If you are looking for a bright spot from Sunday's loss, San Francisco 49ers rookie cornerback Rashard Robinson was impressive in his first NFL start. He was the highest rated player for the 49ers as he played in place of Jimmie Ward, who is week-to-week with a quad injury.
Robinson, who played in 67 snaps (88%) on Sunday, had a 92.3 grade from advanced statistics site Pro Football Focus. Prior to Week 4, he had only played in 45 snaps through the first three weeks of the season. Robinson's overall grade (84.5) for the season is a second only to ILB NaVorro Bowman (86.0), who is feared to be lost for the season with a torn Achilles.
"CB Rashard Robinson was targeted five times by Prescott and allowed two catches for only 12 yards," wrote Jordan Plocher or Pro Football Focus. "Robinson broke up the other three passes, and Prescott's QB rating when throwing at Robinson was only 47.9."
"If you need something positive from the game, Rashard Robinson looked like he has a bright future in this league," Jeff Deeney of Pro Football Focus said Sunday night.
The Cowboys' two touchdown passes went against the starting cornerback opposite Robinson – Tramaine Brock. Robinson has overtaken Jimmie Ward (82.6) as the team's top graded cornerback for the season. He may be making a case for himself to remain the team's starting cornerback once Ward is healthy enough to return – or perhaps a pairing of Robinson and Ward is in the 49ers' future.
Perfect defense by #Ely HS (FL), #LSU alum & @49ers CB Rashard Robinson (@SHAD_JUSTDOIT2)! Great example of playing through the WR's hands pic.twitter.com/HcKCusPyur
— Sleeper Athletes (@SleeperAthletes) October 2, 2016