Denard Robinson Just Needed a Chance

We’ll be hyping Denard Robinson a lot this week (wouldn’t you?) in large part because he’s the biggest, flashiest star for the Jaguars at the moment (no offense, Blake Bortles). Putting a team on your back and running 127 yards is not a regular practice situation but Robinson was able to shoulder the responsibility with relative ease and great humility.

The coaching staff for the Jacksonville Jaguars are all about support Denard Robinson’s rise. Per the Florida Times-Union:

"“I think with Denard it truly came from within,” Bradley said. “He is extremely competitive. He knows what he wants. He knew that he had a lot of work to do to get where he wanted to be and I think he took it upon himself to get there.”"

That’s pretty much the truth of it.

Robinson has always been a competitor. Going back to his days at the University of Michigan it is obvious that something drove Robinson more than simply using his natural talent to win games. He has drive.

It’s apparent in the way he attacks transitioning from a celebrated, unorthodox quarterback in college to a running back in the NFL. The Jaguars took a fifth round flyer on him because of his athletic talent, yes, but also on his drive to become a better position player. It didn’t seem like the team knew what to do with him in his rookie season last year, listing him as an “OW” or “offensive weapon” but he has become a much better position player this year.

Through the offseason all of the reports were that Robinson was settling into a role as a running back. He showed that he has the skills and understanding of the position to do so in Sunday’s game against the Browns. He is no DeMarco Murray (who has roughly 700 more rushing yards right now) but he is the team’s rushing leader with 221 yards so far this season. Those numbers will only grow as he gets more and more touches.

Denard Robinson showed what he can do with a full game of touches.

Now imagine what he can do with the chance to carry the load for a full season. I’m excited.