Dolphins confront the question that surrounds Chop Robinson. And news from coordinators
News and notes from the Dolphins’ coordinators on Thursday:
▪ In some ways, Dolphins first-round rookie Chop Robinson’s first two NFL games have mirrored his play at Penn State. Coaches say he’s doing a job and impacting the quarterback. But the most-cited statistics are modest.
On one hand, Pro Football Focus said Robinson has been Miami’s second-best defender this season (behind Jordyn Brooks) in his 40 defensive snaps. But the numbers don’t jump out: one solo tackle (which was for a loss, to his credit) and no sacks.
“I love how Chop is playing,” defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver said. “From a numbers standpoint, production hasn’t been there. [But] you watch the tape and you see how close he is. All he can do is give energy and effort and with the law of numbers, production will come.”
Similar sentiments were expressed at Penn State, where Robinson had just 15 tackles in 10 games last season but was praised for how he impacted the quarterback, even if it didn’t translate to big sack or tackle numbers.
Of his four sacks last season, only two were against Power 5 teams (Iowa and Rutgers).
Weaver was asked this: At what point do you need to see numbers from Robinson?
“Yeah, but that’s not on that kid alone,” Weaver said. “He’s had some good rushes. Sometimes, he hasn’t had the coverage to match and vice versa. The numbers will come as he earns more reps. I believe that those numbers will come because he plays too hard, is too talented, takes the coaching [to not succeed]. It’s inevitable.”
How has Robinson been setting the edge in the run game?
“He’s been great,” Weaver said. “That’s always what you worry about with young players. What we ask to do from a technique standpoint is so much different from college. There is some reteaching that needs to occur…. For Chop that has happened very quickly.”
▪ Will Jalen Ramsey change sides and shadow a particular Seattle receiver on Sunday --- DK Metcalf potentially or Tyler Lockett at times?
“Possibly,” Weaver said, smiling. “I’m not going to sit up here and try to give guys any advantages.”
▪ Linebacker David Long Jr. and Brooks have played every defensive snap in two games.
Even with a lopsided score last week, “Dave and Jordyn [said they] are not coming out of the game,” Weaver said. “You love the competitive spirit.”
▪ The Dolphins are being careful with Calais Campbell’s snaps so the 38-year-old doesn’t wear down. In a lopsided game, he played 23 of 45 defensive snaps against Buffalo.
“You want to make sure he’s playing the game where you feel he can be most impactful,” Weaver said. “You don’t want him to sit around so he’s not getting too stiff. There’s an art to it. If it’s a critical situation, there’s a high likelihood he will be in the game.”
▪ Weaver said miscommunication led to Buffalo running back James Cook’s 49-yard touchdown run on Thursday. Then Weaver told a story about a popular food delivery service:
“I was talking to our guys about DoorDash,” Weaver said. “How many guys have ordered DoorDash? As soon as the bag shows up, we knew the order was wrong. You’re angry. Why did that happen? Poor communication led to poor execution. That’s what happened on that play.
“There was a breakdown in communication and the gap was unfilled. It’s not about pointing the finger. It’s about getting it corrected.”
▪ Do the Dolphins need to dumb down the offense or use only part of the team’s playbook with Skylar Thompson replacing the concussed Tua Tagovailoa beginning on Sunday at Seattle (4 p.m., CBS)?
Offensive coordinator Frank Smith didn’t answer directly, saying “each week, the opponent gives you certain areas [the quarterback] can attack.”
▪ Left tackle Terron Armstead, who is dealing with a shoulder injury, will have a significant say in whether he plays Sunday, Smith indicated.
▪ Smith praised De’Von Achane’s “natural instincts as a runner. At [Texas] A&M, you could see his receiving skills, too. Excited to see how he keeps growing.”
▪ Smith likes how center Aaron Brewer is playing, noting his “athleticism, the range. His run blocking, he’s extremely quick out of his stance.”
▪ Tyreek Hill has been back for one punt return (which he returned for 11 yards), and special teams coordinator Danny Crossman said “it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s out there again.’ In the previous three seasons, he had one, two and one punt returns... Crossman said the rookie Robinson has “done good” on special teams. “He’s a conscientious student.”
This story was originally published September 19, 2024 at 12:06 PM.
