consider them a Super Bowl contender.
Part III: A good start for Antonio Pierce in Las Vegas
Sure, the Giants are a dumpster fire, but I was happy for Antonio Pierce and his Raiders, nonetheless. With rookie Aidan O’Connell under center, Las Vegas hammered New York, 30-6 in a real laugher.
As Pierce mentioned during the week in his introductory (interim) head coach press conference, he connects with players. He’s on their side. He gets them to play hard for him, a la Rex Ryan of my New York Jets of the past.
Yes, it’s only one win against (probably) the worst team in football, but the Raiders just looked different. They were hungry. They were playing together as a true unit.
In the end, the Raiders are going to have to seriously consider keeping Pierce as their top dog. Last time this happened – with the embarrassing Jon Gruden debacle – interim head coach Rich Bisaccia did an outstanding job, leading the Raiders all the way to the playoffs.
And yet? Mark Davis didn’t give him the job. He’s always looking for ‘splashy’ hires instead of the right ones.
Maybe he’ll learn his lesson this time around, and Antonio Pierce will become the long-term head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.
John Frascella is a published sports author who has been covering the NFL for 19 years. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @LegendSports7 for all things NFL, NBA and MLB throughout the year.
