Cam Robinson's disappointing play for the Jaguars helps him land on dubious list

Since the Jacksonville Jaguars drafted him in 2017, left tackle Cam Robinson has been a mainstay of the offensive line. They could've released him or traded him in the offseason to free up a massive amount of cap space but opted against him because of his value to the team. However, it's fair to say that the Alabama product has left to much desired this season. In fact, he landed on a dubious list because of his poor play.

The 33rd Team listed the offensive tackles that have given up the highest pressure rates this season. Robinson made the cut, landing at No. 3 behind Nicholas Petit-Frere and Venderian Lowe.

It's worth noting that Jawaan Taylor, the Jaguars' right tackle from 2019-2022 appeared on the list of the offensive tackles who've surrendered the least amount of pressures this season.

But as dreadful as Robinson has been in 2023, he's far from the only big who's struggled for the Jaguars. Right tackle Anton Harrison has regressed after a stellar rookie campaign while Brandon Scherff is no longer the Pro Bowl right guard he was early in his career. Not surprisingly, Zoltân Buday of Pro Football Focus ranked the Jacksonville offensive line as the fourth worst in the NFL after three weeks.

Buday points out that the nine sacks the Jags have surrendered are the second most in the league and their pass-blocking efficiency ranks 28th in the NFL. To make matters worse, fourth-year offensive tackle Walker Little struggled when he played in relief of Robinson.

"The Jaguars' offensive line has allowed nine sacks through three weeks, which is tied for the second most in the NFL. The unit ranks just 28th in PFF pass-blocking efficiency rating and has given up 38 pressures on 113 pass plays.

Second-year right tackle Anton Harrison exited Week 3’s game with a knee injury and was replaced by Walker Little, who played the last 18 snaps at the position. Walker finished the game with a 54.8 PFF overall grade, the second-lowest mark on the unit."

It's hard to justify Little's performance. After all, he got steamrolled by Myles Garrett. Then again, Robinson didn't fare much better against the All-Pro edge rusher.

The saving grace of the offensive trenches is arguably Mitch Morse. The veteran center signed with the Jaguars in free agency and has been an upgrade over Luke Fortner, last year's starter. His 97 percent pass-block win rate ranks fifth among interior linemen in the NFL, as Daniel Griffis of Jaguar Report notes.

The Jaguars must do what's necessary if Cam Robinson continues to struggle

Cam Robinson has been the Jaguars' worst offensive lineman in 2023, allowing 13 total pressures and four sacks. What makes his performance even more frustrating is that he's getting paid top-market money. Yet, he's not playing like a serviceable offensive tackle, let alone an upper-echelon one.

Sure, Robinson is a mauler and is a leader on the offensive line, but that doesn't justify keeping him in the lineup if his underperforming. If the Jaguars need to, they must bench him. Not only because they have a capable replacement in Walker Little but also because it would send the message that everyone must prove they deserve to start.

And that's the thing, by benching Robinson, the coaching staff would make him accountable. Sure, he won't be thrilled but desperate measures situations call for desperate measures, and Jacksonville is surely desperate after digging itself into a 0-3 hole to start the season.

Ultimately, the Jaguars must protect their most important player, who's no other than Trevor Lawrence. If that means keeping Robinson on the sidelines, so be it.

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