Getting the OPOY at such a young age gives JSN a great chance at repeating, but a lot of stars had to align for him to win it last season: The running game struggled early, allowing JSN to soak up a lot of targets (eight 100+yd. games in the first eleven). Once the offense became more balanced, he had only one 100+yd. game in the last 6.
And, while there's no guarantee that Price/Wilson/Holani will start where Walker/Charbs left off, we've spent several weeks lauding the anticipated contributions of Shaheed, Horton, Barner, Arroyo, Ouzts, et.al. If these guys are playing bigger roles, then JSN's targets will be reduced, and so will his chances of winning awards.
It's going to be hard to keep all of those pass-catching guys happy, isn't it?
I don't think you have to run the ball all that often to be a "run first" team. Use a lot of tight formations and a fullback. Run it on 3rd downs, and throw it to JSN 40% of the time you don't run, and 10% to each of the other guys. That's a huge oversimplification, but you get the idea.
WOW! That JSN vs DK stat of games with 8+ catches and >100 yards is really eye-opening! More great games for JSN in 3 years than DK has had in 7 years!
DK seemingly has all the physical gifts in the world, but can’t harness them or his emotions. JSN, despite being so much smaller and without the burning straightline speed, has nonetheless harnessed his skills with hard work, taking coaching (including from fellow WR, Cooper Kupp), and just generally worked his way to greatness. As Zez says below, for a running team to have the top WR in the game is so unusual, and was perhaps the Key to our SB run on offense. Just AMAZING, and deserves to be really appreciated by us Hawks fans!!
Not that one thing has anything to do with the other thing exactly, but I'm interested to see how Riq Woolen does in Philly this year. I'm guessing his attitude holds him back, similar to the way DK seems to be holding himself back in Pittsburgh.
I think JSN’s 8+ catch 100+ yard games all came last year. He did it all in one year, not three. DK was hogging all the targets in JSN’s rookie and 2nd year.
Indeed! DK may have signed an extension with the Steelers which was top 5 WR pay at the time, but he’s more of a top 20-25 receiver now. JSN is truly top 5, probably top 3 and maybe the best WR in the league.
One of the most unappreciated things about JSN’s season is what you said at the end — his routes run. Compared to Calvin Johnson’s benchmark season it’s not even close. That game you mentioned where he literally was the difference with less than 75 yds receiving is so incredible — the guy doesn’t have to be the centerpiece.
For a running team to have the passing yards leader is almost unheard of (maybe it is 100% unheard of?) and JSN did it. Wow
Getting the OPOY at such a young age gives JSN a great chance at repeating, but a lot of stars had to align for him to win it last season: The running game struggled early, allowing JSN to soak up a lot of targets (eight 100+yd. games in the first eleven). Once the offense became more balanced, he had only one 100+yd. game in the last 6.
And, while there's no guarantee that Price/Wilson/Holani will start where Walker/Charbs left off, we've spent several weeks lauding the anticipated contributions of Shaheed, Horton, Barner, Arroyo, Ouzts, et.al. If these guys are playing bigger roles, then JSN's targets will be reduced, and so will his chances of winning awards.
It's going to be hard to keep all of those pass-catching guys happy, isn't it?
I don't think you have to run the ball all that often to be a "run first" team. Use a lot of tight formations and a fullback. Run it on 3rd downs, and throw it to JSN 40% of the time you don't run, and 10% to each of the other guys. That's a huge oversimplification, but you get the idea.
WOW! That JSN vs DK stat of games with 8+ catches and >100 yards is really eye-opening! More great games for JSN in 3 years than DK has had in 7 years!
DK seemingly has all the physical gifts in the world, but can’t harness them or his emotions. JSN, despite being so much smaller and without the burning straightline speed, has nonetheless harnessed his skills with hard work, taking coaching (including from fellow WR, Cooper Kupp), and just generally worked his way to greatness. As Zez says below, for a running team to have the top WR in the game is so unusual, and was perhaps the Key to our SB run on offense. Just AMAZING, and deserves to be really appreciated by us Hawks fans!!
Not that one thing has anything to do with the other thing exactly, but I'm interested to see how Riq Woolen does in Philly this year. I'm guessing his attitude holds him back, similar to the way DK seems to be holding himself back in Pittsburgh.
More great games in ONE year than DK's 7 which is even wilder IMHO
I think JSN’s 8+ catch 100+ yard games all came last year. He did it all in one year, not three. DK was hogging all the targets in JSN’s rookie and 2nd year.
Danno, Holy Cow! that makes JSN’s accomplishments even more amazing - and validates the rationale for trading DK!
Indeed! DK may have signed an extension with the Steelers which was top 5 WR pay at the time, but he’s more of a top 20-25 receiver now. JSN is truly top 5, probably top 3 and maybe the best WR in the league.
One of the most unappreciated things about JSN’s season is what you said at the end — his routes run. Compared to Calvin Johnson’s benchmark season it’s not even close. That game you mentioned where he literally was the difference with less than 75 yds receiving is so incredible — the guy doesn’t have to be the centerpiece.
For a running team to have the passing yards leader is almost unheard of (maybe it is 100% unheard of?) and JSN did it. Wow