If you're an average Jets fan, then you most likely didn't hear the name Robby Anderson too much early in training camp. But things are different now after his performance against the Redskins on Friday night as the undrafted rookie wide receiver led the team with six catches for 131 yards in a 22-18 loss. And after his 42-yard touchdown from quarterback Bryce Petty and a 50-yarder from Petty, all of a sudden Anderson's name is on everybody's radar.
"My phone was going crazy," he said of his friends and family's reaction to his breakout effort. "Everybody wanted to congratulate me and say how proud they were of me."
The Temple product had one catch in the preseason opener against the Jaguars — a stark contrast from his second pro appearance. Anderson's 131 receiving yards were the most for the Jets in the summer season since the 2008 preseason opener at Cleveland, when David Clowney had 163 yards on four catches.
"I take a lot of reps in practice against Darrelle Revis and Buster Skrine, so that's been preparing me," Anderson said after Sunday's practice. "And I'm learning a lot from Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker, so I was more comfortable with the transition from game one to game two."
Owl RootsThe wideout looked more cozy on the field as the game progressed and he even earned a hug from fellow Temple alum Todd Bowles after his TD reception in the fourth quarter.
"I feel like my earlier catches gave me a rhythm. They got me warmed up, got my confidence going, got me prepared and into the flow of the game," he said. "When Coach hugged me, I told him to throw up the 'T.' It feels good to have someone that understands what you went through in college and comes from the same background as you."
A Deer in Neon Headlights
Anderson, who wears neon green cleats during practice, sticks out like a sore thumb on the field. The lean 6'3", 190-pounder runs so effortlessly he's frequently referred to as gazelle-like.
"I'm pretty fast. I ran a 4.2, so being more explosive has never been hard for me. I was blessed with speed," he said. "My agent gave me the cleats and I just think they drop 'sauce' and 'swag,' so I like them."
The Floridian, who has been taking reps on Brant Boyer's punt-coverage unit at gunner, is gearing up to do everything in his power to make the final roster.
"I just come in every day and focus on my craft and try to be the best I can be with every single rep that I take," he said. "I want to learn everything possible, prepare in practice so that I can be ready to go in the game. I'm just here to contribute as best as I can to the team."
