When you hear Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn talk about what he looks for in players, Amik Robertson comes to mind. When Quinn calls a player a dog--- competitor, Robertson fits that description to a T.
Back in March, some criticized the Commanders for signing Robertson, a 5-foot-9 cornerback, to a two-year deal. Robertson wasn’t considered a bad player, but many believed he was best suited for the slot. And Washington already had plans to move Mike Sainristil back into the slot.
However, plans change. Projected starting cornerback Trey Amos practiced only one day in training camp and injured his ankle. He began the regular season on injured reserve. Ahkello Witherspoon retired, and the Commanders suddenly had to look to free agency
to add veteran depth.
Meanwhile, Sainristil’s struggles from last season have carried into this season. He played a career-low 26 snaps in Week 3 and still allowed two touchdowns.
Good thing Washington general manager Adam Peters signed Robertson. Through three games, Robertson has been phenomenal, lining up mostly outside. In Sunday’s upset win over Seattle, Robertson had a game to remember, finishing with six tackles and four passes defended. Robertson was matched up with Seahawks star Jaxon Smith-Njigba for part of the game and allowed only three receptions on nine targets to the receivers he lined up against.
.@Seahawks @Commanders @_YoungTruth7 was the best defensive back in this matchup and the Commanders don't shock the World Champs without his plays all day long. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/ghVYEPV898
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) September 28, 2026
Yes, Robertson has been outstanding on the field. You could probably call him Washington’s defensive MVP through three games, although linebacker Sonny Styles could make his case, too. But what separates Robertson is his attitude. Not his attitude off the field. He’s a terrific teammate. But his attitude on the field. Despite his size, Robertson isn’t afraid to tackle much larger players. He’s not afraid to line up against the opposition’s best wideout, as we witnessed in Week 3. He plays with a swagger and a confidence Washington defensive backs have lacked for years.
Do you think Robertson will hide if he gets beat? No, he’s right back in the receiver’s face on the next play.
In an offseason full of signings and outside additions, Robertson is quickly proving to be one of the most valuable. It’s no surprise that Quinn is already a huge fan of Robertson. After all, he’s a dog--- competitor.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders CB Amik Robertson is off to an unprecedented start
