Megatron Slowing Down?

[tpaulus_2]

His numbers from the games he's played this season (9) projected out over a full 16 games:

87 receptions, 1,287 yards, 9 TDs

So on par with receptions from last year, average per reception down, and TDs down. Still a quality season, though. I think between him being banged up and our new offense sputtering so far it's hard to say he's lost anything at all. The guy just turned 29 to start this season, so, imo, the talk of him having lost a step is premature...

 

[Kreton]

I think CJ is still the best receiver in the game. His numbers are down due to injury and the offense like you said. He has had some easy drops last year and this year that might concern some, but overall still amazing.

 

[gandydancer]

I will not say he is fading. He will be top 3 WR for a few more seasons. The torch is always passed. The Lions actually seem to have found some receiving options. I expect CJ's numbers to never be some of what we saw in the past. As they should not be with a balanced offense. 1500 yards should be obtainable for him, however with Tate in the mix now maybe not.
I myself am not worried about his numbers so much as does he still get respect from other teams? How they cover him should dictate how the offense is run. Would love to see some single coverage go his way. He is still the dominate WR, just the Lions IMO do not need him to do it all these days

 

[tpaulus_2]

We're on pace to have two 1,000 yard receivers for the first time in quite a while...

 

[gvsulaker82]

May just be the lingering effects of his injury.

 

[TwoCents22]

If you take out the decoy game, I think his projected numbers are a little more on par for Megatron.

 

[Old Lion]

I dont believe he was close to 100% until the Bears game. Even now I do not think he is quite 100%.

 

[Howie115]

Not worried about CJ. Injuries, the presence of Tate, and that fact that Stafford has been sacked more than any QB in the league all have played a factor.

 

[TrustMeIamRight]

If you take out the decoy game, I think his projected numbers are a little more on par for Megatron.

I think two cents hit the nail on the head. One game -- Buffalo or maybe it was NY, they didn't even look his way. He was nothing more than a decoy because of his injury.

If he can stay healthy -- he is still the best WR in the game. It the healthy part he has had issues with. I think we will see him put up more big games going forward this year and for the next couple years.

A guy with his size and speed is just too difficult to defend. Even if he slows down some -- he is so damn big -- he is still a huge mismatch. With the addition of Tate -- it will only help Calvin, as he won't have the burden of being the entire offense from the WR position.

 

[TrustMeIamRight]

I dont believe he was close to 100% until the Bears game

He was to start the year. Said it was the first time he was 100% in quite some time after the offseason surgeries. It is too bad he injured his ankle. Prior to the injury -- he was averaging about 120 yards a game thru 3 games.

They say he really takes care of himself and lord knows, he is blessed genetically, so I don't think we will have much to worry about with him for at least a few more years.

 

[gvsulaker82]

We're on pace to have two 1,000 yard receivers for the first time in quite a while...

Perriman and moore?

 

[gandydancer]

Perriman and moore?

2006
Mike Furrey 1,086
Roy Williams 1,310

 

[gandydancer]

Holy WOW... while looking that up...
2008 CJ 1331
Shaun McDonald 332 second best. hope to not see that with Tate here for 3 more.

 

[HammerDown]

From the SportsHoopla blog: Have We Seen the Best of Calvin Johnson? | NFL | SportsHoopla.com

 

[gandydancer]

From the SportsHoopla blog: Have We Seen the Best of Calvin Johnson? | NFL | SportsHoopla.com

My answer yardage wise? Maybe. Play wise... hell no, he is and will be a beast a few more years.

With Tate beside him, CJ no longer needs to carry the load and have 1600-1800 yards. I would love to see CJ and Tate both around 1200-1400. IMO that means more balance and success in the offense.

 

[tpaulus_2]

If you take out the decoy game, I think his projected numbers are a little more on par for Megatron.

That and he was hurt from like the 2nd series on in the GB game. So of his 9 games, he was only healthy (or healthy enough to be effective) in 7 of them.

 

[tpaulus_2]

Perriman and moore?

Nope- more recently than that, believe it or not.

I'll give you a hint: the WRs were a guy who washed out of the league shortly thereafter, and a converted safety who led the NFC in receptions that season. Their QB was a religious fanatic who now teaches high school.

 

[gandydancer]

I guessed you missed my answer??

 

[Kreton]

I read somewhere that
]

2006
Mike Furrey 1,086
Roy Williams 1,310

was the last time we had 2 1000 yard receivers.

Holy WOW... while looking that up...2008 CJ 1331

Shaun McDonald 332 second best. hope to not see that with Tate here for 3 more.

Cant remember where I saw that but seems legit.

 

[Thruthefog]

Yes. He runs the 40 in .04 seconds slower than before.

But for a transformer, that is an eternity.