The Jacksonville Jaguars have set up their thunder-and-lightning backfield.
Sledgehammer Toby Gerhart was always slated to get most of the carries, but the team moved Denard Robinson up to the No. 2 running back on the depth chart heading into a Week 1 showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles. Robinson jumped Jordan Todman for the job.
The NCAA's recorder-holder for rushing yards by a quarterback, Robinson has transitioned to a full-time running back in his second season in Jacksonville. Offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch believes the man called Shoelace can add an extra dimension out of the backfield by tying defenders in knots with his speed.
"I hope so," Fisch said, per The Florida Times-Union. "My plan is for that to be the case. We're certainly expecting him to. His speed is outstanding. He's stronger and tougher, bigger and faster. All of that is really good. It's exciting to watch him improve from Year 1 to Year 2."
Robinson struggled with ball security his rookie campaign while he played an "offensive weapon" role in the backfield and receiver. Now that he is a full-time back he has been dynamic.
In the preseason, Robinson flashed an ability to get to the edge. The pitch-play that lead to a 23-yard touchdown run (shown above right) displays just how Fisch can utilize Robinson in change-of pace situations. With some interior line troubles in Jacksonville, Robinson's ability to get outside could play a role in the team's offensive improvement.
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