Quote
RFL
To me, "1,000 yards" doesn't make the case either way.
To me, what every team needs is a WR who can regularly make key plays that move the chains and cash in on Red Zone trips. He has to be able beat a variety of defensive schemes and pressures. He has to give his QB an option when the pass rush is getting there and make tough catches. He has to be able to distort defenses by pulling attention, leaving gaps for others.
These things make a difference in games. They sustain possession and capitalize on points opportunities. They open up a variety of other pass and run options.
But all of this can be done relatively quietly. One does not have to be a physical stud overpowering secondaries, breaking the sound barrier, or logging highlight reel flash plays. One doesn't require staggering YAC ability stats or frequent long bomb TDs. One doesn't have to put up huge numbers, especially on a balanced offense with other options.
What one does have to do is to be productive in the medium passing game: 8-20 yards over the LOS. Those are the plays that move chains and really make the difference. They are also the hard plays, as they are generally contested by intact secondaries and require QBs to take on the pass rush. Under pressure a #1 WR has got to be able to get open downfield quickly enough to allow his QB to get rid of the ball.
Then, of course, the guy needs to catch the damn ball. A #1 has to have above average hands. Not necessarily the ability to take the ball away from defenders' hands, but the ability to make catch after catch. To keep DCs up at night trying to work out ways to neutralize the team's play maker.
The WR is generally the one who converts opportunity into actual achievement. He's the one who moves chains, opens up the Red Zone ... and makes a difference.
How do the guys in your list fare on all this? I dunno. I'll leave that question for others.
I didn't say 1000 yarders. Some of the people who disagree with me are saying I said that. What I said was different. [
ramsrule.com]
I said as a first step that it has to be someone with both 1000 yards at least AND 70 catches.
That's usually about 20 something guys a year.
I then added step 2. To become that and reach that level of production---which basically about 20 guys a year do--they have to have something else going for them, more than meets the eye. Tenacity, dedication, understanding of the game and defenses, study, desire, ability to constantly refine and work on technique...some of that, or all of that and more.
And it isn't always going to be guys who meet the eyeball test for "difference makers" either. It can be more modest guys who at least have hands, can run routes, are competitive, and understand the game...
PLUS more than that, something else extra too.
Think what it takes to catch at least 5 passes per game and get at least 60-70 yards a game, every game, in spite of defenses knowing your offense will be expecting to do that.
Again, that's a lot of considerations to make up what I am calling a #1.
I never said nor would say it's just getting 1000 yards.
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 07/07/2017 10:58AM by zn.
