Lost in the madness of “Freezer Left” and “Oompa Loompa” was an offensive play that could merit some serious consideration for Catch of the Year:
Also, not to be missed: Allen Robinson's INSANE catch. pic.twitter.com/6W1CGEpdRr
— Bleacher Nation Bears (@BN_Bears) December 2, 2018
Allen Robinson’s helmet catch while being mugged in broad daylight defended is one of those plays that would be getting more love had the Bears been able to avoid an upset at the hands of the New York Giants. And while a spot on Pro Football Focus’ Week 13 Team of the Week is no consolation, at least it’s encouraging that Robinson is making big plays in his first season as the Bears’ WR1.
Robinson earned an 83.6 overall grade to earn his spot on the squad highlighting each week’s top performers. On top of that highlight-reel grab, each of Robinson’s five catches (he averaged 15.8 yards per reception, by the way) moved the chains for a Bears first down. And to round things out, Robinson also added two forced missed tackles to secure his place among Week 13’s best.
The 25-year-old wideout has 41 catches for 573 yards and four touchdowns this season. So while he has missed two games due to injuries, Robinson is playing at a 16-game pace of 66 catches, 917 yards, and six touchdowns. Not only is that not bad for a player someone one year removed from a season-ending ACL injury, it’s head-and-shoulders better than what the Bears had grown accustomed to seeing from their top wide receiver.
We have praised Robinson for his leadership skills and ability to do the little things that make good teams even better (like draw attention away from his teammates). But Sunday’s performance is a reminder that Robinson – in addition to all of the other things he brings to the table – is a darn good play-making receiver who Mitch Trubisky is likely to lean on in tough times once he returns from his own injury.
And in the end, isn’t it nice to see a big-ticket free agent come to Chicago and immediately pay dividends? So refreshing!