The Detroit Lions had a rollercoaster season in 2018, finishing with a 6-10 record. While the team struggled to find consistency, the receiving corps managed to put up some impressive numbers. In this article, we’ll take a look back at the Detroit Lions receivers’ 2018 stats.
With the departure of Golden Tate mid-season, many fans were left wondering how the Lions would fare without their top receiver. However, the remaining receivers stepped up and proved themselves to be a formidable group. Let’s dive into the stats and see what they accomplished.
The Leading Receiver: Kenny Golladay
Kenny Golladay, a third-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, emerged as the team’s leading receiver in 2018. He finished the season with 70 receptions for 1,063 yards and 5 touchdowns. Golladay’s breakout season was a pleasant surprise for the Lions, as he had shown glimpses of talent in his rookie year but had yet to establish himself as a true No. 1 receiver.
Golladay’s size and athleticism make him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. At 6’4” and 214 pounds, he has the ability to win jump balls and make contested catches. He also has excellent speed for his size, making him a threat to take the top off of defenses. Golladay’s emergence as a legitimate No. 1 receiver gives the Lions a promising future at the position.
Marvin Jones Jr.: The Reliable Veteran
Marvin Jones Jr. has been a consistent contributor for the Lions since signing with the team in 2016. In 2018, he continued to be a reliable target for quarterback Matthew Stafford. Jones finished the season with 35 receptions for 508 yards and 5 touchdowns, despite missing the final seven games of the season due to injury.
Jones’ absence was a significant loss for the Lions, as he had been one of Stafford’s go-to receivers in previous seasons. However, his production in the first nine games of the season was enough to make an impact on the team’s overall stats. Jones’ veteran presence and consistent play will be crucial for the Lions moving forward.
The Slot Receiver: Golden Tate
Golden Tate was the Lions’ top receiver for the first half of the season, before being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8. Despite playing in only seven games for the Lions, Tate finished the season with 44 receptions for 517 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Tate’s departure was a significant loss for the Lions, as he had been one of the team’s most reliable and productive receivers. His ability to make plays after the catch and his versatility as a receiver made him a valuable asset to the Lions’ offense. While the Lions managed to fill the void left by Tate’s departure, his absence was still felt throughout the remainder of the season.
The Rest of the Receiving Corps
The Lions’ receiving corps was not limited to just Golladay, Jones, and Tate. There were several other players who made contributions throughout the season. Here’s a look at some of their stats:
T.J. Jones
T.J. Jones finished the season with 19 receptions for 190 yards and 2 touchdowns. While his production was not as significant as some of the other receivers, he still managed to make an impact when called upon.
Theo Riddick
Theo Riddick, primarily a running back, also contributed as a receiver out of the backfield. He finished the season with 61 receptions for 384 yards and no touchdowns. While Riddick’s production as a receiver was not as significant as in previous seasons, he still provided a valuable option out of the backfield.
Brandon Powell
Brandon Powell, an undrafted rookie, made his NFL debut in Week 13 and finished the season with 6 receptions for 103 yards and no touchdowns. While his production was limited, Powell showed promise and could be a player to watch in future seasons.
Conclusion
The Detroit Lions’ receivers had a productive season in 2018, despite the team’s overall struggles. Kenny Golladay emerged as a legitimate No. 1 receiver, while Marvin Jones Jr. continued to be a reliable veteran presence. While the loss of Golden Tate was felt throughout the remainder of the season, the rest of the receiving corps stepped up and made contributions. With a promising group of receivers, the Lions have the potential to have a dynamic offense in the coming seasons.
Komentar
Posting Komentar