The Detroit Lions have excelled at catching the ball under pressure in 2019. Starting wideout Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones Jr. are tied for second in volume of contested catches through the first seven weeks.
In this case, the volume really does go to 11. Golladay and Jones have each hauled in 11 passes judged as contested catches in the Lions’ first six games. Only Michael Thomas of the New Orleans Saints has more than the Lions duo, and Thomas has played an extra game.
Being great at contested catches is a great attribute, but it also does indicate an inability to consistently get open. That’s especially true of Golladay relative to the other names on the list, which also includes Julio Jones and Allen Robinson.
Matthew Stafford trusts his receivers to come down with passes in tight coverage, and that’s also where Golladay thrives. Jones made three of his contested catches among his seven receptions in Week 7 against the Vikings, including two touchdown catches that would be considered contested.
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