A’Shawn Robinson Has Been A Strong Addition
October 16th, 2026
Big impact from A’Shawn Robinson.
The only reason the Bucs are not 0-5 and instead are still in the NFC South landfill race with a 1-4 record is their defense.
Even though the team cannot buy a sack, the team has been pretty efficient with its pass defense and ranks No. 2 in the NFL in run defense. The Bucs are second in average rushing yards allowed per carry (3.3) and rushing yards allowed per game (72.8).
It would be easy to say Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey are going a good job plugging holes on the front line. But the way KitKat-eating Bucs coach Todd Bowles spoke this week, veteran tackle A’Shawn Robinson has been a monster addition.
Robinson was one of many Bucs free agents signed this spring and, from the sound of it, is living up to his pay grade.
“Oh, he’s huge,” Bowles said of Robinson. “He’s a big part of [the success of the run defense]. I want to say [Robinson is] one of the top three reasons why we are that [good].”
Robinson has been needed glue in the locker room. Joe heard a story that earlier this season, Robinson got the defense together and preached that whatever each player was doing, it was not enough.
Also, Robinson told defensive teammates that if the offense is struggling, it is their responsibility to pick up the slack; if need be, the defense must win games.
Bowles reinforced that Robinson has been a godsend.
“[Robinson’s leadership] isn’t just succeeding on the field,” Bowles said. “But off the field, holding everybody accountable, meeting with the guys, talking to the guys, whether it’s the secondary, the linebackers, or the front.
“He’s one of the main cogs up there and one of the main voices that really kind of keeps that group going.”
Well, we all heard that the Bucs this offseason were keen on adding dawgs and alphas to the locker room. The shot-callers at One Buc Palace felt there was a massive void in the building for those types of players.
It seems the Bucs nailed it with their evaluation of Robinson.
October 16th, 2026 at 6:02 am
Too bad it took an outsider to bring about a change in attitude. So much for the Bucs “culture”.
October 16th, 2026 at 6:19 am
We went into this season mocking the Todd Bowles defense…and now they are the strength of the team (so far).
Seems some of us might be eating crow soon…at least in regard to the defense.
Offense needs to get it together.
October 16th, 2026 at 6:55 am
Yes !
One of the real pro’s that
Gets it !
October 16th, 2026 at 6:55 am
“if need be, the defense must win games.” I think, with an attitude like that, that his signing definitely has added value. Looks like our defensive line is getting better by the minute- so is the offensive line.
Our rookie QB has shown he can win. Our offensive and defensive line’s are getting downright testy! This team is not last year’s team. This team is a whole lot better.
October 16th, 2026 at 7:22 am
Robinson has been a beast, and that’s exactly what we need more of in this defense. In 50 FEWER def snaps (141 vs 191), A’Shawn’s gotten 16 tackles, 1 sack, 2 QB hits & 1 TFL versus 5 tackles, 0 sacks, 2 QB hits & 0 TFL for Kancey.
If I were Bowles, I’d be giving Robinson a lot more snaps and Kancey a lot fewer. Better yet, move Kancey down the line a space and keep Vea, Robinson & Kancey out there for about 70% of the snaps.
October 16th, 2026 at 7:30 am
You could say the same about Walker vs Yaya
October 16th, 2026 at 7:54 am
Concur Beej. Go with the guy who’s actually producing.
October 16th, 2026 at 7:58 am
And he talks trash.
I’ve seen him get in the face of offensive linemen after the 1st snap!
He wants to fight.
He wants all the smoke.
He is a very intimidating player.
And he’s gigantic.
I love having a huge DE instead of that soft Sideshow Bob Logan Hall.
Logan Hall ain’t no warrior.
Robinson is!
October 16th, 2026 at 7:59 am
DR .. that’s a discussion for Sunday night and forever if JD can win
I do admit that EVERYTHING is impressive about JD
Keep on winning!
I don’t care who the quarterback is as long as the W’s are racking up!
October 16th, 2026 at 8:09 am
A’Shawn’s leadership fills a void going back to last season. Defensive team captains Vea and Winfield aren’t providing any leadership and actually don’t seem to be playing well – especially Vea. Vea is playing so soft, he’s a Pillsbury Dough Boy out there.
October 16th, 2026 at 8:26 am
Having Robinson, Vea and Kancey on the field together seems like a way to take the three and out ranking even higher.
And, adding Robinson’s height and length to obstruct passing windows is enticing to me.
Before the season started, I thought that the Bucs formula for success on defense would be Robinson, Vea, and Kancey together upfront pushing opposing QBs into the arms of the OLBs for lots of sacks.
But, on the way to their high league standing for three and outs, the Bucs have played a lot of nickel with two DTs, two OLBs and damned few sacks.
I would like to see the scheme I envisioned given a fair test – but – be careful when you start screwing around with success!
October 16th, 2026 at 9:00 am
We lost the dog upfront when Sue left. Vita and others are not alpha dogs. A-Shawn absolutely is and a few of us have been stating so since signed. Trot is an alpha dog. I have high hopes for Bain and Scott to also be those tough vocal leaders.
A-Shawn is that man on the field and off.
October 16th, 2026 at 9:21 am
The Bucs offense is struggling. I put that on OC Robinson. No matter what happens this season he needs his walking papers. Idios Amigo.
October 16th, 2026 at 9:32 am
Leaders are born, not taught. You can’t coach leadership into a man; you either have it or you don’t. Some guys try to acquire it, but in time it’s obvious they are kidding themselves until a natural born leader appears.
October 16th, 2026 at 9:39 am
A good pick up by JL. Hopefully he can help train a couple of the young guys like Capehart, Roberts and Simmons. Then we will have something. I hope we can get a couple of years out of him.
October 16th, 2026 at 9:58 am
Bowles=Beta. Go Bucs!
October 16th, 2026 at 11:29 am
Permanently Moderated Says:
“Too bad it took an outsider to bring about a change in attitude. So much for the Bucs “culture”.”
Everyone on every team is an outsider. They all come from elsewhere.
The Bucs have a great culture. Bowles throwing hi
October 16th, 2026 at 11:29 am
Bowles throwing his players under the bus last year turn them on him.