Four consecutive years

[*ochocincos*]

(10-17-2017, 03:34 PM)THE PISTONS Wrote: Yeah statistically LaFell replaced Jones production. But LaFell isn't a deep threat. He doesn't make defenses have to focus on him.

Someone is going to catch passes for a team so it goes far beyond stats.

Same with Sanu. This was especially evident when both Jones and Green were out and Sanu was the #1 option. Remember the Bengals-Colts playoff game where the top receiver was Bernard? Then Hewitt, then Burkhead. Sanu was fourth. FOURTH! The Colts didn't feel threatened about the receivers going deep or even getting separation, so they single covered them and focused on the running game.

For the record, I always considered LaFell and Boyd the same type of player. Solid guy who can play multiple spots but won't beat you with speed or via leaping ability. Both are more ideal fits as slot receivers with AJ Green and a deep threat on the field with them to ensure there will be some openings underneath for them to get open. With Erickson also on the roster, the Bengals also have essentially three slot receivers. That's one too many.

My hope is that (at least) one of John Ross, Cody Core, and/or Josh Malone will step up as that vertical threat to open up underneath coverage for LaFell/Boyd. Hasn't happened yet though.