Allen Robinson could lead NFL in receiving touchdowns again in 2016
By Daniel Lago
Allen Robinson had a breakout season in 2015, but he can be even better in 2016.
Heading into the 2015 season, expectations were somewhat tempered for second year wide receiver Allen Robinson. He flashed some ability and a good rapport with quarterback Blake Bortles as a rookie in 2014, but the sophomore wideout was coming off a season-ending injury and probably would need some time to get into a groove.
After starting slow with only one reception in week 1 against the Carolina Panthers, Robinson went off in 2015, accumulating 1,400 yards through the air and a league-leading 14 touchdowns. He earned a Pro Bowl nod and quickly became one of the most well-known receivers in the NFL despite playing in Jacksonville.
With 2016 about to begin, the prevailing thought among analysts is that Robinson likely won’t reproduce his impressive statistics from 2015. The logic in that rationale is the Jaguars should have a much better defense and therefore won’t be throwing it as much since the games will be closer.
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Gil Brandt, one of the most renowned football minds in the world, disagrees.
He thinks Robinson is primed to finish with the most receiving touchdowns again
.
"Receiving TDs: Allen Robinson, Jacksonville JaguarsWill finish with: 15 receiving touchdowns.2015 rank: No. 1 (t), with 14.I’ve liked Robinson, who started getting some love last season, since he entered the NFL in 2014. He has great hands and great size, and I think he and Jags QB Blake Bortles work well together. As a guy who can break off his fair share of long runs (eight catches of 40-plus yards, including six last season), Robinson is a threat to score from anywhere on the field, while his frame makes him an excellent red-zone asset. Adding running back Chris Ivory might cut into Robinson’s scoring opportunities a bit, but I think he’ll see the end zone plenty as he solidifies himself as a perennial Pro Bowler.Also considered: Brown; Doug Baldwin, Seattle Seahawks; Brandon Marshall, New York Jets."
While I agree with most other in analysts in predicting the Jaguars to be better on defense and thus throwing the ball downfield less often, I don’t think it will lessen Robinson’s scoring opportunities. As Brandt mentions, Robinson is a huge red-zone threat, something we didn’t see too much in 2015. When ARob did have chances near the goalline to score, he capitalized.
If Bortles does a better job of extending drives and getting into the redzone more consistently in 2016, Robinson could certainly see his touchdown total get even better.