When rookie linebacker Keenan Robinson was drafted in the fourth round of this year's draft, he was considered a possible successor to veteran pro-bowler London Fletcher.
In the five months since he joined the team, Robinson has soaked up as much as possible from the Redskins Iron Man, trying to model his game after No. 59.
"I talk to London all the time," Robinson said. "He's a great guy. He has really tried to help me out in the short time I've been here.
"He's a guy I can definitely learn a lot from, just look up to and try and tailor my game after him."
Robinson is listed as the primary backup to Perry Riley at inside linebacker, but has the ability to play outside in the 3-4 scheme. Playing multiple positions is something he is comfortable with having played all over the defense while at Texas.
Robinson has also been an asset so far on special teams, where he has used his speed and athleticism to record four special teams tackles
Defensive coordinator Jim Haslett praised Robinson's Week 6 performance against the Vikings, where he recorded his first career tackle on defense.
"Keenan did well," Haslett said. "He did a good job. He's a good cover guy. He rushed a couple of times."
Robinson has seen increased playing time in the last two weeks, especially when Fletcher was hobbled by a hamstring injury against the Giants.
With Fletcher unsure to suit up for the first time in more than 200 consecutive starts this Sunday, Robinson could play a critical role against the Steelers.
If that's the case, Robinson said he and his teammates are ready to rise to the occasion.
"It's just the handling of our business," Robinson told ESPN 980. "Take care of what we need to take care of and play the Redskin way. We need to continue on what we started [against the Vikings]."
The Redskins pass defense is currently ranked last in the NFL, yielding 328 yards-per-game through the air with 16 touchdowns.
If they expect to beat Mike Wallace and the Steelers aerial attack, Robinson knows they will need to create more pressure on elusive quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
"When we do rush, make sure we eliminate passing lanes for the quarterback, eliminate ways for him to escape," Robinson said. "We've just got to play together, play all on the same page and coordinated in stopping the quarterback and stopping the passing game."
A road win on Sunday will require a total team effort, especially on third down. Currently allowing the seventh-most third down conversions in the league, Robinson and the defense will look to get the ball back and put it in the playmaking hands of Robert Griffin III.
"We definitely have playmakers on that side of the ball," Robinson said. "If we do what we need to do and execute our game plan I think we'll be fine. We'll be able to stop their offense and I think surprise some people."
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