Allen Robinson considers himself one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. This is why he has remained steadfast in his demands regarding a new contract. While specific numbers aren’t known, most presume he’s looking for $20+ million per year. A price tag the Chicago Bears haven’t been willing to meet. Why? Some believe they’re just being cheap. Others though wonder if it’s something simpler. Maybe the organization doesn’t see Robinson as a true top receiver worth that kind of money. Kurt Warner seems to agree.
When discussing the state of the Bears offense around Justin Fields with Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune, the Hall of Fame quarterback came away unimpressed. He doesn’t think the array of weapons GM Ryan Pace has assembled is anywhere close to what is necessary to help make the young QB successful. His most notable comment came across as nothing less than a direct shot at Robinson.
“You have to have true difference-making players and specifically at the skill positions,” Warner said. “That’s where our game has gone to. And candidly, I can’t remember the last time I looked at the Bears offense and said, ‘Wow! That guy’s a game-changer.’ That’s really where a lot of this starts. It’s finding those linchpin guys who can hold the thing together and cover up some of your major weaknesses.”
That is as ice cold as it gets.
Warner basically stated that he doesn’t see Robinson as a true difference-maker. Is he wrong? Not based on the way 2021 has gone. The 28-year old receiver is in the midst of his worst-ever season. Just 353 yards and one touchdown in 10 games. Not to mention a handful of ugly drops. Something he wasn’t supposed to be known for. This isn’t the play of a true #1 wide receiver. Merely a guy that wants to get paid like one.
There is no denying Robinson has been the best pass target on the Bears offense for the past three years. In all honesty though? That isn’t saying much. For all the talk about back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, he hasn’t been much of a factor when it comes to scoring touchdowns. Just 18 in 53 games. This is not to say Robinson is a bad receiver. He isn’t. The reality is he isn’t on the same level as the best in this league.
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Kurt Warner made the underlying point crystal clear
What the Bears have right now isn’t good enough. The receivers and tight ends on this team aren’t making enough plays for their quarterback. Too many dropped passes. Too many incorrect routes run. Not enough effort attacking the football. Guys aren’t making plays. They’re relying on Fields to do the bulk of the work with his passing accuracy and even when the balls are on target they aren’t caught often enough.
A quarterback is only as good as his supporting cast. Too many times in the previous decades have the Bears failed to stock the cupboard with capable weapons. Robinson is a good player. One of the best receivers they’ve employed in the modern era. Yet what Kurt Warner says is true. The team can do better. If he wants to leave because he thinks he’ll get more money elsewhere? Then so be it.
His recent play suggests that might not be the best idea.
Warner likely won’t be the only person that reaches this conclusion in the next month or so. Presuming the Bears make changes in the front office, the next GM will likely see the same issue and set about finding Fields more help. It is just unfortunate things reached this point with A-Rob. He deserved to be the one that broke all the franchise receiving records.
