It’s not hard to picture Wan’Dale Robinson struggling to sleep some nights, replaying missed tackles and plays while dreaming of making a bigger impact on the field.
In the history of the NFL, I can’t recall ever hearing complaints about an excess of targets.
After all, Keyshawn Johnson didn’t title his memoir “Just share the ball!”
Robinson, with 93 catches for 699 yards off 140 targets, has just come off a remarkable yet odd receiving season. He’s eager to expand his role beyond running those five-yard routes and bracing for impact.
“I definitely want to be a player that quarterbacks can count on all the time,” Robinson noted. “But I also hope to make a more significant impact with some big plays.”
Among all the NFL seasons since 1992, Robinson stands out as the second player (the first being Chris Chambers in 2006) with at least 140 targets but under 700 receiving yards.
What’s astonishing?
Out of 311 reception seasons during the Super Bowl era, Robinson is the first player to reach at least 90 receptions yet finish with fewer than 700 yards, according to Pro Football Reference.
There’s definitely a case for valuing quality over quantity here.
“I envision moving around more,” Robinson said, who played nearly 78% of his snaps in the slot last season. “I want to get deeper shots on the field, but I’ll keep finding ways to be open and a reliable target for the quarterback.”
With Russell Wilson now in the mix, Robinson could see significant benefits compared to the struggles he faced during the six years under Daniel Jones.
The recent second-round pick averaged just 4.1 yards per catch last season.
Considering Robinson’s 5-foot-8 frame and speed, you’d think those stats need to improve, especially as he eyes free agency and a potential pay increase soon.
“Wan’Dale plays like a running back. Once he gets the ball, it’s tough to stop him,” Wilson commented. “His ability to evade tackles and accelerate is impressive. I’ve worked with players like him before.”
The Giants have also welcomed back offensive coordinator Mike Kafka after his absence while Brian Daboll took charge as head coach.
Even the less-than-stellar versions of Wilson we’ve seen should contribute to route improvements, especially concerning timing and player expectations.
And Wilson certainly adds distance with his famed “Moonball,” having led the league last year in completion rate on throws over 20 yards.
“After Darius Slayton and Theo Johnson joined in March, Robinson, Slayton, and Johnson had a throwing session with Wilson,” he mentioned.
“That little get-together was different. It felt like we had a quarterback on the same page, and that was evident in how we communicated what we wanted.”
With the decision to retain their top four receivers—Malik Neighbors, Robinson, Slayton (who just signed a three-year contract), and Jarin Hyatt—the Giants have made a statement about their confidence in Robinson’s abilities.
Choosing not to draft a slot receiver in a recent round clearly signals their faith in him coming into this new season.
“We all believe in what we can do,” Robinson stated. “We’re all eager to showcase our skills, and as long as we get our opportunities, we’ll make things happen after the catch.”
