The Ravens have a long lineage of outside linebackers who take pride in beating up opposing offensive tackles and tight ends. Tavius Robinson is next on the list.
Robinson made the game-winning play in Saturday's 13-12 preseason win over the Atlanta Falcons, stopping running back Jase McClellan in the backfield on a two-point conversion attempt.
Robinson didn't have to go through any blockers, but the play illustrated the progression the second-year linebacker has made since his rookie year. Head Coach John Harbaugh said after the game that Robinson's mindset and style of play define what it means to "play like a Raven."
"Just tag it right next to his name. He's that kind of guy," Harbaugh said.
Robinson played in all 17 games as a fourth-round rookie last season, piling up 335 (29%) valuable defensive snaps. That's the most of any Ravens rookie defender who was drafted on Day 3 since cornerback Tavon Young in 2016.
That foundation helped launch him this offseason. Robinson added 10 more pounds of muscle to an already huge frame and is now listed at 6-foot-6, 262 pounds, making him the Ravens' biggest outside linebacker.
The biggest change from Year 1 to 2, however, is Robinson's understanding of the game. Saturday's play illustrated that, as he read it immediately and shot into the backfield.
"The tackle went down, so on that play that means I like scream off his hip. I saw him go down, tight end arc me, and I went straight to the other guy to make a play there," Robinson said.
Even though he's in Year 2 and has seen hundreds of snaps, Robinson said making a play like that is "huge" for his confidence.
"I think confidence just kind of grows every day," he said. "It's been a good camp, just getting better. All of us [have] been sharpening iron every day, so it's been good for sure.
"I was telling people that the other day, actually. I remember at this time last year being so nervous before games and like kind of playing slow and like not knowing what to expect. But now, being through a whole season, I know it's a long season, I know how the weeks go. So, I just feel a lot more comfortable on the field for sure."
Pass Rush Coach Chuck Smith raved about Robinson last week, calling him a "glass eater" who "shows no mercy," never turns down a rep, plays with maximum effort, and listens to his coaches.
Robinson's day was supposed to be done, but when rookie outside linebacker Adisa Isaac cramped up, Robinson sprinted back onto the field in Saturday's preseason game, eager to try to close it out.
Hearing his coaches call him a true Raven puts a big smile on Robinson's face. Growing up in Canada, Robinson was a bit of a late bloomer in football, but he's making a quick impact in Baltimore.
"It means a ton [to hear that]," Robinson said. "That's definitely how I try to play every day and how I approach every day. I think it's just being relentless in everything you do. So, when I'm on that field, I'm always trying to run to the ball like I'm the one making the play. Every aspect of football I just take so seriously, whether it's film, weight room, meetings every day. It's just giving that effort in everything."
