Dominique Robinson wasn't ready to celebrate his first sack, but his preparation earned him it

CHICAGO — With a quick move to the inside of 49ers right tackle Mike McGlinchey, Bears defensive end Dominique Robinson earned himself a free pass to quarterback Trey Lance.

The rookie did not miss out on the opportunity to get the first sack of his career. Robinson grabbed the back of Lance’s jersey and ripped him down to the soggy grass.

After the game, Robinson said that he wasn’t prepared to celebrate this moment.

“It happened so quick, I didn’t have a sack celebration or nothing,” Robinson said.

Celebrations are something that the Bears’ coaches also put on film during the week. Yes, they will point out each and every loaf and hold their players accountable. But according to wide receiver Dante Pettis, they also showcase the good moments and determine who had the best celebration each week.

But Robinson doesn’t care about the celebration. He’s just focused on going out there and playing football.

Even though he did not have a sack celebration ready, Robinson was prepared to get after Lance due to a keen observation about a tell from LT Trent Williams he noticed while watching film.

“His kicks. On pass, he goes ‘kick, kick’ … I seen it, [Robert Quinn] seen it too on tape,” Robinson said. “It’s funny we didn’t talk, but I mentioned it on the field and [Quinn] was like ‘I see you watching tape. I’ve seen that too.'”

It was this tendency noticed on film that enabled Robinson to make this critical third-down sack with Roquan Smith in the red zone to hold the 49ers to a field goal.

Watch the left foot of Williams twist just a bit:

“Honestly, I didn’t know I had a sack. They were celebrating and I was like ‘what’s going on?’ I was just playing football and making plays,” Robinson said.

There is no questioning that rookie out of Miami (Ohio) made plays. He finished with a team-high 1.5 sacks and finished second on the team in total tackles with seven, only trailing Roquan Smith who had nine.

He was able to do all of this despite playing in only 28 of the 68 (41 percent) defensive snaps. Robinson attributes his immediate impact to the Bears’ H.I.T.S principle.

It feels great, because it shows that the H.I.T.S principle is working. It shows that when you follow what they’re teaching you’re going to make plays … If you hustle to the ball, you’re going to make some plays.”

Asked on whether or not it’s difficult to adhere to these principles, Robinson had this to say.

“It’s not hard to do, man. You hustle, have intensity, you take the ball away, and you be smart,” Robinson said. “It ain’t hard. That’s why they drafted and pulled the guys in that they know can do that. It’s what we’re going to do.”

Robinson is embracing what the coaches are teaching. He’s bought in. He also believes that he’s right where he is supposed to be.

“I’m just happy. I’m blessed. God allowed me to get picked by the right team. I got put in the right scheme and be able to do this. So, I’m going to make the most of it.”

Get Chicago's Best Sports Content In Your Inbox!Become a smarter Chicago sports fan with the latest game recaps, analysis and exclusive content from CHGO’s writers and podcasters!

Just drop your email below!

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Email *

Sign Up Now!

50741