One of the first things scouts look for in watching wide receivers is how consistently well they get open on their routes. While that is a very important attribute, the Lions receivers are proving that they can still thrive even though they’re often well-covered.
Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones are both having very impressive 2019 campaigns despite often being smothered by opposing coverage.
Per Next Gen Stats, Golladay is dead last in the NFL in average yards of separation per catch at just 1.9. Jones’ 2.2 figure is tied for fifth-worst. The Lions are one of two teams with two players in the bottom 20. The other is the New York Giants, featuring former Lions WR Golden Tate as third-worst at 2.1 yards of separation per catch.
It has not slowed down the productivity of the wideouts. Golladay is tied for the NFL lead in touchdown receptions with eight through 10 games. He’s tied with D.J. Chark from the Jaguars and…teammate Marvin Jones.
Both are on pace for over 1,000 receiving yards and double-digit touchdowns. Golladay ranks fifth in yards per reception with his 18.7 figure. Jones has a catch rate over 75 percent, the best of his career and near the league lead for players with at least 50 receptions.
It’s proof getting open isn’t everything for wide receivers. Having Matthew Stafford’s pinpoint accuracy into small throwing windows has certainly helped, but they’ve done just fine (though not as prolifically) with Jeff Driskel at the helm, too.
