There’s been an increase in production in each game that Robinson has played. He didn’t have a tackle in his debut, but in the following game against the Seahawks, Robinson had a tackle while facing some double teams. On top of the sack against the Patriots, Robinson had three tackles in 30 snaps.
“It’s really stacking week-by-week, depending on how many games we end up having,” Robinson said. “As long as I get better each week, I’ll be proud of myself.”
Robinson’s potential was on display during the preseason and training camp. Mix that with optimistic comments from those around the team and the excitement was palpable. Out until Week 13 with a calf injury, his long-awaited return to the lineup only allowed it to build further.
His opportunity to experience the NFL comes in the thick of the Cardinals playing meaningful football, especially Sunday against the Panthers.
“He’s going to continue to learn every rep that he gets and figure it out even more and impact the game for us,” Gannon said. “I thought he made some excellent plays in the running game (against the Patriots), some that will go unnoticed. He’s doing what he’s coached to do at a high level right now.”
Robinson understands that rookies are afforded the grace of facing a learning curve as they find their footing in the NFL, and while he senses that a bit, “I know JG and (defensive coordinator Nick Rallis) have high standards for me, so I just try to get better each week.”
The urge to strive for more is one of the traits that was attractive to the staff during the draft process. But through these “pretty detailed” conversations with Gannon and Rallis, the rookie isn’t the only one benefiting.
“When you talk to players, you really get to be in their shoes with their thought process and it helps you as a coach, because ultimately, that’s how you want to coach,” Rallis said. “It gives you a perspective on what’s going through his head.”
