Detroit Lions wide receiver corps cracks PFF’s top ten
Pro Football Focus has ranked the Detroit Lions’ wide receivers one of the NFL’s best units
The Detroit Lions appear to be set to field one the NFL’s top offenses in 2020. And one of the top analytics websites seems to agree.
This offseason, the Lions have gone about the business of surrounding 32-year old quarterback Matthew Stafford with his most talented supporting cast in his 11-year career in the Motor City so far. And it starts with a trio of veteran wide receivers.
Marvin Jones, Kenny Golladay, and Danny Amendola represent a gifted and skillful receiver corps that likely trumps any he’s ever had in Detroit from top to bottom. Granted, Stafford will never have another wideout like Calvin Johnson.
Still, this is a group of offensive playmakers that should help the Lions bounce back from a dismal 3-12-1 record in 2019. Here’s what Steve Palazzolo of Pro Football Focus wrote about the Lions’ receivers after ranking their unit the seventh-best in the NFL entering the 2020 regular season.
"“The Lions have a well-rounded group of receivers, starting with Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay on the outside … While Golladay and Jones make for an excellent one-two punch, Danny Amendola is a perfect complement in the slot … Detroit has one of the better groups in the league and can create chunk plays as well as any receiving corps in the NFL.”"
The Lions’ trio of starting receivers were able to put up impressive numbers last season despite Stafford only playing eight games due to injury. Golladay racked up 65 receptions for 1,190 yards and led the NFL with 11 receiving touchdowns while also earning the first Pro Bowl nod of his three-year career.
ALSO READ: Detroit Lions hope offensive line changes spark rushing attack
Marvin Jones wasn’t that far behind Golladay in stats, recording 62 catches for 779 yards and nine scores despite playing in only 13 games. And Amendola had his best performance since 2015 in his first season in Motown, posting 62 receptions for 678 yards and a score.
Detroit Lions’ starting receivers have no guarantees beyond 2020
Ironically, each one of the Lions’ starting wide receivers enters 2020 in the final year of their respective contracts in Detroit. Although it may seem strange, that fact could actually work as a great motivator for this trio to put up career performances in an effort to earn an extension or simply build a better resume for free agency.
Next. Detroit Lions - 5 best individual offensive seasons since 2010. dark
Despite coming off of two back-to-back down years, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about the Detroit Lions heading into the 2020 regular season. This talented group of receivers is one of them.