When we got to the off-season, the Detroit Lions made a few different moves. They signed Kevin Zeitler to improve the offensive line and they traded for Carlton Davis to get the secondary corrected. It’s only been a few weeks of training camp but it’s starting to feel like signing cornerback Amik Robertson is their most underrated move this off-season.
Especially after his strong debut for the Lions in the first preseason game.
Robertson played 18 defensive snaps and also played some on special teams. In fact, he made the tackle on the opening kickoff for the game. From there, he was targeted twice and forced two incompletions. This was good enough to earn a 88.2 coverage grade from PFF. Let’s dive into some film to see how well Robertson played on defense!
Starting with the opening drive of the game, we’re going to see a great pass breakup from Robertson (No. 21). On the play above, the Giants are going to run an RPO out of ’11’ personnel (one running back and one tight end). With this, the Giants quarterback is going to be able to give the ball to the running back or pull it and throw the slant route being ran from the slot receiver.
However, Robertson is in great position through the entire play. Before the snap, you’ll see Robertson shift into off-man. Once the slot receiver breaks to the middle of the field, you’ll see him make a break on the ball.
Getting tight to the outside hip of the receiver, he’s in great position to either make a tackle or better yet, get around the receiver and play the football. He does just that and is able to get an arm over the receiver and break the pass up. This is textbook from Robertson and hopefully, it’s something that can do frequently in the regular season.
Next, I want to focus on some of the physicality from Robertson. Ever since he was in college, he’s always been a physical player. While he may be small in stature, he certainly packs a punch.
Looking at the play above, the Giants come out under center with their ’11’ personnel (one running back and one tight end). Playing in the box, you’ll see Robertson (#21) and he fills quickly on this run. Slowing the running back up is Brodric Martin (#99) due to his ability to just throw the center behind him.
Cleaning up on the tackle is Robertson, who lowers his pad level and drops the running back. These types of tackles will get played over and over in the film room and it will certainly win over this Lions coaching staff.
The good news for Robertson is that he seems to be the leader of the pack for the nickel role on the Lions defense. Even though he’s setting the bar higher and higher by the day, he’s certainly good enough to reach the expectations that will be set for him and this defense.
We’ll see how many snaps he plays this weekend in the Lions second preseason game against the Chiefs. If it’s fewer than the week before, then that should tell you he’s close to locking up a starting spot on the defense. That’s what I’m expecting after his strong debut against the Giants last week.
