Yardbarker

Sam Robinson

Writer

Sam Robinson is a sportswriter from Kansas City, Missouri. He primarily covers the NFL for Yardbarker. Moving from wildly injury-prone sprinter in the aughts to reporter in the 2010s, Sam set up camp in three time zones covering everything from high school water polo to Division II national championship games. He has since settled in as the husband of a track and field coach, concentrating on the NFL. Boasting an unhealthy interest in the league’s history and fashion trends, Sam is the lead writer for Pro Football Rumors and has written about the sport for Yardbarker since 2018. In addition to working as a writer/editor for a few newspapers – the Cleveland Plain Dealer and St. Joseph (Missouri) News-Press, to name two – in a former life that included some awkward awards-show hosting gigs thankfully inaccessible online, Sam has written about the Olympics for The Athletic.

EXPERTISE:

NFL, track and field, boxing

The longest tenured player on every NFL team

Several changing-of-the-guard transactions changed NFL rosters this offseason. While the Chargers, Giants and Patriots saw iconic quarterbacks depart, other teams have new longest-tenured players as well.

The most logical trade chip for every NFL team

The bulk of the NFL will begin padded practices this week, and more teams will determine their respective strengths and weaknesses ahead of the regular season.

Ranking the defensive play-callers for every NFL team

As many as 10 teams may enter Week 1 with a new defensive play-caller, and the new leaders are days away from working in their new roles in full practice sessions.

Who will replace the NFL players who opted out of the 2020 season?

Sixty-nine players chose not to play during a 2020 season set to be defined by the coronavirus. Several of those who opted out were starters, leaving many teams' depth charts weaker early in training camp.

Ranking the offensive play-callers from every NFL team

Having an on-point play-caller is essential for modern NFL success, and in 2020's uncertain landscape, experience here will be critical. Here is how the league's 32 teams' play-callers stand at the outset of training camp. 

The best all-time receiving corps for every NFL franchise

Many teams shook up their receiving corps this offseason. Some have the potential to be historically good groups. On that note, here is the best set of receivers in every team's history.

Ranking the secondaries of every NFL team

The Seahawks made a big move to add an All-Pro talent to their secondary, but beyond the Jamal Adams trade, many teams made changes to their defensive back groups this year.

NFL rankings: Teams best, worst equipped for challenging season

The altered offseason probably will disproportionately impact franchises that made big changes or ones set to rely on rookies in essential roles. With that in mind, Yardbarker ranks NFL teams on their ability to navigate a COVID-19-plagued season.

These Achilles' heels could hamstring Super Bowl contenders

NFL training camps are scheduled to open in two weeks. Yardbarker's Sam Robinson, Michael Nania and Chris Mueller identify the major flaw on six Super Bowl contenders.

Best, worst NFL position groups heading into the season

NFL training camps are scheduled to begin later this month. While there are several starter-caliber free agents waiting in the wings to round out certain depth charts, most position groups are set.

Chiefs' rivals have improved, but they may be fatally flawed

The Chiefs have a star quarterback locked in for years, but Kansas City's rivals face serious questions at the NFL's most important position, writes Yardbarker's Sam Robinson. 

Why Mahomes' megadeal should please QBs, teams (except Cowboys)

Dak Prescott, Deshaun Watson and, come 2021, Lamar Jackson will feel the effects from the Chiefs’ extension for their superstar QB, writes Yardbarker's Sam Robinson.

Six NFL defenders primed to break out in Year 2

Steelers linebacker Devin Bush quickly improved after a slow start as a rookie in 2019. He's among six players on defense whom Yardbarker's Michael Nania and Sam Robinson believe will make a Year 2 leap.

Antonio Brown to Packers? Assessing fits for best remaining free agents

Once the NFL and NFLPA hammer out an agreement that will green-light active players to return to team facilities, Yardbarker's Sam Robinson writes, free agents figure to come off the board.

Newton will elevate the Patriots' game, but not enough to scare Chiefs, Ravens

Current circumstances point to Newton elevating the Patriots to an upper-middle-class team -- at best -- rather than making them a serious threat to the Chiefs or Ravens in the conference.

COVID-19-altered NFL fumbling attendance policy

The NFL has communicated to teams it will be up to states, counties and teams to determine how many fans will be allowed to attend games. Yardbarker's Sam Robinson explains why the league needs a uniform policy.

John Elway: Career retrospective

The Hall of Fame quarterback and Super Bowl-winning general manager has spent nearly 30 years in the NFL. From his unusual entrance into the league to Von Miller's big night, here are the key moments from John Elway's storied career.

A lock for stardom? Denver QB, five other players who could boom or bust

With an offense beefed up in the draft and free agency, the Broncos are eager to see if second-year QB Drew Lock is the real deal. Yardbarker's Sam Robinson, Chris Mueller and Michael Nania weigh in on players who could either be stellar ... or stinkers in 2020.

Why 2020 offers Colts' Rivers unique chance to cement Hall credentials

Despite imminent introduction as the sixth member of the 400-touchdown pass and 60,000-passing-yard clubs, the new Colts QB lacks signature achievements compared to his top peers, writes Yardbarker's Sam Robinson.

As clock ticks to NFL training camps, key COVID-19 issues remain unresolved

It is becoming increasingly apparent the league will have its hands full going through a season amid the challenges the coronavirus will bring, Yardbarker's Sam Robinson writes.

The best NFL QB comeback seasons

The NFL (and AFL) features a rich tradition of re-emerging quarterbacks, whether they returned from injury, a demotion or a hiatus. Here are the best quarterback rebound stories.

Fabulous (Bucs) to failure (Texans): Offseason grades for all NFL teams

The draft and free agency are in the rear-view mirror. It's time to grade the offseasons of all 32 teams. Yardbarker's Sam Robinson, Chris Mueller and Michael Nania weigh in.

COVID-19 fallout among factors working against Vikings' Dalvin Cook, talented RB group in negotiations

It looked like the running back market could be on the upswing after the Panthers inked Christian McCaffrey to a record deal. That no longer appears to be the case amid the COVID-19 pandemic and other financial concerns, writes Yardbarker's Sam Robinson.