Robbins showing hints of Beat Mode Jr.

by poohty_t | 8 years ago | 0 Comments

Powerful runner by poohty_t

 

 

 

The HB the Vikings drafted a year ago in the first round, has found himself in an odd place going into his second year in the league. Athought picked rather high for a HB ( 13th overall) , he has not really found himself a dedicated spot in the rotation. Coach Tizel has been well known for his liking of using numerous hbs in his rotation as a coach.Yet this 1st round pick has not had alot of touches in a full season and 3 weeks. Last season he only saw 26 total touches the whole season. This year only 6 so far. Meanwhile he averaged 6.2ypc last season. This season he is averaging 14, but that is due to limited runs and one long run og 46 yards. Take away that 1 run , he still averages 7.6 ypc this season. 

 

 Coach Tizel explained his reasoning for not playing him more. " Well, last year, we tryed the rookie out numerous games early on, but he wasnt going much of anywhere. We put Whitlock in and he just gained yards better for us. So we stuck with him as our workhorse back , while rotating other guys in here and there to take some of the load off him. Robbins got some touches in that rotation and showed us some promise then. This season, we started off , with how we left off, because Whitlock is healthy , and still producing well for us.Its kind of a good issue to have on a roster we feel. We actually have 4 very talented HBs.Sometimes i wish they could all play every down for us. We tend to just let it play itself out, some teams one hb runs better on than our other hbs, when we see that , we make the switch to that HB for that game.Robbins has shown at times in his 32 carries, hints of a Beast Mode Jr if you will. His long run in week 3 is a perfect example. The guy does not want to go down, for anyone. He fought off 3 tacklers and one of them he literally threw off him twice, to end up going for 46 yards and a td. That is the type of football, we like to play here. Smash you in the mouth.If he continues to show such force going forward , we may have to look at really splitting the carries between just him and Whitlock and maybe trading one of the other guys away. Its a tough situation as i want them all to play and succeed."

 

When we asked Robbins his take on the situation this is what he had to say. "Just because i was drafted in 1st round does not mean i automatically should start. They coaching staff continues to work with me, and trys to find situations i can accel in.Im learning alot behind Whitlock and the other Hbs who have been here a while and know how coach Tizel likes to run his team . Im fine it it. I know if i continue to impress with my play , i will eventually earn the starting position in due time. "

 

 

One thing is for sure, this young kid is hitting the wieghts and working on throwing opponensts off him at will. He seems to have a drive to be the best power back in the league and he is putting in the work to try to do so. Will he earn that starting spot this season? Hard to say as coach Tizel has high praise of Whitlock. "Alot of teams didnt want him because he was slower, but he is a bruiser who fights for every single yard , and we like that kinda smashmouth attitude here." Its still early in the season, but by seasons end, you will probably at least see the two on a more split of carries than currently.