The Baltimore Ravens have had their share of wide receiver shortcomings over the years. They’ve taken swings at veterans recently, namely Sammy Watkins last year, and Demarcus Robinson this season.
Robinson stepped up in a major way last Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. His nine receptions for 128 yards helped fuel the Ravens to a 13-3 win over Carolina to push Baltimore to 8-3 on the season.
“He played lights out. We’ve known what he’s capable of though; we just have to keep feeding him the ball,” Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson said.
Robinson was targeted nine times and caught each one. In his mind, Sunday was a preview of things to come.
As a free agent, Robinson had options as far as what team he wanted to play for. He felt the Ravens gave him a great opportunity to have an impactful role on offense.
The veteran took it upon himself to rally the troops when lead receiver Rashad Bateman suffered a foot injury that will keep him out for the remainder of the season.
“It’s on us,’ because he [Rashod Bateman] was our first round pick a couple years ago,” Robinson said. “I’ve been to higher levels, and I’m just trying to get these guys to understand that, which I’m sure they do. We just talk about it a lot. Just to let them know that we’re not even halfway to accomplishing our goals, so we just have to keep going harder and harder, because we don’t have one of our best players.”
Robinson has taken extra time to work with Jackson, so their timing is on point. With no other primary receiver in the fold, it’s a great opportunity to put up numbers and secure a future spot with the team.
Through 10 games Robinson has converted 25 of the 38 targets that have gone his way and picked up 280 yards along with a touchdown. Robinson caught 25 passes for 264 yards last season. The arrow is pointing up for the sixth-year veteran.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh is pleased with how Robinson has taken advantage of the opportunity.
“It’s big; it’s massive,” Harbaugh said. “Here’s a guy that gets an opportunity like he does, and he comes in here and does nothing but go to work the first day and work as hard as he can every day to be as good as he can be. It pays off.”