How this Dolphins rookie pass-rusher is powering late-season surge

The Miami Dolphins should thank defensive tackle Calais Campbell for giving rookie edge-rusher Chop Robinson words of wisdom. 

According to Eric J. Wallace of The Palm Beach Post, the 17-year veteran has told the first-round pick out of Penn State to "focus less on chasing sacks and more on winning individual matchups" throughout the season.

Robinson has clearly heeded Campbell's advice, taking his game to the next level. 

In a 34-15, Week 12, thrashing of the New England Patriots, Robinson registered season highs in tackles (four), QB hits (three) and passes defended (two). 

Citing data from TruMedia, The 33rd Team's James Foster shared Robinson leads the NFL in pressures (25) and pressure rate (25.8%) over the past four weeks.

"I tell him all the time that he may be a rookie, but we need him to play like a vet," Campbell told Wallace. "He's been doing that the last few weeks, and it's been really, really special."

Robinson's surge is reinvigorating the Dolphins' playoff chances. Miami (5-6) has won three straight games, allowing 16.3 points per game during this span.

Miami could still sneak into the postseason, thanks to a favorable schedule. Per Tankathon's projections, it has the sixth-easiest remaining schedule in the league. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel hinted Robinson provides reason for optimism before the critical stretch.

"It's really cool to see a player handle all of the pressure that comes with being a first-round pick on a team that needs the rookie class to produce," McDaniel told the media Monday. "I'm fired up and can't wait until [the game against New England] is his worst game." 

On Thursday, the Dolphins face the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. ESPN Analytics gives the Packers (8-3) a 66.3% chance to win their home game.

To pull off the upset, Miami needs Robinson to rattle Packers QB Jordan Love, which will be challenging. Green Bay has allowed the league's eighth-lowest pressure rate (19%), via Pro Football Reference.

If Robinson wrecks the Packers, that would strengthen his Defensive Rookie of the Year case. As of Tuesday, FanDuel Sportsbook gives him the fourth-best DROY odds (+1600) behind Rams DT Braden Fiske, Eagles CB Quinyon Mitchell and Rams edge-rusher Jared Verse.