JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) - Two leaping catches over cornerbacks. A quick slant for a touchdown that got tipped at the line of scrimmage. A double move that burned a safety for another score. A diving grab that showed great hands and even better body control.
Allen Robinson did it all in Jacksonville’s 23-20 win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
And it didn’t surprise the Jaguars - or Robinson.
“I expect myself to have big games,” he said.
The second-year pro finished with six receptions for 155 yards and two scores. Five of the catches and both touchdowns came in the first half. The Dolphins paid considerably closer attention to the former Penn State standout after halftime, but the damage was done.
Robinson’s performance was big for the Jaguars (1-1), who avoided their fourth consecutive 0-2 start.
Jacksonville has been searching for a go-to receiver since Jimmy Smith retired following the 2005 season. Reggie Williams, Matt Jones, Mike Sims-Walker, Jerry Porter, Laurent Robinson, Cecil Shorts III and Justin Blackmon all failed to lock down the role.
Robinson might be the one to end the drought.
He was mostly unstoppable throughout organized team activities and training camp. So doing it against the Dolphins (1-1) was just more of the same.
“He was awesome,” quarterback Blake Bortles said. “He has the ability to do that every week. He is a big, physical player with unbelievable playmaking skills. When he sets his mind to it, he can go up and catch any ball.”
Aside from Robinson’s big game, here are some things that stood out in Jacksonville’s win against Miami:
COSTLY PENALTY: The play Miami will remember came after the whistle. Defensive end Olivier Vernon was flagged for unnecessary roughness in the closing minute, a 15-yard penalty that turned what would have been a lengthy field goal into a game-winning chip shot for rookie Jason Myers. “It was just a dumb play by me,” Vernon said. “That was it. We lost. It’s over with man. They played better ball than us. I take full responsibilities for my actions, on to the next week.”
ODRICK’S ORDEAL: Jaguars defensive end Jared Odrick lied. All week. All month. All offseason. Odrick acknowledged after the game that playing his former team was a huge motivator. He finished with a sack, a forced fumble and a tipped pass. “I was just lying all week,” said Odrick, who didn’t get an offer from Miami in free agency. “It did feel kind of personal. I grinded all week and I was very excited.”
TANNEHILL SHINES: Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill completed 30 of 44 passes for 359 yards and two touchdowns. But he couldn’t get much going after leading Miami on a game-tying, 80-yard touchdown drive to start the third quarter. The Dolphins punted on the next five possessions and really floundered on the final drive, which ended on downs.
MIAMI’S MISCUES: Miami’s Lamar Miller ran 10 times for 14 yards before leaving with a sprained ankle. Andrew Franks missed a 42-yard field goal attempt. The Dolphins were flagged 13 times for 112 yards. And Miami’s defense wilted when it mattered.
TURNING POINT: Leading 17-13 with 18 seconds left in the first half, the Jaguars decided to throw instead of take a knee. On first down, Dolphins cornerback Brent Grimes dropped an interception that could have been a pick-six. On third down, Dolphins cornerback Brice McCain was flagged for pass interference. The 17-yard penalty allowed the Jaguars to attempt a 58-yard field goal, and Myers drilled it for a 20-13 advantage. “We didn’t flinch at all on that,” Jaguars coach Gus Bradley said.
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