One Roster Decision The Chicago Bears Can't Put Off Anymore

There were many disappointments coming out of the Green Bay Packers game. People stayed focused on the obvious ones like Justin Fields, Nate Davis, Chase Claypool, Justin Jones, and Eddie Jackson. Yet the problems went deeper than that. Several depth players also did little with their opportunities. Few were more disappointing than Dominique Robinson. The Chicago Bears made the decision to keep the former 5th round pick over guys like Terrell Lewis and Trevis Gipson despite both outperforming him in training camp and the preseason.

Coaches still felt his significant upside to keep working with. However, his quiet camp and preseason signaled that Robinson may not have made as much progress as they'd hoped. Then he got blanked by Green Bay in the pass rush column. In 13 rush opportunities, he failed to generate a single pressure. Robinson has now played 297 pass rush snaps between this and last season. He has 15 pressures and 1.5 sacks in that span. For context, Patriots edge rusher Josh Uche played 285 such snaps last year. He had 56 pressures.

The Chicago Bears have to play guys that impact the game.

Robinson hasn't done that in almost every game after the 2022 opener. There is no denying he has the pure athletic tools for the position. What he doesn't have is the natural instincts and killer instinct for it. He's still far too passive and bland in his approach. He hasn't figured out how to utilize his power. Opposing tackles aren't fooled by any of the moves he tries. Maybe the Packers offensive line was just that good. Then again, it felt like a continuation of what the Bears have already seen for several months.

Patience is always required when developing young players, this is true. That said, there has to come a point when you realize there is no tangible progress. Robinson isn't getting it. You have to start believing he is hurting the team more than helping by taking snaps from guys who might do more with them. The Chicago Bears can't wait forever on this. Head coach Matt Eberflus must toe the line between patience and stubbornness. Robinson is reaching that point. Sunday in Tampa Bay might be his last chance to start making a real impact.