What A’Shawn Robinson’s return means for Rams’ D-line
The defensive line was supposed to be one of the deepest groups on the Rams’ roster after they signed A’Shawn Robinson and brought back Michael Brockers. With those two, as well as Aaron Donald, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Greg Gaines and Morgan Fox, there were almost endless combinations the Rams could draw up on paper.
But then Robinson landed on the NFI list with a cardiovascular condition and missed the first six weeks of the season. That kept Joseph-Day in a starting role and Brockers primarily playing nose tackle, but Robinson is on the verge of returning.
He’s now practicing and Sean McVay said Thursday that he could play as early as Monday night against the Bears. So what does that mean for the rest of the defensive line?
Initially, Robinson probably won’t be made a starter right away. The nose tackle spot will probably still be occupied by Joseph-Day and Gaines, who have done a decent job. But once Robinson gets his footing, he can play any spot up front for L.A.
“We feel like he fits our style of defensive lineman that we’re looking for,” defensive coordinator Brandon Staley said. “A guy that can really play. He can play nose, he can play defensive end in our base packages, he can also play either the two defensive tackle spots in sub defense, so we feel like he gives us some versatility, gives us some size and some experience.”
Sean McVay echoed Staley’s thoughts, once again emphasizing the importance and value of Robinson’s versatility. He’s not your typical two-down nose tackle, but rather a player who can play all three downs at any spot on the defensive line.
“You know, really the reason we brought him in when we signed him in the offseason was because he’s a player that can play on all three downs. He has versatility across the front, he can play in your base, he can play in your sub-packages. This is a really good football player that we expect to contribute in all of our personnel groupings and excited to add him to the mix of the defensive line sooner than later.”
The only player who won’t lose snaps due to Robinson’s return is Donald – or at least he shouldn’t. Robinson will likely play defensive end and nose tackle, which takes playing time away from Brockers, Joseph-Day, Gaines and Fox. Fox has had a surprisingly good season, so he shouldn’t have his snaps reduced even more, but Joseph-Day and Gaines will definitely see a reduction in playing time – even if not right away on Monday night.
This is a big addition to the Rams’ defensive line, especially for a team that has struggled against the run. Robinson’s arrival comes as a huge boost to an already-talented group, but one that needs to improve against the run.
