By whose standard 43?
Would I have like to see Watkins do more? Sure. But you have to throw the ball to him!
He had 8 TDs...20% of his catches were TDs! What that says to me is you should be looking for him more. His TDs weren't in garbage time. They were in crunch time. And, frankly, Watkins was really our only Red Zone threat outside of Gurley.
Cooper Kupp lost more games for us than Sammy Watkins, yet because Watkins only created situations for Kupp to succeed, Watkins under performed. That attitude by many is a fact. And to me, that attitude is ridiculous. And I like Kupp and what he did so I'm not down on him...I"m just stating facts. Kupp's success and the times he helped us win was affected significantly by Watkins.
Further...Let me first say...this is not to blame Goff...BUT...
He is a young QB. There were numerous times this year, and maybe by design, he checked down. I think he checked down too quickly because I can state positively, having watched every game, Watkins was open downfield but Goff went underneath. Was that by design? I don't know. But it wasn't like Watkins wasn't in position to make a play. Goff limited his turnovers and that is a great thing. But many of his yards came by screen pass to Gurley. So, I think Goff has an opportunity to improve SIGNIFICANTLY on his downfield/deep balls. And, if he does gain confidence and improve his deep throws, it will likely be Watkins who is the benefactor.
Here is the rub to me...
We have had a sorry arse team for a decade. And, to my disbelief, people are already seeking ways to dismantle pieces of our success. I'm literally astounded which is why I posted what I did about Robinson. Too many are Ignoring the obvious and questioning success. That's a bad equation for success.
"Trade Donald for a guard!" "Watkins has had limited impact!"
Statements like these are frankly disappointing to me...and I'm scratching my head because I'm in disbelief...or I have dandruff...one of two!