Starting in Week 5 against a vulnerable Vikings’ defense, the Detroit Lions’ wide receivers need to step up their level of performance.
As the NFL calendar turns to Week 5, the Detroit Lions’ leading receiver is tight end T.J. Hockenson with 215 yards per NFL.com. D’Andre Swift is second on the team with 199 receiving yards. Notice that I have not stated a wide receiver among the team leaders in receiving yards. It’s time for Lions’ wide receivers to step up, starting in Week 5 versus the Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings rank 18th against the pass per ESPN, allowing 1,014 yards in four games this season. Minnesota has also allowed 542 rushing yards, which ranks 26th in the league. This collection of defenders are by no means a top-tier defense. The Lions should be able to move the ball effectively this Sunday.
During this NFL season, the Lions’ offensive line has been devastated by injuries. Losing three starting offensive linemen is a massive loss, these turn of events are unfortunate. I am here to remind Lions fans that the sky is not falling in Detroit. Jared Goff has to improve his passing efficiency against the blitz; defenses will now blitz more aggressively with the Lions missing vital pieces upfront.
With Goff favoring short routes and finding his targets in the middle of the field, the receivers in this group should flourish with their talents. Hockenson has been drawing serious attention from defenses the last two games. With the opposition sending more coverage his way, the opportunity for more 1-on-1 situations should increase for the other pass catchers.
Quintez Cephus led all Lion’s wide outs last week with 62 snaps on the field. Cephus can win single matchups on contested catches, as he displayed this season versus stout defensive teams. He can also use his speed to separate from defenders in press-man coverage or find holes in zone defenses. Cephus has two touchdowns for the Lions this season. His receiving metrics will improve as the connection grows with his quarterback.
Kalif Raymond has the most NFL experience in the Lions receiver room with five years of being in the league. He is very explosive down the field and in open space. Raymond utilizes his speed to fly by corners and safeties. He scored two touchdowns against the Chicago Bears, which equated to his highest total this season for one game. The way he analyses defenses while displaying his versatility running routes helps the offense tremendously every single week.
Amon-Ra St. Brown is a rookie from USC. During this preseason he flashed brilliance in his route running abilities; displaying exceptional hands while learning difficult transitions from the NCAA to the NFL. St. Brown played 51 snaps last week, which is the highest amount played for the season. Adapting and learning the playbook while taking what the defense gives him in various coverages, shows patience within his game. The future looks very bright for this young talent.
The Lions don’t have a Calvin Johnson or Herman Moore in this group of pass-catchers. These receivers are not XFL caliber players either. I believe this group can exceed the low expectations that they have obtained. Defenses will try to take the running game away from Detroit, so the Lions’ wide receivers will have to step up to help the team reach any sort of goals offensively this season.
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