Darius Robinson, a defensive lineman for the Arizona Cardinals, is focusing on maintaining a positive outlook following his second season in the NFL. Despite limited team and personal success this past year, Robinson remains committed to improvement.
Robinson acknowledged the challenges he faced during the season. After a December loss in Tampa, he stated, “I’m not who I thought I was.” Earlier in the season, when results were not meeting his expectations, he found it difficult to enjoy the game. However, coaches recognized his effort and run defense throughout the year.
“I am process-driven,” Robinson said. “The results don’t matter as much, because we’re also not winning. So the process, how much I can go and the alignments we play and how much I can get better and do my job.”
He added, “We will have a long offseason to reflect. I want to give myself something positive to think about.”
Robinson finished with one sack and four tackles for loss among 43 total tackles over 15 games. As a first-round pick who missed most of his rookie year due to injury, he expressed dissatisfaction with those numbers: “I have to affect the quarterback way more than I have the last two years.” He also said, “I can be so much better, and I will be better.”
Veteran teammate Calais Campbell played an important role in Robinson’s development this season by offering guidance and support.
Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis commented on Robinson’s growth: “There is no time to think up front,” Rallis said. “As soon as those techniques become second nature to him … the more comfortable he gets and the faster he plays, the more violent he can play. He will utilize his skillset and he’ll just keep getting better.”
With coaching changes expected next season for Arizona—who play home games in Glendale as part of the oldest continuously operating professional football franchise in America—Robinson’s future role remains uncertain. The Cardinals represent Phoenix and compete in the NFC West division of the National Football League.
Looking ahead to next year rather than returning home to Michigan after missing out on postseason play, Robinson said: “I am going to want to fast forward,” Robinson said. “We didn’t earn the right to be in the playoffs. It gives me a lot of time to reflect on my game and how I can come back in Year 3. It’s crazy it went this fast.”