FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Three days ago, Vic Fangio blasted Ty Robinson with a backhanded compliment when asked about the defensive tackle’s strong first preseason game.
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“Yeah, he came to life,” Fangio said. “He’s been on life support since he’s been here, but he came to life and hopefully that will continue.”
After Saturday, it’s clear Robinson is alive and well.
The 25-year-old put on a show in the Eagles’ 24-21 preseason loss vs. the Patriots at Gillette Stadium, logging two sacks, four tackles and three quarterback hits. Through two preseason games, Robinson now has three sacks, four quarterback hits and three tackles for loss.
So, did Robinson hear what Fangio said?
”I did,” Robinson said. “And you know what, I’ll take that as a compliment. He’s not wrong. Last year I had to find myself. I was on a scout team just understanding how the NFL worked and going up against a pretty good offensive line, so getting to work against those guys and just get better. It’s obviously showing that it’s helped.”
Fangio’s analysis wasn’t wrong. The 2025 Eagles fourth-round pick (111th overall) was buried on the depth chart a year ago, logging just 34 defensive snaps and totaling five tackles and one QB hit.
At the beginning of training camp, he took reps with the developmental group — a clear sign he was sliding down the depth chart. The ex-Nebraska standout looked like a candidate to miss the 53-man roster all together.
Everything changed with a string of great practices and an excellent preseason showing.
Early in the first quarter last Saturday, Robinson blew past Ravens guard Emery Jones Jr. to sack quarterback Tyler Huntley. In the days leading up to the Ravens game, Robinson showed his ferocity in another way when he had a brief skirmish with guard Tyler Steen after a one-on-one rep.
Against the Patriots, Robinson ran the same stunt twice to bring down quarterback Tommy DeVito two times in the second quarter.
The Eagles still have a loaded defensive tackle group. Don’t expect Robinson to dethrone Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo or even Byron Young anytime soon.
But for the first time since he turned pro, Robinson is showing promise — which surely pleases general manager Howie Roseman, who spent an early Day 3 pick on him last year.
Lane Johnson rejoined training camp this past week after a multi-day absence, but his return brought with it the announcement that 2026 is “probably” going to be his last NFL season. What does the prospect of the All-Pro’s retirement mean in both the short- and long-term? The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and Ryan Novozinsky take a look at what the Eagles can expect from Johnson in his 14th year as a pro, and who might be waiting in the wings to replace him. Listen here.
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