Detroit Lions: 5 Initial Observations from Training Camp
By Justin Simon
Dec 29, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Golden Tate (81) catches the ball to score a touchdown against the St. Louis Rams during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Golden Tate Underrated
Is Golden Tate the most underrated player on the Lions right now? It sure seems that way. Maybe it’s because he’s playing next to the best receiver in the league, but I think once the season starts people’s eyes will be opened to the type of impact he’ll have on the Lions.
Golden Tate is an outstanding route runner. Quick release, explodes in/out of break point and works back to the ball. Big year ahead.
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) July 29, 2014
The biggest thing Tate can do is give Matthew Stafford a reliable second option outside of Calvin Johnson. It’s no secret that when Johnson has been out with injuries, the offense came to a screeching hault. That should change now. It’s also no secret the Lions have been one the clumsiest teams in the league over the past few years, dropping 58 passes as a team in 2013 alone.
Tate’s sure hands should be a bright spot for Stafford this season. When Nate Burleson was the number two receiver over the last three seasons, he had a drop rate of 7.32%, compared to Tate’s 1.79%. As a result you should see an increase in completion percentage from Stafford in 2013 as well.