Mark Robinson has built a reputation as a hard-hitting inside linebacker so far in his career with the Steelers. But before he came along, Vince Williams was known as that man around town, coming from a similar background as Robinson and playing with an intensity that few matched out of the gate.
So, when Williams was out at training camp on Saturday, the two met up, with Williams calling them ‘twins’, which is apt for the type of players that they both are on the football field. Robinson is having a strong training camp, nabbing an interception yesterday away from Connor Heyward.
Robinson went 1-on-1 against Anthony McFarland in backs on backers, but that interception could be a very un- Vince Williams-like rep in the team period. Covering Connor Heyward down the seam, the ball was underthrown, but Robinson fought through Heyward to make the interception against the back of the tight end.
Robinson has done well against the run, getting playing time late last season against run-heavy teams like the Baltimore Ravens. His making plays in pass coverage is a very good sign of his continued development. The team does just have a lot of different guys at that spot and is searching for those guys to rise to the top. The addition of Kwon Alexander has given the Steelers some more options there.
Robinson factors into that equation significantly and he has seen some first-team reps against the offense with Elandon Roberts a little banged up. He has largely taken advantage of those and his physicality has shone through, though the team still believes he needs the game to slow down for him a little bit more before jumping the shark and playing him more than he actually needs to right now. Hence, the addition of Alexander, who should see plenty of playing time.
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