First quarter grades for the disrespected Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions Receivers and Tight Ends
This group has seen a rather obvious uptick in production from several sources. Kenny Golladay is playing like a number one guy. The players around him have been relatively healthy, except for rookie tight end T.J. Hockenson‘s concussion and shoulder injuries, which just happened.
The additions of slot receiver Danny Amendola, Jesse James, Logan Thomas at tight end, Hockenson, and wide receiver Marvin Jones, Jr. being more healthy have allowed Matthew Stafford to spread the ball around.
This group have propelled the Lions into first place among NFC North offenses. The Lions have averaged 24.2 points and 267.0 yards per contest, both good for 10th best in the NFL.
Golladay and Jones rank twenty-fourth and thirty-first, respectively, in yards. T.J. Hockenson had the best rookie tight end game ever in Week One. Amendola had a 100-yard game, also. The Golladay-Jones dynamic duo has netted 520 yards, 37 receptions, and five touchdowns, giving them a top ten set of wideouts.
Grade: B+, there’s still room for improvement but the receivers are a strength of the team, especially after completely overhauling the tight end position.