Niners Forgotten Man Deserves Pro Bowl Recognition
by kezarvet on Nov 7, 2009 5:26 AM PST
38 comments
Michael Robinson
In 2006, the San Francisco 49ers drafted a QB out of Penn State who head coach Joe Paterno called "the greatest athlete I have coached in 55 years at this university". He was a wide receiver who Paterno switched to QB his senior season because he had no other player on the roster who was capable. His performance was incredible. He was named Big 10 Offensive Player of the Year and led his team to an 11-1 record, the Big 10 Championship, and victory in the Orange Bowl. His name was Michael Robinson.
In his senior season at QB, he completed 162 out of 311 passes for 2,350 yards and 17 TDs. His passer rating was 127.2. He also ran 163 times for 806 yards and 11 Tds, for a 4.9 average per carry. He had, in his first two season in college, caught 43 passes for 585 yards and 3 TDs. He also was a standout on special teams.
With such a dynamic talent coming to a QB-starved team, you would think the 49ers would have jumped at the opportunity to see what Robinson could do in the NFL at QB. Unfortunately, the Niners were led by head coach, Mike Nolan. This stubborn little man refused to play Robinson on offense unless absolutely necessary, and put him on special teams, despite Michael's pleas to be given an opportunity to prove himself as a QB in the NFL.
In 2 1/2 years under Nolan, Robinson was not only not given an opportunity to play QB, but was turned into a RB, an unfamiliar position and averaged less than 2 carries per game. In his entire career with the 49ers he has thrown ONE PASS, averaged 2 carries per game, and has not taken a single snap from QB.
This season Jimmy Raye is installing the so-called Taser and used Spurlock in that role who was flat-out terrible. He now uses Frank Gore in an entirely forgetful and unimaginative "Taser". Mike Singletary said that Michael Robinson knew the taser best, but he has not been given a single opportunity to run it. What are the 49ers afraid of?
To understand the stupidity of the way he has been handled, let's examine what he has done in the roles they have assigned to him. He has been the leading tackler on special teams for a couple of seasons, and is far and away the best upback this team has seen in quite awhile. He is a punishing blocker, and his double block led to Alan Rossum's kickoff return for a TD vs. Arizona last season, and he also laid the block that sprung Delanie Walker for his kickoff TD return in a preseason game last year.
Now, after the Niners foolishly cut Alan Rossum, they put Delanie Walker as the kickoff returner and he immediately fumbled. Glen Coffee lost his starting job in college due to excessive fumbling so he wasn't the answer. They instead turned to Mr. Reliable, Michael Robinson, who is averaging over 23 yards per return. The only problem is that we no longer have Michael Robinson as the upback, with his devastating blocks that spring the return man. Instead, we have Glenn Coffee who couldn't block his grandmother if she was in a wheelchair. Against Indy, Coffee missed blocks which resulted in Robinson being tackled long before any defender should have made contact.
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
Michael has been nominated for the Pro Bowl and Niner fans can vote for him to make it on special teams. Beyond that, let's hope that Jimmy Raye realizes that he has an offensive weapon that is not being used. It's probably too late to give him his chance at QB as it has been four years since he played the position. Michael, however, should be used in the Taser along with Gore and given the opportunity to roll out and pass the ball. He should also be used as he was last season as the backup FB specializing in receiving out of the backfield.
When Tom Rathman was playing we had a former QB who also wore #24. His name was Harry Sydney and many Niner fans remember Harry's clutch roll out option pass to Brent Jones which was instrumental in leading us to victory over the Redskins in a playoff game.
It's time for Raye and Singletary to open their eyes. They have a diamond in the rough that they need to polish and USE. He's a great athlete who succeeds at every assignment he is given.
Gary Mialocq
The SF 49er Observer
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors.
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I was a little surprised to not see Robinson not running the taser
But the guy is a beast on ST. There’s a reason he’s one of the team captians. I remember ealier in the year reading some posts by people wanting the 49ers to get rid of Robinson in favor of Kory Sheets. I strongly disagead, and thankfully, so did the 49ers. Last year Robinson was a pro bowl alternate. Hopefully he’ll get a chance to go this year.
Don't trust this guy. He lies.
by urnext on Nov 7, 2009 8:36 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
+1
If anyone was the most qualified to run that stupid thing it definitely would have been Robinson not Spurlock. Personally I think he’s wasting roster space as a RB though. I am not sure what else he could be listed at. But he’s a special teams ace. I don’t like him as RB though and we need 3 true RB’s
by Drew K on Nov 7, 2009 11:58 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
We need scrappy guys like Robinson
…however, saying he deserves pro bowl accolades is egregious.
And as for the Taser, it should be scrapped forever. I cringe everytime they line up in that stupid formation.
by jfainsf49 on Nov 7, 2009 8:42 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
But he DOES deserve pro-bowl accolades, as suggested by his selection as an alternate last year, and his nomination this year. You know that ST players other than kickers/punters go to the pro-bowl too, right?
Sharlon Schoop - de favoriete Nederlandse honkbalspeler van McCovey Chronicles.
You always have to be one step ahead of your drunk friends
--Daisy Owl
by Viliphied on Nov 7, 2009 8:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Thought this was about Aubrayo Franklin
"Optimist Prime"
"Child Please" -Ochocinco
by rlott#42 on Nov 7, 2009 8:44 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Aubrayo Franklin? He's definitely getting recognition.
He was the forgotten man last year.
Natural hater of all NY, Pittsburgh, Oakland, LA, and Dallas teams
by SSC24 on Nov 7, 2009 9:27 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I thought this was about Jason Hill.
The real forgotten man.
Natural hater of all NY, Pittsburgh, Oakland, LA, and Dallas teams
by SSC24 on Nov 7, 2009 9:28 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
You're right as usual, though, kezarvet.
M-Rob definitely needs to be utilized in the taser. He has all-around talent (throwing/running/catching) and shouldn’t be wasted. Great post.
Natural hater of all NY, Pittsburgh, Oakland, LA, and Dallas teams
by SSC24 on Nov 7, 2009 9:30 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the comments.
It just amazes me that in four seasons, he has only been allowed to throw one pass. He threw for 17 TDs his senior year in college. I agree that he’s not your picture perfect RB, but he is tough and puts some hurt on tacklers. Ask Brian Dawkins.
Michael runs straight up and is much bigger than our other RBs. If you saw the Robinson Report, it was startling to see him standing next to Patrick Willis. Robinson looked bigger and it makes sense that they had him compete hand to hand with Patrick in the Nutcracker, which MRob won.
My ideal position for him is at backup FB in the Craig/Rathman mold where he can both run and receive.
Kezarvet
by kezarvet on Nov 7, 2009 12:17 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Michael runs straight up….
You do realize that this is a bad thing, right?
"It came down like a punt, Coach!" - Josh Morgan
by shlecko on Nov 8, 2009 3:14 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
There have been plenty of great runners
who ran upright. Eric Dickerson and Roger Craig come to mind.
Kezarvet
by kezarvet on Nov 8, 2009 4:39 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I hope he stays in at returner
5 returns for 99 yards last week. Best return game we’ve had all year.
I don’t think that qualifies him for pro-bowl selection though.
by smileyman on Nov 7, 2009 1:18 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
if he went
it wouldn’t be as a return man, but more of an all around ST ace
Sharlon Schoop - de favoriete Nederlandse honkbalspeler van McCovey Chronicles.
You always have to be one step ahead of your drunk friends
--Daisy Owl
by Viliphied on Nov 7, 2009 8:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Really well written and thought-provoking piece
Thanks. Does make you think about M-Rob.
"This could be another Very Special Team" ... Superbowl winning Niners lineman Dan Audick ...
by LondonNiner on Nov 7, 2009 2:44 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Well Written Piece
Not a Robinson fan. Thought he was pretty much a Tebow QB in college. You do make a persuasive case for utilizing him more in other areas.
by bignerd on Nov 7, 2009 6:35 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Source?
I am a big MRob fan, and agree with this article. However I have never heard anything along these lines…
This stubborn little man refused to play Robinson on offense unless absolutely necessary, and put him on special teams, despite Michael’s pleas to be given an opportunity to prove himself as a QB in the NFL
I was "Deific16"
The cake is a lie.
by Sultan of Seitan on Nov 7, 2009 9:22 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Regarding the QB plea.
I was "Deific16"
The cake is a lie.
by Sultan of Seitan on Nov 7, 2009 9:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
This article...
is an LOLercoaster. M-Rob forgotten? Robinson’s skills are limited. He lost his shot at QB because a team like the 49ers didn’t give him a shot?
I’m gonna stop here, because this article is pure pablum.
Well, we're waiting....
by drummer on Nov 8, 2009 2:19 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
In 2 1/2 years under Nolan, Robinson was not only not given an opportunity to play QB, but was turned into a RB, an unfamiliar position and averaged less than 2 carries per game. In his entire career with the 49ers he has thrown ONE PASS, averaged 2 carries per game, and has not taken a single snap from QB.
You’re seriously angry about this? The guy was converted to the QB position out of absolute desperation at the college level – he is not a quarterback, let alone an NFL-level passer.
Also, have you seen him as a runner? He’s not very good. He lacks the patience and vision to warrant giving him any more than a few appearances as a third down back. As a WR (his natural position) he would likely be 7th on the depth chart. He plays special teams because that’s where he excels and because that’s where he is most useful to this team.
Look, I like MRob – he plays with a fire that you would only hope all your players would show. He is, without doubt, a terrific athlete, but…he’s just not a very good NFL player. Let’s just appreciate him for what he is and not get carried away by projecting an image onto him that suggests that he’s something that he’s not.
"It came down like a punt, Coach!" - Josh Morgan
by shlecko on Nov 8, 2009 3:13 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Yes
I’ve seen him as a runner. He showed plenty on this short pass out of the backfield.
ROBINSON BREAKS TACKLES VS. NEW ORLEANS.
As to his lacking patience and vision as a runner, that was true when he was first learning the position. However, Rathman has been working with him and if there’s one thing we know about Robinson, he is very smart. The only chance he has had this season as a RB was in one preseason game where he got 14 carries for 97 yards.
You say as a WR he would be #7, but have you seen him play WR? He probably has the best hands on the team unless you consider Crabtree who snatches passes out of the air. Like I pointed out, as a receiver from the backup FB position, he is very dangerous.
You say he is not very good as a runner, but the last time he was given any opportunity to run was his senior year in college. Over 800 yards and 11 TDs from the QB position would run contrary to your opinion. I’ll listen to Joe Paterno. MRob is a great athlete who does well wherever he plays.
At no time did I ever say I was angry or did my article portray anger. I just hate to see the 49ers waste talent. Yes he is a great special teams player and IMO he should make the Pro Bowl for his play both ways, as a tackler and a guy who blows up the blocking when we kick or punt, and as an upback (best in the league) or return man — steady, consistent, reliable. But he can be so much more than that if they just tap his potential.
Kezarvet
by kezarvet on Nov 8, 2009 4:54 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Put him in the spread lol
49ers Al Grito De Guerra!!! hahaha
by 49erSalvatrucha on Nov 8, 2009 10:12 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He looked pretty solid in the red zone today.
lol.
They call their best player "Kung Fu Panda" and they complain that people aren’t taking them or the game seriously enough? -Nick
by mikev on Nov 8, 2009 4:45 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
yeah like a solid turd
"Pat is still just scratching the surface." - Coach Singletary on LB Patrick Willis
by 49erLou on Nov 8, 2009 5:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Let just...
Forget that M-Rob played today, OK?
Well, we're waiting....
by drummer on Nov 8, 2009 6:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I find it ironic
That yesterday Glen Coffee was injured in the return game as a blocking back and not as a return man.
Michael Robinson frustrates me when he’s returning kick-offs. We could’ve used a spark after a big Tennessee score, but Robinson just can’t break a tackle to save his damn life. I love his special teams play otherwise, but he shouldn’t be returning kicks.
Kezarvet, I know you disagree with me on that. But I also know you agree that he is a much better blocker on kick returns. Robinson’s longest kick return of the day was 27 yards, and he averaged 24.4 on 7 returns. It’s seriously time to put in someone else to return kicks, so we can take advantage of Robinson’s skills. We shouldn’t be pleased with ordinary at this point in the season.
by Andrew Davidson on Nov 9, 2009 7:52 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Robby averaged
24.4 yards per return on 7 kicks. Alan Rossum, considered one of the better return men of all time, averaged 26.8 yards in his best career season. I wish we had a speedster who could break it on kickoff returns, but we don’t. Robinson is returning kicks because he won’t fumble and he won’t make bonehead mistakes. We are pretty much assured we’ll be starting from around the 30 yard line. I agree that he’s probably the best blocking upback in the league but until we find somebody as reliable, he’ll have to handle this job for now.
Kezarvet
by kezarvet on Nov 9, 2009 11:24 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
we'll never find out
if we have someone else that can do it, unless we let someone else have a chance.
by Andrew Davidson on Nov 9, 2009 11:25 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
interesting post
I agree about us being better able to utilize his skills. He’s shown in the past to be a pretty reliable pass catcher coming out of the backfield and even on some down the field routes. He’s got good hands and strength to hang on after getting hit. I’ve always been surprised that with M-Rob and Battle, two former QBs, on the roster, that the Niners haven’t gotten more creative using these guys in trick plays or HB options. Even before the wildcat crave caught on. I agree with the dissenters when they say he’s not a good RB. In the past we used him in a lot of short yardage situations and it never seemed to work. So I’m not sure what the best thing to do with him is. Unless he can show the ability to carry the ball for more than a yard or two at a time it will be hard to put him in there and run any kind of wildcat without the defense knowing it’s coming.
A hearty thank you to Rich Aurilia for all the good memories, and to the Niners for finally getting the uni's (mostly) right.
by wjackalope on Nov 9, 2009 10:00 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
crave = craze
A hearty thank you to Rich Aurilia for all the good memories, and to the Niners for finally getting the uni's (mostly) right.
by wjackalope on Nov 9, 2009 10:01 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Just a question
I agree with you he has talent maybe over looked talent. Question when was the last time Robinson ran a kick back for a TD? Point
by azNinerfan on Nov 12, 2009 7:59 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
The point is that
Michael is NOT a kickoff returner. He’s much better as the blocking upback. That is his value to the team. Our kickoff returners are hurting us. Use Michael — he’s reliable and won’t fumble or make a mistake.
He plays backup RB, FB, can play WR and TE, plus he’s awesome on special teams.
My point is that instead of putting him in unfamiliar situations, let him run the Taser and both pass and run. It provides something extra the opponent has to prepare for and puts his talents to use at natural positions.
Kezarvet
by kezarvet on Nov 12, 2009 12:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree wholeheartedly
However, I wish people would stop sighting Delanie Walker’s fumbled kick return, he was clearly down and we simply didn’t have any challenges left.
by foosball4949 on Nov 12, 2009 11:52 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Here's to MRobot
Running a Kick-off to the house tonight! I just hope MRob doesn’t think the house is the 35 yard line. I kid. I kid. Little dog, little jokes.
by Andrew Davidson on Nov 12, 2009 4:42 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
kezarvet is pretty hardcore
I don’t mess with him.
by bignerd on Nov 12, 2009 9:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
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