SAN DIEGO – Defensively, the San Diego Chargers have managed just 18 interceptions the past two seasons, tied for second-worst in the NFL over that time frame.
The addition of cornerback Patrick Robinson, who signed a one-year, $2 million deal to join the Chargers, should change that.
At 5-foot-11 and 191 pounds, the first-round selection by the New Orleans Saints in the 2010 draft has nine career interceptions and 46 pass breakups in five seasons. So making plays on the ball has not been an issue for Robinson.
The former Florida State standout essentially replaces Shareece Wright, who signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers. Wright managed just one interception in four seasons with the Chargers.
However, while Robinson has flashed the ability to find the football, he’s also struggled at times with being assignment-correct, something that will likely be a point of emphasis for Chargers defensive backs coach Ron Milus.
Robinson eventually settled in as a slot defender for the Saints. With Jason Verrett and Brandon Flowers penciled in as San Diego’s starting cornerbacks, Robinson likely will compete for the slot-defender role with the Chargers. According to Pro Football Focus, Robinson limited opposing quarterbacks to a 57.5 rating, fifth-best among cornerbacks who played at least 25 percent of their snaps as a slot defender last season.
Robinson also provides experienced insurance should Verrett and Flowers experience injury issues again in 2015.
