Unsung Bears Defender's Turnaround Is Exactly What Chicago Needed

Dec 16, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) is tackled by Chicago Bears defensive end Dominique Robinson (90) during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Dec 16, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) is tackled by Chicago Bears defensive end Dominique Robinson (90) during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears have been searching for a consistent pass rush since the start if the season. While veteran Montez Sweat is finally starting to live up to his contract again, Chicago needs more out of everyones on their defensive line. Fortunately for the Bears, it seems like one defender may be turning a corner.

That player is fourth-year defensive end Dominique Robinson. Robinson, a former high school quarterback and college wide receiver, transitioned to defensive end during his senior year of college. The Bears saw enoguh potential in the 27-year-old to draft him in 2022, but he has yet to produce much of anything at the NFL level. That said, Robinson has flashed a few times already this season which shows steps in the right direction.

Dominique Robinson Defensive Impact is Starting to be Felt

Entering the season, most Bears fans were ready to cast Robinson off. Despite the former coaching staff continually insisting that he flashed during training camp, he was always quiet during games. So when new head coach Ben Johnson praised the 27-year-old during the offseason, fans largely dismissed the comments.

Given Robinson's history of underperformance, fans dismissal of the comments made sense. Even so, it's seeming like fans should have took Johnson's comments more seriously. The reason for this is because the 27-year-old has flashed multiple times early in the season.

Through six games, Robinson has recorded two sacks, nine quarterback pressures and two tackles for loss. Furthermore, he has earned a pass rush grade of 66.7, a run defense grade of 58.4 and an overall grade of 59.0, according to PFF. These marks are the best of his career. On Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, he reocrdeda 70.2 run defense grade his highest of the seaosn.

Although Robinson has consistently affected games this season, the fact he is still making an occasional impact is a good sign. This change can likely be attributed to two different factors. First, he has another season under his belt at the postion. Considering the fact the he was a raw defensive end talent coming into the NFL the more time he spends at the postions the better he is bound to play.

However, the more important factor is the change is the coaching. One aspect of Dennis Allen's defense that is different is the pressure looks and blitzes he brings. These different packages can allow the Bears defense more free rushers and this has helped Robinson at times.

Still, the 27-year-old needs to stack productive games back-to-back the rest of the year. If he can do that, he may solidify his role in Chicago’s defensive rotation. If not, his time with the Bears could soon come to an end.

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