Assessing the Historical Context of the Falcons vs Cardinals Rivalry Following the Record Breaking Season for Bijan Robinson
The Atlanta Falcons secured their second consecutive victory on Sunday December 21 2025 by defeating the Arizona Cardinals 26 19 at State Farm Stadium. In what served as the Cardinals' home finale for the season the Falcons overcame an early double digit deficit to dismantle the Arizona defense during the second half. This win improves Atlanta’s record to 6 9 and marks the first time this season the team has earned back to back victories in consecutive weeks. For Arizona the loss is their seventh in a row and twelfth in their last thirteen outings dropping them to 3 12. Despite being eliminated from playoff contention both teams played with a high level of intensity that kept the outcome in doubt until the final ninety seconds of the game.
The impact of the game was defined by a historic performance from Falcons running back Bijan Robinson who proved to be the centerpiece of the Atlanta offense. Robinson recorded 168 total scrimmage yards finishing with 76 rushing yards and 92 receiving yards including a 13 yard touchdown catch in the second quarter. During the third quarter Robinson surpassed the 2,000 scrimmage yard mark for the season becoming only the third player in Falcons franchise history to reach that milestone. His versatility forced the Arizona defense to commit extra resources to the flats which opened up opportunities for tight end Kyle Pitts who also hauled in a five yard touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins.
Reactions from the Arizona sideline were a mix of frustration over the result and concern for several key players who sustained significant injuries during the contest. Cornerback Garrett Williams was carted off the field with an Achilles injury in the second quarter while defensive lineman Walter Nolen III suffered a serious knee injury during the opening drive of the second half. Despite these setbacks the Cardinals rallied late in the fourth quarter following a Chad Ryland field goal that brought them within one score. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett who finished with 203 passing yards attempted to lead a game tying drive in the final minutes but his pass intended for Michael Wilson was intercepted by a diving C.J. Henderson to secure the Atlanta win.
Strategically the Falcons utilized a balanced offensive attack and a disciplined defensive scheme to neutralize Arizona’s primary threats. The Atlanta defense was particularly successful in limiting star tight end Trey McBride who was held to just four receptions for 27 yards. This defensive effort snapped McBride’s NFL record streak of sixteen straight games with at least five catches. On the offensive side Kirk Cousins managed the game effectively recording two passing touchdowns and a one yard rushing score. While Cousins did lose a fumble that led to an Arizona field goal his ability to sustain long drives allowed Atlanta to control the clock for much of the fourth quarter.
Looking toward the future outlook the Falcons will return home to host the Washington Commanders in Week 17 while the Cardinals travel to face the Los Angeles Rams. Atlanta will look to build on this late season momentum and evaluate their young core as they prepare for the 2026 offseason. For the Cardinals the focus remains on the health and recovery of their injured starters and the development of rookie standouts like Michael Wilson and Denzel Burke. As the regular season nears its conclusion both organizations are focused on finishing the year with a positive trajectory while navigating the challenges of a competitive NFC landscape.