Wan’Dale Robinson Earns Kudos from Fellow NFC East Playmaker
The New York Giants' 2023 offense was supposed to be explosive. But injuries and a lack of consistent play led to just 44 passing plays of 20+ yards, tied for 26th in the league.
As disappointing as the offense was in 2023, there were some bright spots, one being receiver Wan’Dale Robinson, returning from a torn ACL suffered as a rookie, an injury that cut short what was starting to look like a promising career.
After a slow start to the 2023 season, as he continued the latter stages of his rehab that saw his practice snaps managed, Robinson posted 60 catches, 525 yards, and one touchdown while adding 87 yards and another touchdown on the ground.
His 60 receptions led the Giants and was third-best on the team in receiving yards, trailing only Darius Slayton (770) and Darren Waller (552). He made some highlight plays in the team’s comeback win against Green Bay, hauling in six catches for 79 yards. He ended the season on a high note, with five catches for 85 yards, which was a season-high.
The numbers might not be highlight-reel-worthy. Still, people around the league certainly took notice of his contributions and ability, including Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who knows a thing or two about being a play-making wide receiver in this league.
Lamb, a guest on The Edge podcast hosted by teammate Micah Parsons, had high praise for the Giants’ slot receiver.
“You know who’s a sleeper? Wan’Dale Robinson from New York. He’s so fast. He’s so nice. His routes are crazy.”
Lamb, who this season earned All-Pro honors thanks to a 135-reception, 1,749-yard, 12-touchdown season, should know a thing or two about what an up-and-coming receiver looks like. And if he's taken notice of Robinson’s impact, it might not take long for the rest of the league to pay more attention.
Nov 20, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (17) breaks a tackle by Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) in front of cornerback Mike Hughes (23) during the second half at MetLife Stadium.
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
As promising as Robinson has looked, he can't do it alone. The Giants offense is in a state of flux. The offensive line needs to be much better than last year, regardless of the five-man starting lineup, and the Giants also need to start getting better quarterback play, regardless of who starts there.
And the Giants could certainly use a No. 1 receiver, something that, for as good as Robinson was last year, he lacks the size and physicality to be a constant force on the outside.
Regardless, it's clear that Robinson, the receiver who went he was drafted No. 2 overall out of Kentucky in a move that shocked many people, given his potential fit into the Giants' offense, has worked himself into the team's foundation going forward.
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