Florida Gators in the NFL: D-Rob Has Been D-Man in Hot Stretch Reminiscent of 2014 at UF
What a wild ride it's been for Robinson throughout his football career
Demarcus Robinson had as many catches as you and I through the first eight games of the NFL season. He played only 17 offensive snaps for the Rams despite Cooper Kupp missing all of September and Van Jefferson getting traded in October. It looked like 2023 was going to be a total bust.
After that not just slow but non-existent start, Robinson is playing like one of the best receivers in the league. On Sunday, he had a streak of four straight games with a touchdown snapped but still hauled in six passes for 92 yards. In the past five weeks, he’s tied for second behind only Deebo Samuel with those four TD grabs. In that same time span, D-Rob is top-30 in both receptions and receiving yards. The turnaround is remarkable.
As those of us who have followed Robinson’s football career know, he’s no stranger to overcoming struggles and adversity. He faced them almost immediately in Gainesville.
Robinson was a four-star recruit and one of the top wide receivers in the country in the class of 2013. He committed to Clemson, switched to Florida, went back to Clemson, before finally ending up at UF. He was a part of Will Muschamp’s #2 overall class along with future pros like Vernon Hargreaves III, Kelvin Taylor, Caleb Brantley, Keanu Neal, Marcell Harris, and Alex Anzalone.
But like most of us, Robinson arrived in Gainesville and acted like a typical college freshman, much to the frustration of coaches, administrators, and fans. He played sparingly and was suspended twice for what he later revealed were failed drug tests. Robinson failed one more test for marijuana in the offseason before his sophomore campaign and was suspended for the opener - a game that was canceled due to weather.
Once the 2014 season began, Robinson wasted no time showing the potential that had made him a big-time recruit. He caught a 70-yard touchdown and finished with six grabs for 123 yards in his collegiate coming out party against Eastern Washington. The next week against Kentucky, Robinson tied the Florida record for most receptions (15) and had the fourth most receiving yards (216) in a single game while scoring twice.
After those two incredible games to start the year, Robinson seemed like he would challenge many of UF’s season receiving records and earn All-SEC and All-American honors. But Florida’s offense sagged, quarterback Jeff Driskel struggled big time and was replaced by Treon Harris, and Robinson finished the year with only 53 catches, 810 receiving yards, and seven TDs. After putting up a line of 21-339-3 in two games, he closed with 32-471-4 in the final nine games.
Will Muschamp was fired in large part because of how pathetic the Gators offense was. Jim McElwain was hired, and along with new offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, and Florida was expected to make a major leap in 2015. They certainly did the first half of the season. Will Grier emerged as a future star at quarterback and Florida roared to a 6-0 start. Robinson had 34 catches for 330 yards and two TDs in those six games.
But on October 12, five days before a massive top-10 showdown with also undefeated LSU, Grier was suspended for PEDs and Florida never recovered. The offense finished with worse numbers than any year under Muschamp and Robinson could only muster 13 grabs for 190 yards and no touchdowns in six games post-Grier.
The final indignity to Robinson’s time in Gainesville came with yet another suspension, announced 75 minutes before kickoff against Florida State - this time for inappropriate contact with a marketing rep. Robinson returned for the bowl game, had one catch, and then announced he was entering the 2016 NFL Draft.
Robinson’s overall numbers at Florida belied his skills and flashes of brilliance. The suspensions were another story. At the NFL Combine in interviews all week, he owned up to his transgressions, taking full responsibility and showcasing a maturity that had been forged through the firestorm that had engulfed the Gators program during his time at UF.
Robinson was drafted in the fourth round by Kansas City and went on to play six seasons with the Chiefs, winning a Super Bowl with them in 2019. D-Rob was never one of the top offensive options, but he emerged as a leader nonetheless. He led the receivers on the field for warmups every game.
This season, the Los Angeles Rams were picked to be one of the worst teams in the NFL in 2023. They started 3-6 and the experts seemed right. Last week, they clinched a playoff berth - meaning that Demarcus will be playing in the postseason for the eighth time in his eight professional seasons. It shouldn’t be surprising that L.A.’s revival, and subsequent playoff run, coincided with Robinson’s emergence in their offense - just another ride on the rollercoaster of his career.
PRO BOWL SELECTIONS
Jonathan Greenard and Alex Anzalone have definitely had Pro Bowl-caliber seasons. Greenard is 10th in the league in sacks with 12.5 - and he’s the only one among the top 10 not selected to the Pro Bowl. Anzalone is 21st in the league in tackles and is one of seven players with at least 120 tackles and three sacks.
It wasn’t realistic to expect either of them to beat out their competition - the likes of T.J. Watt, Fred Warner, and Kahlil Mack - for a spot. Both players were named as Pro Bowl alternates, meaning opt-outs and injuries could allow them to make the trip to Orlando. It’ll be a while though - both are fifth alternates.
No other former Gators were named as alternates. That’s disappointing Florida should have had a representative in the kicking game. Eddy Piñeiro, Evan McPherson, Tommy Townsend, and Brandon Powell all were deserving alternates.
BEST PLAYER OF WEEK 17
Gervon Dexter notched 1.5 sacks and four tackles in the best game of his rookie season on Sunday. In addition to pass rushing stats, he was strong against the run as well often against double teams.
In his past four games, Dexter has 2.5 sacks, 7 tackles, and 5 QB hits. Chicago has been resurgent - winners of five of their last seven - and rightfully so Justin Fields has gotten a lot of the credit. But don’t discount Dexter’s role in tightening up a leaky defense.
BEST PLAY OF WEEK 17
Dante Fowler has made a living getting after the quarterback. But last week, it was a running play that got us out of our seats.
Fowler has career-lows in tackles, sacks, quarterback hits, and pressures, but on a per-snap basis, he’s basically been as effective as usual.
GAME TO WATCH IN WEEK 18
Vikings at Lions, Sunday, 1:00pm ET
C.J. Gardner-Johnson should make his return on Sunday. The plan is for him to get a few snaps, knock off some of the rust, and be 100% ready to go for the playoffs.
Anzalone needs six tackles to set his career-high. If he can snag an interception, it’ll be his second-straight season with at least 120 tackles, one interception, and one sack - something only a handful of players have accomplished.
For Minnesota, its year will end on Sunday and both Powell and Jonathan Bullard will look to finish their best professional seasons strong. Powell has set career-highs in catches and receiving yards, while Bullard has career-best tackle and sack numbers.
RANKING WEEK 17 PERFORMANCES
1 - Gervon Dexter, Sr., DT, Chicago Bears
Week 17: 1.5 sacks, 4 tackles, 2 QB hits, 25 snaps (42%), 5 ST snaps (16%)
Season: 2.5 sacks, 19 tackles, 12 QB hits, 2 PD
2 - Demarcus Robinson, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Week 17: 6 rec (10 targets), 92 yards, fumble, 57 snaps (92%)
Season: 26 rec, 371 yards, 4 TD, 1 rush, 23 yards, 1 KR, 20.0 avg
3 - Alex Anzalone, LB, Detroit Lions
Week 17: 8 tackles, 1 TFL, 65 snaps (100%)
Season: 3.0 sacks, 120 tackles, 7 TFL, 12 QB hits, 6 PD, 1 FR
4 - O’Cyrus Torrence, G, Buffalo Bills
Week 17: 1 FR, 69 snaps (100%)
Season: 16 G, 1,086 snaps (100%)
5 - Dante Fowler, Jr., OLB, Dallas Cowboys
Week 17: 1 tackle, 1 TFL, 14 snaps (20%)
Season: 2.5 sacks, 11 tackles, 4 TFL, 5 QB hits, 3 PD, 1 FF
6 - Van Jefferson, WR, Atlanta Falcons
Week 17: 3 rec (5 targets), 19 yards, 24 snaps (41%)
Season: 18 rec, 196 yards, 1 rush, 4 yards
7 - Dameon Pierce, RB, Houston Texans
Week 17: 8 rush, 16 yards, 1 rec (1 target), 5 yards, 1 KR, 21.0 avg, 12 snaps (20%), 1 ST snap (4%)
Season: 145 rush, 416 yards, 2 TD, 13 rec, 101 yards, 6 KR, 32.5 avg, TD
8 - Stone Forsythe, OT, Seattle Seahawks
Week 17: 28 snaps (57%), 5 ST snaps (18%)
Season: 16 G, 446 OFF snaps (45%), 73 ST snaps
9 - Kyle Pitts. TE, Atlanta Falcons
Week 17: 1 rec (5 targets), 5 yards, 43 snaps (73%)
Season: 51 rec, 640 yards, 3 TD, 1 rush, -4 yards
After a recent uptick, Pitts was back in the upside-down with one catch on five targets. Perhaps a new coach will be headed to Atlanta soon, one that understands how to use the unicorn.
10 - Zach Carter, DT, Cincinnati Bengals
Week 17: 2 tackles, 21 snaps (39%), 7 ST snaps (26%)
Season: 21 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 FF, 2 QB hits, 1 PD
11 - Jonathan Bullard, DL, Minnesota Vikings
Week 17: 1 tackle, 46 snaps (62%)
Season: 2.0 sacks, 41 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 FF, 2 QB hits
12 - T.J. Slaton, NT, Green Bay Packers
Week 17: 1 tackle, 1 QB hit, 17 snaps (32%), 9 ST snaps (38%)
Season: 48 tackles, 2 TFL, 2 QB hits, 2 PD
13 - Evan McPherson, K, Cincinnati Bengals
Week 17: 1/1 FG, Long 34, 2/2 XP
Season: 25/30 FG, Long 56, 36/36 XP
14 - Taven Bryan, DT, Indianapolis Colts
Week 17: 2 tackles, 21 snaps (28%), 10 ST snaps (33%)
Season: 2.0 sacks, 21 tackles, 4 TFL, 1 QB hit, 1 FF
15 - Jawaan Taylor, RT, Kansas City Chiefs
Week 17: 54 snaps (100%)
Season: 16 G, 1,057 snaps (99%)
16 - D.J. Humphries, LT, Arizona Cardinals
Week 17: 54 snaps (71%)
Season: 15 G, 925 snaps (93%)
Humphries suffered a torn ACL on Sunday and is obviously done for the season. The concern is how much of the 2024 season he’s going to miss. Just a devastating blow for the former Pro Bowler entering his age-31 season.
17 - Brandon Powell, WR/PR, Minnesota Vikings
Week 17: 2 targets, 2 PR, 2.0 avg, 9 snaps (17%), 2 ST snaps (8%)
Season: 28 rec, 322 yards, TD, 5 rush, 17 yards, 36 PR, 7.7 avg
18 - Tommy Townsend, P, Kansas City Chiefs
Week 17: 1 punt, 57.0 avg, 56.0 net
Season: 53 punts, 47.2 avg, 42.2 net
19 - Jeremiah Moon, OLB, Baltimore Ravens
Week 17: 1 tackle, 4 snaps (6%), 19 ST snaps (63%)
Season: 7 G, 8 tackles, 1 FF
Moon logged his seventh game of the season and made one tackle. He has had quite the journey in 2023, bouncing between the practice squad and active roster and even being cut for a few days in October. But it’s nothing compared to the full-circle trip he shared with a fan-turned-Marine on Sunday. Moon shared the surreal story on Twitter.
20 - Max Garcia, C/G, New Orleans Saints
Week 17: 9 snaps (13%), 5 ST snaps (19%)
Season: 16 G, 308 OFF snaps (28%), 69 ST snaps
21 - Jonotthan Harrison, C, Miami Dolphins
Week 17: 6 snaps (9%)
Season: 2 G, 9 snaps
22 - Amari Burney, LB, Las Vegas Raiders
Week 17: 14 ST snaps (47%)
Season: 6 G, 15 tackles
23 - Fred Johnson, OT, Philadelphia Eagles
Week 17: 5 ST snaps (20%)
Season: 16 G, 2 OFF snaps, 76 ST snaps
24 - Kyle Trask, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 17: Active but did not play
Season: 2 G, 0/1 passing, 1 rush, -1 yard
25 - Eddy Piñeiro, K, Carolina Panthers
Week 17: Active but did not play
Season: 25/29 FG, Long 56, 17/20 XP
Piñeiro woke up before Sunday’s game with hamstring tightness and after working out pregame, he couldn’t get loose enough to kick. He’s listed as doubtful for the season finale, a bummer ending to a fantastic season.
26 - David Sharpe, OT, Carolina Panthers
Week 17: Active but did not play
Season: 7 G, 1 snap, 22 ST snaps
27 - Marco Wilson, CB, New England Patriots
Week 17: Active but did not play
Season: 52 tackles, 4 PD
Wilson was active but did not see the field with his new team.
INACTIVE
Trent Brown, LT, New England Patriots
Season: 11 G, 581 snaps (85%)
Brown was inactive on Sunday, surprising since he was removed from the injury report late last week. My former colleague Mike Giardi reported that Brown is basically shutting himself down to protect his chances of landing a new contract this offseason. There is no disputing Brown’s talent, but his work ethic and commitment are clearly a problem. He’ll turn 31 this offseason and will be entering his 10th season, a couple other things likely to impact his next contract.
Jonathan Greenard, EDGE, Houston Texans
Inactive - Ankle
Season: 12.5 sacks, 52 tackles, 15 TFL, 22 QB hits, 2 PD, 1 FF
Greenard played a career-high 15 games this season but still couldn’t outrun the injury bug. After sitting last week, he’ll miss this week’s game while his team fights for a playoff berth without him.
Kadarius Toney, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
Inactive - Hip
Season: 27 rec, 169 yards, TD, 11 rush, 31 yards, 6 PR, 9.7 avg
Toney is out again this week.
C.J. Henderson, CB, Carolina Panthers
Season: 37 tackles, 1 sack, 2 PD, 3 TFL, 1 QB hit
Kaiir Elam, CB, Buffalo Bills
Season: 3 G, 14 tackles
Brenton Cox, Jr., OLB, Green Bay Packers
Season: 4 G, 4 DEF snaps, 9 ST snaps
PRACTICE SQUAD
Malik Davis, RB, Dallas Cowboys
Season: 3 G, 1 tackle
La’mical Perine, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Season: 2 G, 1 rush, 1 yard
Marcell Harris, LB, Houston Texans
Freddie Swain, WR, Miami Dolphins
Tyrie Cleveland, WR, Indianapolis Colts
Trey Dean III, S, New York Jets
Richard Gouraige, OT, Buffalo Bills
INJURED RESERVE
C.J. Gardner-Johnson, DB, Detroit Lions
Season: 2 G, 13 tackles, 2 PD
Marcus Maye, S, New Orleans Saints
Season: 7 G, 2 INT, 1.0 sack, 37 tackles, 3 TFL, 2 PD
Keanu Neal, S, Pittsburgh Steelers
Season: 9 G, 50 tackles, 1 INT, 2 PD, 1 FR
Anthony Richardson, QB, Indianapolis Colts
Season: 4 G, 50/84, 59.5%, 577 yards, 3 TD, INT, 25 rush, 136 yards, 4 TD
Justin Shorter, WR, Buffalo Bills
Jarrad Davis, LB, New York Giants
Ventrell Miller, LB, Jacksonville Jaguars