Nice, 43
Interpreting what this unusual stat means may have less to do with the WR, and more to do with a developing QB.
I mean if the maturing QB represents the ability to make throws in tight windows, and close quarters, then it's partially a confidence thing.
In this case, I see a superb throw to Robert Woods versus Falcons in the playoffs. I see a superb throw to a tight end in the pro bowl game, and there's a lot to be said for 2018 and possessing what may be one of the elite WRs who makes plays in the toughest of situational catches. In traffic, working the sidelines, between defenders, or on fly routes with great coverage, and a safety barreling the other way if you do make the catch.
The numbers to pay Watkins may be intolerable for quite a few, yet the guy can do stuff many others can't
Coming back to my original point, the QB is still finding his sea legs out there. He had some open shots down the field to Watkins he either didn't see or didn't have the confidence to hit on. There's the thing to reconcile.
Is there a large upside to Sammy that was never realized, and admittedly some missed opportunities that were more on his QB?
Or is he an owner of an amazing toolset that isn't always committed to each snap, and missing opportunities because he's not dialed in on the playbook, and scheme?
On balance, I think the QB is coming on, and that with a 2nd round level commit to the young WR, that it's pretty easy to over spends on the tag number, and find out, rather than cut and replace. It just isn't that easy to get an offense redialed with new faces. They were "on" last season. Would hate to break that newly found camaraderie to find out the offense suddenly is sputtering again.
A topic that won't be put to bed for minute, however the first allowance for a tag date is February 20th. A short week away.
Will they, won't they?
