A’Shawn Robinson absolutely rose to the occasion for the LA Rams

When the LA Rams believed that they had lost former DT Michael Brockers to free agency, the team signed former Detroit Lions defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson. At the time, the idea was to add Robinson to the Rams defensive line rotation and give offensive linemen something more to think about than just ganging up on Aaron Donald.

Of course, that is not how it all worked out. In fact, due to a non-football-related medical condition, the Rams did not see much of Robinson in his first season with the team whatsoever. He played in the second half of 2020, but due to the return of Brockers last year, and the fact that the defensive line had established a good cycle, he was used less than expected.

But he did shine nevertheless when the LA Rams made it to the postseason. Then, the guy made optimal use of his 36 defensive snaps to six tackles and one forced fumble. A flash in the pan? Or was this a harbinger of things to come?  Read on…

Just when we needed you most

There will be plenty of applause and accolades for the rest of the Rams defensive front. Everyone recognizes the contributions of Donald, Von Miller, Leonard Floyd, and even Greg Gaines. But how many have thought about just what a great 2021 NFL season A’Shawn Robinson delivered for this Rams defense?

He started 14 of 17 games for the Rams this season, giving him an average number of defensive snaps in his career: 515. And yet, he recorded a career-high 67 tackles on the year, tied his career-high number of 2.0 quarterback sacks, and even set his career-high mark of two forced fumbles. Robinson was one of the stories behind the LA Rams surge of defensive prowess.

Still, the best was yet to come. Let’s keep going.