The Steelers Need Allen Robinson to Ball Out. Here’s Why

The Steelers knew their new slot receiver would be Allen Robinson heading into 2023. However, for a player who logged only 40% of his snaps from the slot a year ago, it would be interesting to see how much they would mix and match him on the outside and in the slot. Well, it turns out they did not do that much at all. It might just be to the benefit of Robinson.

Robinson played 83% of his snaps in the slot in Week 1, the 2nd most in the NFL. That factors in the Diontae Johnson injury, and Calvin Austin III played outside. Despite his size, Austin has the releases and quicks to stick on the outside. That seems like it will play out that way for the Steelers.

But Robinson’s comfortability from the slot grows daily at practice and in each game. On Sunday, he looked very comfortable. He and Kenny Pickett seemed to have the best connection among his pass catchers, and Robinson caught all the targets that went his way. That does not mean that Robinson will suddenly find the elite form he once reached in his NFL career, but the Steelers need him to step up with Johnson out. He very well could do just that.

“Whenever you lose a skill player like Diontae, obviously, guys have to step up at the same time,” Robinson said. “It’s on us to have guys step up and have guys understand that. If that’s different roles or whatever the case may be, it’s just about being ready to make those opportunities in those roles.”

The Browns present a unique challenge. Their top three cornerbacks balled out against the Bengals. With the likelihood of the Steelers going more tight end multiple, it could force the Browns into different looks as the Steelers try to create any mismatches and advantages that they can. But maybe that is where Robinson comes into the equation. He is not the fleetest of foot anymore. But his communication skills are elite, and Robinson seemed to have a sixth sense connection with Pickett.

Robinson is not the flashy receiver. He is the chain mover who is a dependable target for his quarterback. After a game that rattled Kenny Pickett’s nerves down to the core, Robinson is the type of player he needs. It is a full-on committee effort to replace Johnson, but Robinson’s role as a leader and reliable slot target is as important as any role for Pickett and the offense.