Blame it on the quarterback
As a rookie, Sidney Rice caught 31 balls for 396 yards. He followed that up by stepping backward en route to 15 catches and 141 yards in his sophomore season. He was on a path to bustville.
In 2009, his third season, Rice broke out for 1,312 yards on 83 catches. Did he all of a sudden start running better routes? Maybe. Did he get stronger? Perhaps. Was he higher on the depth chart? Yes.
But we all know what the real reason was for Rice’s breakout: He finally got a real NFL quarterback (Brett Favre) throwing him the ball. And that’s what is so important to remember about some of these receivers that have been disappointing. A lot of times, it simply isn’t their fault.
So as we head into free agency and the draft, here are six receivers that would benefit greatly from a potential QB change/improvement:
1. Chaz Schilens, Raiders: Bruce Gradkowski isn’t the answer, but he can make Schilens relevant in fantasy. He’s the Raiders’ best receiver. We’ll see what happens with JaMarcus.
2. Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly, Redskins: The ‘Skins are widely expected to take Sam Bradford with the No. 4 overall pick. Bradford’s much-heralded accuracy should help the separation issues these two receivers have.
3. Lee Evans, Bills: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Trent Edwards, and J.P Losman. That’s what Evans has had to work with. Still, I’m not sure Michael Vick or Jimmy Clausen would even be an upgrade.
4. Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs: Even before the suspension, Bowe was a little disappointing. His physical tools are top notch, he needs to Matt Cassel to take a big step up.
5. Brian Robiskie, Browns: The bust word was already thrown around after the second-round pick was barely active as a rookie. Robiskie needs to get out of coach Eric Mangini’s doghouse first.
Comments
Chris or Adam,
Would you guys consider putting together an entry about backup/injured QB's who could have an opportunity to start this offseason? For those in 2 QB dynasty leagues articles like this are extremely helpful.
For example someone like Brodie Croyle would seem to make a ton of sense for Buffalo. He learned under Galey in KC for the past few years, looked good last season in limited duty, would be available cheaply, and is buried behind Cassel's monster contract. When you hear some of the rumors about how much the Eagles are asking for for Kolb or McNabb (1st rd) would it not make sense for the Bills to deal a 4th for Croyle at an age (27) when he is likely mature enough to start, and he knows Galey`s system inside and out
Posted by: TC | February 14, 2010 9:18 PM
Hi TC,
Interesting idea. I'll work on that this week.
I gotta tell you though, I've never been high on Brodie Croyle.
Posted by: Chris | February 15, 2010 10:53 AM
Wouldn't Thigpen make more sense for Buffalo?
Chad Pennington has to be on the radar too, even if he starts the season as a backup somewhere.
Posted by: Adam L | February 15, 2010 11:33 AM
Re: Thigpen and Croyle. I don't see how either player is an upgrade on Trent Edwards, and Edwards is a recipe for a 4-12 season.
Thigpen still has not shown he can operate as a QB unless he's in a shotgun-spread. When I covered Chiefs games in early 2008, Thigpen was possibly the worst "under-center" QB I have ever seen in the NFL.
I don't know, Craig Whelihan was pretty bad.
Posted by: Chris | February 15, 2010 11:54 AM
Pennington might make sense for some teams who are closer to contention (Wsh, Car, Min, Oak, SF?) . However, the Bills need to bring in someone who offers some hope for the future and has a stronger arm for those weather conditions. Edwards has had an opportunity and shown nothing plus Galey will want to bring in his own guy he is comfortable with. I agree Croyle hasn't looked great (although week 1 vs Balt he was more than adequate), but no one would understand his strengths and weaknesses more than his former OC. On a team where the offense needs to be completely retooled, it would seem to make sense to take a low-risk chance(mid-late rd pick) on a QB who knows the system allowing the team to allocate other assets elsewhere.
Everyone seems so high on Kolb after two decent games this year but prior to this year he had showed nothing. Giving up a 1st or two 2nd's would seem like a hefty price to pay.
Posted by: TC | February 15, 2010 1:40 PM
Ineteresting assessment on Thigpen re: shotgun-spread v. under-center, considering Brady, Brees, Romo and others take 75%+ of their snaps in the shotgun....
Posted by: JBaer | February 15, 2010 1:55 PM
JB, are you really comparing Drew Brees and Tom Brady to Tyler Thigpen? Thigpen is an erratic, risk taking QB. He is never going to be a star in this league. He doesn't hold a flame to the accuracy and timing that Brees and Brady have.
TC, as far as Kolb, the consensus around Philadelphia is that we would rather have him here than give him up. Vick is definitely gone, and for our other two; if one of them is to leave, McNabb will be the first gone. The return might not even be a 1st round pick. Maybe more like a 2nd rounder and a conditional pick the following year.
Posted by: Ryan | February 15, 2010 2:21 PM