A few days after Washington’s preseason opener, defensive coordinator Jim Haslett was asked about new mike linebacker Keenan Robinson, the 25-year-old tapped to replace veteran London Fletcher at the heart of the defense.
“I was happy for him — because he didn’t get hurt,” Haslett said.
The response was partially made in jest, sandwiched between praise for Robinson’s natural ability and potential, but in it, there was a layer of truth. Entering this season, the most pressing question for Robinson wasn’t whether he could be a capable replacement for Fletcher; it was whether he could stay healthy enough to fill that role after two season-ending pectoral injuries.
Through the first eight games of the season, the answer to both questions has been clear. After recording 14 tackles against the Tennessee Titans and being named the NFC defensive player of the week, Robinson racked up 10 tackles against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night, including the sack that temporarily knocked quarterback Tony Romo out of the game.
“As soon as training camp ended and preseason games started, the season started going on, I became more and more comfortable,” Robinson said. “Still got a long way to go, but I’m getting more experience every game.”
In order to gain that experience, however, Robinson has first and foremost had to stay healthy.
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While he has adjusted his preparation since the season began, Robinson pointed to his work in the offseason as the foundation for his current health. He altered his weight-lifting regimen and incorporated new stretches to build flexibility and help protect his previously torn pecs, a departure from his days at Texas, where Robinson said there was an emphasis on heavy lifting.
“In college, I think I was too strong,” he explained. “Shoot, me and [Brian Orakpo] both. [Jackson] Jeffcoat will tell you we did a lot of heavy benching, heavy squat. I don’t know if that’s why we had our pec issues, but I think we were really, I don’t want to say tightly wound, but really muscle-bound up top.”
Robinson said he didn’t notice that aspect of his training until the injuries hit. This offseason, he spent more time building the muscles surrounding his pecs for additional support.
“It’s just full-body training,” Robinson said. “Making sure I focus on every single little muscle and not just the big muscles, the pecs and the muscles that you see. The muscles that you don’t see need to be trained in order to support the bigger muscles.”
When the season began, Robinson said it was merely about maintaining what he had built up over the summer. With each healthy practice and game, he grew increasingly confident and comfortable in his role.
“I think you feel him when you’re on the field,” coach Jay Gruden said. “You feel his speed. He’s starting to really bring the thump with him on the tackles, also. His pass coverage — everything. … With the athletic ability that he has, the more he sees, the more confident he gets with what he’s going to do, he’s going to be a dominant force because he’s got the great athletic tools.”
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As the mike linebacker, Robinson knows that much of his job revolves around communication. He relays the defensive play calls to the huddle and is responsible for ensuring that the unit is lined up correctly before the snap. It’s a department in which he will only grow over time.
“The more reps he gets, the better he’s going to be,” defensive tackle Kedric Golston said. “We all know how athletic he is, how fast he is, how big, strong he is. So the more he plays, the more situations he’s in, he’s only going to continue to improve. The sky’s the limit for him.”
Though Robinson is already midway through his third NFL season, this is essentially his rookie year in the Redskins’ defense. In 2012, he contributed primarily on special teams before the first torn pectoral ended his season. And in 2013, he never saw the field after tearing the other pec during training camp.
In his first significant role as a pro, Robinson has not only stayed healthy, but shined as a result.
“He’s been playing good all year, really,” fellow inside linebacker Perry Riley said. “These last two weeks, the numbers for him stats-wise have blown up. But as far as assignments, doing his responsibility, he’s been playing great for us all year. I think just being able to get these games under his belt, one by one, getting through them injury-free, he’s gaining more confidence as the season goes on. And you can tell.”
• Tom Schad can be reached at tschad@washingtontimes.com.
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