I started the season as more of a Markel Smith fan than a James Robinson fan. It's a moot point really. They're both very good and they're both going to play but I've begun to appreciate what Robinson brings to the offense.
The 2nd half against South Dakota allowed Robinson to use his misdirection/change of direction skills. South Dakota knew we wanted to run and their LB'er and Safeties were moving up at the snap of the ball trying to anticipate the hole Robinson was going to hit. This did allow them to crush some running plays for little gain or even a loss but it comes with a risk. The compressed defense no longer had 3 levels. If Robinson gets good blocking he could break through with no one in the secondary in position to catch him and that's exactly what happened.
Robinson makes LB'ers and Safeties miss by taking a play a different direction. That allows the rushing game to utilize misdirection with a straight hand off. Robinson wears #25 and he's staring to play like Coprich, in fact he's ahead of Coprich at the same point of their careeers. Robinson has the burst and the ability to start towards one hole and then veer toward another like Coprich did.
Now we just him to play a complete game. AS DP pointed out Robinson needs to pick up blitzes and he needs to hang on to the football. There's plenty of room for improvement but there's no doubt about his ability to run the ball.
btw I'm still a fan of Smith. I admire his toughess. It often takes 2-3 defenders to bring him down or stop his forward progress. It goes back and fourth with those two so maybe the next game goes to Smith.
The 2nd half against South Dakota allowed Robinson to use his misdirection/change of direction skills. South Dakota knew we wanted to run and their LB'er and Safeties were moving up at the snap of the ball trying to anticipate the hole Robinson was going to hit. This did allow them to crush some running plays for little gain or even a loss but it comes with a risk. The compressed defense no longer had 3 levels. If Robinson gets good blocking he could break through with no one in the secondary in position to catch him and that's exactly what happened.
Robinson makes LB'ers and Safeties miss by taking a play a different direction. That allows the rushing game to utilize misdirection with a straight hand off. Robinson wears #25 and he's staring to play like Coprich, in fact he's ahead of Coprich at the same point of their careeers. Robinson has the burst and the ability to start towards one hole and then veer toward another like Coprich did.
Now we just him to play a complete game. AS DP pointed out Robinson needs to pick up blitzes and he needs to hang on to the football. There's plenty of room for improvement but there's no doubt about his ability to run the ball.
btw I'm still a fan of Smith. I admire his toughess. It often takes 2-3 defenders to bring him down or stop his forward progress. It goes back and fourth with those two so maybe the next game goes to Smith.
