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

XFL rules innovations, common-sense replay system worth a look by NFL

The NFL will probably never adopt the XFL's shootout-style overtime, but the rebooted league's rulebook includes innovations worth considering, Yardbarker's Sam Robinson writes.

NFL divisional-round intriguing matchups, QB intel reports

Will the Vikings' revamped O-line hold off the 49ers' vaunted rush? Yardbarker's Sam Robinson examines key matchups and more in playoff games Saturday and Sunday.

The greatest NFL playoff games of all time

Eight-plus decades of NFL postseason action has produced numerous classics, giving this latest playoff field a high bar. Here are the greatest games in the history of the NFL playoffs.

Regardless of playoff outcome, Bills positioned to rise in AFC

Unlike most of this year's postseason teams, the Bills have a chance to be significantly better in 2020, Yardbarker's Sam Robinson writes.

NFC team-by-team roster ratings, analysis, needs

With the regular season over, Yardbarker's Sam Robinson assesses all 16 NFC rosters, from the strongest (49ers) to weakest (Redskins).

AFC team-by-team roster ratings, analysis, needs

With the regular season over, Yardbarker's Sam Robinson assesses all 16 AFC rosters, from strongest (Ravens and Chiefs) to weakest (Dolphins).

The worst divisions in NFL history

From the division that produced "Beastquake" to Tom Brady's finale, here are the NFL's worst divisions since the 1970 merger created the modern divisional structure. 

NFL Week 16 matchups: Your ultimate insiders' guide

Yardbarker's Sam Robinson and Michael Nania go deep inside NFL games each week, focusing on key numbers and roster issues. Among this week's biggest games is the Cowboys-Eagles showdown in Philly that will decide the NFC East champ.

The biggest one-hit wonders in boxing history

While this collection did not achieve success on the level of their top peers, they stood out in boxing for one particular moment...

Underachieving Cowboys among decade's most disappointing teams

The 6-7 Cowboys are tied with the Eagles for first in the weak NFC East, and huge issues loom for Dallas, Sam Robinson writes.

NFL Week 15 matchups: Your ultimate insiders' guide

Yardbarker's Sam Robinson and Michael Nania go deep inside NFL games each week, focusing on key numbers and roster issues. 

Most improved player on all 32 NFL teams

Although one Baltimore Raven's improvement has overshadowed his contemporaries' development efforts, this season has seen many players grow into critical components for their respective teams.

MVP candidate Lamar Jackson: In 15 factoids, tracking Ravens star's rise

Baltimore's Lamar Jackson has morphed from a quarterback many questioned going into the season to one who has his team poised to seize the AFC's No. 1 seed, Yardbarker's Sam Robinson writes.

NFL Week 14 matchups: An insiders' guide

Yardbarker's Sam Robinson and Michael Nania go deep inside NFL games each week, focusing on key numbers and roster issues. 

The best divisions in NFL history

Since the AFL and NFL joined forces, numerous divisions have brought season-long intrigue. Judged on quality and depth, here are the best divisions in that time.

NFL Week 13 matchups: An insiders' guide

Yardbarker's Sam Robinson and Michael Nania go deep inside NFL games each week, focusing on key numbers and roster issues. 

How 17-game NFL season could benefit players, owners

If the players receive enough in return, a 17-game regular season can be a game-changer for the NFL long term and widen the popularity gap between it and the other major American sports leagues, Yardbarker's Sam Robinson writes. 

The greatest siblings in NFL history

The Bosas have become the latest standout sibling tandem, but there have been many throughout the NFL's history. Here are the sibling duos and trios the Chargers' and 49ers' pass rushers will be measured against throughout their careers.

NFL Week 12 matchups: An insiders' guide

Yardbarker's Sam Robinson and Michael Nania go deep inside NFL games each week, focusing on key numbers and roster issues. 

Why 2017 NFL running back class holds key to position's future

On the field, the 2017 draft class is on track to push that of 2008 — which produced Chris Johnson, Jamaal Charles, Matt Forte, Jonathan Stewart and Ray Rice — as the 21st century’s best, Sam Robinson writes.

NFL Week 11 matchups: An insiders' guide

Yardbarker's Sam Robinson and Michael Nania go deep inside NFL games each week, focusing on key numbers and roster issues.

The 25 biggest NFL stories of the 2010s

The NFL has made major changes this decade, with some of them coming after significant stories affected the league. With less than two months left in the 2010s, here are the biggest NFL stories of the decade:

What's next for Panthers QB Cam Newton?

With backup Kyle Allen playing steady in Cam Newton's stead, rumors are swirling that Carolina will move on from the 2015 NFL MVP, but that may not be the best idea, writes Yardbarker's Sam Robinson.

The 25 best NFL teams from the 2010s

Several non-Patriots teams submitted elite work in the last decade, which again became known for New England dominance. Here are the 25 best NFL teams from the 2010s.