On Sunday, Jaguars RB James Robinson became the fourth undrafted rookie in NFL history to total at least 1,000 rushing yards, and the fastest to do so, on his longest rush of the season, a 47-yard gain in the fourth quarter. Robinson is the third rookie running back in Jaguars history to total 1,000 yards in a season and the fourth running back overall in franchise annals to rush for 1,000-plus yards.
However, the Jaguars(1-12) would lose their 12th straight game as they fell to the Titans(9-4) 31-10 at TIAA Bank Field on Sunday.
After the game, Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone celebrated Robinson, which meant a lot to the former Illinois State product.
“I am grateful that he did that, and before the game was even over, all the guys were coming up to me and saying ‘Congratulations,’ Robinson said. “And, I mean, all those guys are behind me, and we were hoping I was going to get it in the first quarter.”
Some might find it odd that Marrone celebrated Robinson’s achievement in a loss, and after the game, Marrone explained why he decided to show Robinson some love.
“Normally, I don’t ever really talk about individual accomplishments after the game, but I did because we don’t really have a lot going for us, obviously, right now, except we have three more opportunities,” Marrone said. “But it’s something that could be celebrated by all of us, the offensive line, receivers, the tight ends, and I said even the defensive guys and specialists. I mean, it’s something of here’s a guy that represents so much of what’s good about competition, about playing, about humility, about keeping things in perspective. He’s been a great example, even though he’s a rookie free agent, he’s been a great example for everybody. So, I said that to the team after the game, and they clapped for him when there’s not a lot to clap about, really.
Jaguars QB Garnder Minshew agreed with Marrone’s decision to celebrate Robinson.
“No, he definitely deserved that,” Minshew said. “I mean, coming in as an undrafted rookie and to carry the load and help this team the way he has, he deserves all that. I’m all for individual accomplishments because that eventually that helps the team win. I wish everybody were out here breaking records and reaching milestones, so I think that’s something we should all strive for, and if everybody does their job to the level that James is doing it, then we’ll be alright.”
It’s been a long season for the Jaguars, but what Robinson has done this season is a huge accomplishment, so for Jacksonville to celebrate him is not a bad thing, even in a loss.
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