06-09-2020, 11:57 AM
(06-09-2020, 11:33 AM)SHRacerX Wrote: I don't know. I think it is overrated when evaluating a WR. I mean, look at Michael Thomas. People know that slant is coming and they still can't stop it. The guy has hands of glue and Brees is one of the most accurate QBs of all time. (cue Burrow references). I don't believe it is overrated when it comes to building a team. If you have a bunch of WRs that don't generate quick separation and you have a poor offensive line, then you have a recipe for disaster. You need a guy (or two) that can get open quick on teams like that. I think of how much Welker and Edelman helped New England's offense with quick separation and nickel-and-diming teams until they got sloppy and Brady could beat them deep. One of my concerns with the Bengals is they only have Ross that really fits that mold, and a bunch of larger possession-type WRs. I'm sure Burrow's accuracy and confidence (like the quote about when he sees a DBs back, he is going to let it fly) will help matters, as will his outstanding vision, but I really hope the line can hold up long enough for his guys to finish their routes. I have faith that going empty will actually help spread teams out and attack them on multiple levels.
The interesting thing is Tate was 32nd in the league on cushion given. Guys aren't pressing him because of his size which allows him to get a free releases more often than not. People kind of misunderstand that you need to be fast/quick or you need to be big, you don't need to be both to accomplish the same threat. If you are fast people give a cushion because you can get by them, if you are big you give a cushion because if they get their release they will get the position and proper positioning with a size advantage is almost impossible to stop (hence why I keep harping on properly). In terms of Tate's route tree, he runs a lot of these slants because of the cushion he is getting and with that he gets good inside leverage that gives him a great shot at the ball with his size and ability to attack the ball.
