Calvin or Larry? (1 Viewer)

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

settle debate from Rams game thread

 

[SSOG]

Larry. Calvin is the better physical specimen, so when he dominates, it's more obvious... but Fitzgerald is a master at all those subtle little things that separate the good from the great. His hands and focus are better, his consistency level is higher, his routes are crisper and he's a master at disguising them. Plus he works harder. I'd be a lot more confident in Fitzgerald's ability to play to 38 than Calvin's. And, weaker measurables aside, I don't know if I've ever seen a receiver put up a stretch as dominant as Fitzgerald's during their SB run. 30/546/7 in four games, despite every defense keying their entire gameplan on stopping him.

Really, though, it's like arguing Rice vs. Moss. Moss had the more dominant physical gifts, Rice was the true student of the craft, but you couldn't go wrong with either.

 

[Buffaloes]

in real life: Fitz. He's a much more polished & complete WR

fantasy football: Obviously Calvin

Larry is more of a Jerry Rice technician, does everything right guy.

Calvin is more like Moss.

Maybe not the best analogy, but that's how I see it.

ETA: I see SSOG beat me to the Rice/Moss comparisons.

 

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

I don't disagree with either of you that Larry is more skilled at the craft of WR, but Megatron is no slouch in those areas and I think the greater speed/size/vertical more than makes up the gap.

 

[joffer]

Calvin is the best WR in football

 

[Mr. Peterson]

Calvin is the best WR in football

No, not yet. Once he learns to do some of the little things Fitz does he will always be 2nd best. I think Calvin has the drive to be the best and might someday be better than Fitz, but he's not there yet.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

Early results laughably spilled over from the zona tnf thread.

Mega all day. CMon people. Gimme the faster, taller, more athletic guy Who also routinely beats double and triple teams.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

Calvin is the best WR in football

Thread/

 

[Mr. Peterson]

I hate to be the guy to say it, but you're too much a fan of fantasy football and don't know real football if you think Calvin is a better WR than Fitz. Take a step outside your FF team for a moment and think who a real GM would prefer. The answer is obvious.

 

[Vykng]

Calvin has the obvious athleticism advantage. But Fitz has unbelievable work ethic, route running and hands. I don't see how you could go wrong with either guy.

I chose Larry because I feel he is a master of the WR position.

 

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

Jerry Rice was on SVP today. When asked about the best WR in football, the first name out of his mouth was Calvin Johnson.

 

[SSOG]

Early results laughably spilled over from the zona tnf thread.Mega all day. CMon people. Gimme the faster, taller, more athletic guy Who also routinely beats double and triple teams.

You can have the taller, faster, more athletic guy who routinely beats double and triple teams. I'll take the more polished guy who runs/disguises his routes better, has better hands, and has better focus/consistency. And who pairs that with the most ridiculous work ethic/workout regimen in the league today. And who still routinely beats double and triple teams. Calvin's dominance is physical and therefore more obvious, but at the end of the day, a WR's only job is to get open and catch the football, and Mr. Fitzgerald is a cyborg designed solely to complete those two tasks.

 

[Vykng]

Early results laughably spilled over from the zona tnf thread.Mega all day. CMon people. Gimme the faster, taller, more athletic guy Who also routinely beats double and triple teams.

You can have the taller, faster, more athletic guy who routinely beats double and triple teams. I'll take the more polished guy who runs/disguises his routes better, has better hands, and has better focus/consistency. And who pairs that with the most ridiculous work ethic/workout regimen in the league today. And who still routinely beats double and triple teams. Calvin's dominance is physical and therefore more obvious, but at the end of the day, a WR's only job is to get open and catch the football, and Mr. Fitzgerald is a cyborg designed solely to complete those two tasks.

Couldn't agree more.

 

[joffer]

pfffttt......what does Jerry Rice know

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

I hate to be the guy to say it, but you're too much a fan of fantasy football and don't know real football if you think Calvin is a better WR than Fitz. Take a step outside your FF team for a moment and think who a real GM would prefer. The answer is obvious.

the answer is the same. A real GM would do so as well.There is a reason Calvin went 1 OVR. It why they named hm megatron. Because he is a freak of nature. 6'6 with ridiculous ups and sub 4.4 speed? And that in't a lanky Moss-like 6'6. That is a musclebound freak of an athlete at 6'6. Defending Mega takes 3 guys based on his speed/size/athleticisim. Defending Fitz takes two But they both are fantastic, and I thnk fitz is a top 5 talent WR. but megatron towers oer all other wrs. it's not really close.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

Early results laughably spilled over from the zona tnf thread.Mega all day. CMon people. Gimme the faster, taller, more athletic guy Who also routinely beats double and triple teams.

You can have the taller, faster, more athletic guy who routinely beats double and triple teams. I'll take the more polished guy who runs/disguises his routes better, has better hands, and has better focus/consistency. And who pairs that with the most ridiculous work ethic/workout regimen in the league today. And who still routinely beats double and triple teams. Calvin's dominance is physical and therefore more obvious, but at the end of the day, a WR's only job is to get open and catch the football, and Mr. Fitzgerald is a cyborg designed solely to complete those two tasks.

So if you are a gm which 'stud' would you want, raw talent/size or master technician? B/c a bad qb can succeed a lot more readily throwing to the freakish big guy than the master who is artfully getting open on 2x moves while his qb is getting eaten alive by pass rush.I guess maybe you could make the argument that fitz would be better for a QB like brady or Rodgers, but on a 'random team' they'd take calvin all day every day.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

Bump for day timers

 

[cmv5]

Larry. Calvin is the better physical specimen, so when he dominates, it's more obvious... but Fitzgerald is a master at all those subtle little things that separate the good from the great. His hands and focus are better, his consistency level is higher, his routes are crisper and he's a master at disguising them. Plus he works harder. I'd be a lot more confident in Fitzgerald's ability to play to 38 than Calvin's. And, weaker measurables aside, I don't know if I've ever seen a receiver put up a stretch as dominant as Fitzgerald's during their SB run. 30/546/7 in four games, despite every defense keying their entire gameplan on stopping him.

Really, though, it's like arguing Rice vs. Moss. Moss had the more dominant physical gifts, Rice was the true student of the craft, but you couldn't go wrong with either.

I think it is easy to forget how Fitzgerald looked like when he came into the league. He was not a great route runner at all. He also has always struggled to get separation. He always had his superb hands and jumping ability. It seemed like every catch he made was jumping up and falling down with the ball. No yards after catch. It wasn't until, I believe his 4th year (the year where Todd Haley came to Arizona) that Fitzgerald took that next step. He started working a little harder, lost weight and really put an emphasis on mastering his route running. Even still, it seems like he finds something to improve upon every year.What is also easy to forget is that Calvin has been in the league three less years. He is only in his sixth season and he too is now a formidable route runner and has an incredible work ethic. Calvin is known for being one of the most fit and hard working athletes in the league. Saying Fitzgerald works harder is splitting hairs.

What I am getting at is for me, as far as things that Fitzgerald is better at it is better hands. He never has a lapse in concentration. He just isn't a player who drops the ball.

Calvin is noticeably faster, he almost always creates separation, he can definitely jump higher (35 vertical versus 45, plus 2 inches taller) and is a better red zone threat. Period.

I have given a lot of thought to this as I have been a dynasty owner of both of these players their entire pro career. I feel so lucky to have witnessed so many of these guys games and they are my two favorite players in the league. The dude I have my eye on though, is A.J. Green. He is Fitzgerald with speed. He could challenge Calvin down the road as the best receiver in the league. I don't think Julio is in the discussion as he is a little less athletically gifted version of Calvin with suspect hands. He will still be a great one, though.

e.t.a. What Larry did in the postseason is unprecedented but Calvin can't be blamed for only being in one postseason game. He did all he could with 12 for 211 and 2 touchdowns.

 

[Grahamburn]

Through their first 5 seasons:

Larry Fitzgerald - 5,975 46 TDs

Calvin Johnson - 5,872 49 TDs

Larry played 4 of those seasons with Kurt Warner. Calvin played his first 4 seasons with atrocious QBs. As soon as Calvin had a competent QB under center he put up a season better than anything Larry Fitzgerald has ever accomplished, and I love Larry Fitzgerald.

If both players were the same age and had identical contracts I have no doubt that every GM in the NFL would choose Calvin Johnson over Larry Fitzgerald.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Bump for day timers

When I checked this last night, Fitz had something like a 2-1 advantage in the poll during the game (roughly 21-9). Since then, Calvin has rcvd 40 of the last 60 votes.Hope we're still having this debate in 6 more years when they're in their mid-30s. Two of the best ever.

 

[lod01]

Calvin is the best WR in football

No, not yet. Once he learns to do some of the little things Fitz does he will always be 2nd best. I think Calvin has the drive to be the best and might someday be better than Fitz, but he's not there yet.

The thing is, he doesn't have to do anything any better than he is now to be the best WR in the game. Shaun Hill proved that 2 weeks ago in his relief of Stafford. He immmediately threw the majority of passes to Calvin regardless of coverage. Calvin caught those passes. You put Shaun Hill in at QB and Calvin would go nuts simply from the number of psses thrown his way.Also, no other WR has had 2 defenders guarding him at the goalline leaving 9 on 10. Only Calvin Johnson.

 

[lod01]

Through their first 5 seasons:

Larry Fitzgerald - 5,975 46 TDs

Calvin Johnson - 5,872 49 TDs

Larry played 4 of those seasons with Kurt Warner. Calvin played his first 4 seasons with atrocious QBs. As soon as Calvin had a competent QB under center he put up a season better than anything Larry Fitzgerald has ever accomplished, and I love Larry Fitzgerald.



If both players were the same age and had identical contracts I have no doubt that every GM in the NFL would choose Calvin Johnson over Larry Fitzgerald.

Said the same last night. Hands down all 32 take Calvin.

 

[lod01]

I hate to be the guy to say it, but you're too much a fan of fantasy football and don't know real football if you think Calvin is a better WR than Fitz. Take a step outside your FF team for a moment and think who a real GM would prefer. The answer is obvious.

I really only have to go back 2 weeks to know Calvin is better than Fitz.

 

[footballnerd]

Early results laughably spilled over from the zona tnf thread.Mega all day. CMon people. Gimme the faster, taller, more athletic guy Who also routinely beats double and triple teams.

You can have the taller, faster, more athletic guy who routinely beats double and triple teams. I'll take the more polished guy who runs/disguises his routes better, has better hands, and has better focus/consistency. And who pairs that with the most ridiculous work ethic/workout regimen in the league today. And who still routinely beats double and triple teams. Calvin's dominance is physical and therefore more obvious, but at the end of the day, a WR's only job is to get open and catch the football, and Mr. Fitzgerald is a cyborg designed solely to complete those two tasks.

sounds like its just easier for Calvin to accomplish the same thing.

 

[Andrew]

There is a reason Calvin went 1 OVR.

Nitpick, but if you're talking about the NFL draft he actually went 2 overall.

 

[coachbobbyfinstock]

I love me some Fitzy but come on people. Megatron is an absolute beast. You ask any of my D coordinator brethren who they fear facing more. 10 out of 10 will say megatron!

 

[Nucker101]

Calvin is the best WR in football

Thread/

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

There is a reason Calvin went 1 OVR.

Nitpick, but if you're talking about the NFL draft he actually went 2 overall.

I'm shocked Millen didnt trade up to get jamarcus...

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

Bump for day timers

When I checked this last night, Fitz had something like a 2-1 advantage in the poll during the game (roughly 21-9). Since then, Calvin has rcvd 40 of the last 60 votes.Hope we're still having this debate in 6 more years when they're in their mid-30s. Two of the best ever.

Pretty clearly was the thnf Bump from zona fans...

 

[Card Trader]

Through their first 5 seasons:Larry Fitzgerald - 5,975 46 TDsCalvin Johnson - 5,872 49 TDsLarry played 4 of those seasons with Kurt Warner. Calvin played his first 4 seasons with atrocious QBs. As soon as Calvin had a competent QB under center he put up a season better than anything Larry Fitzgerald has ever accomplished, and I love Larry Fitzgerald.If both players were the same age and had identical contracts I have no doubt that every GM in the NFL would choose Calvin Johnson over Larry Fitzgerald.

So misleading.Fitz had only 6 TDs through his first 4 seasons that came from Warner. He had 10 from Josh freaking McCown in that time and TDs from studs like John Navarre and Shaun King.

 

[cmv5]

Through their first 5 seasons:Larry Fitzgerald - 5,975 46 TDsCalvin Johnson - 5,872 49 TDsLarry played 4 of those seasons with Kurt Warner. Calvin played his first 4 seasons with atrocious QBs. As soon as Calvin had a competent QB under center he put up a season better than anything Larry Fitzgerald has ever accomplished, and I love Larry Fitzgerald.If both players were the same age and had identical contracts I have no doubt that every GM in the NFL would choose Calvin Johnson over Larry Fitzgerald.

So misleading.Fitz had only 6 TDs through his first 4 seasons that came from Warner. He had 10 from Josh freaking McCown in that time and TDs from studs like John Navarre and Shaun King.

Just stop. Kitna, O'Sullivan, Orlovsky, Culpepper, Stanton, Henson, Hill and Stafford. That is what Calvin dealt with. When it comes to Fitzgerald, Roddy White and Calvin, nobody should ever say it is because of the qb throwing to them. They have all succeeded, regardless of the qb. One other argument about Fitzgerald compared to Calvin is that unlike Calvin, Fitzgerald had a receiver opposite him putting up similar numbers. Some would even argue (not me) that Boldin was more effective in the offense at times.

 

[Grahamburn]

Through their first 5 seasons:Larry Fitzgerald - 5,975 46 TDsCalvin Johnson - 5,872 49 TDsLarry played 4 of those seasons with Kurt Warner. Calvin played his first 4 seasons with atrocious QBs. As soon as Calvin had a competent QB under center he put up a season better than anything Larry Fitzgerald has ever accomplished, and I love Larry Fitzgerald.If both players were the same age and had identical contracts I have no doubt that every GM in the NFL would choose Calvin Johnson over Larry Fitzgerald.

So misleading.Fitz had only 6 TDs through his first 4 seasons that came from Warner. He had 10 from Josh freaking McCown in that time and TDs from studs like John Navarre and Shaun King.

Thanks. I didn't realize that. Warner didn't really take over as the full time starter until 2007.

 

[knuckleballah22]

Larry absoluitely.... And it would be clear if he had a better QB.

 

[wiscstlatlmia]

Through their first 5 seasons:

Larry Fitzgerald - 5,975 46 TDs

Calvin Johnson - 5,872 49 TDs

Larry played 4 of those seasons with Kurt Warner. Calvin played his first 4 seasons with atrocious QBs. As soon as Calvin had a competent QB under center he put up a season better than anything Larry Fitzgerald has ever accomplished, and I love Larry Fitzgerald.



If both players were the same age and had identical contracts I have no doubt that every GM in the NFL would choose Calvin Johnson over Larry Fitzgerald.

Said the same last night. Hands down all 32 take Calvin.

I don't know about this argument, If were drafting for a franchise then a huge part is age which Calvin has a considerable advantage.They are Apples and Oranges in the way they play, the difference being Fitz can go deep and has great deep ball skills, not sure how well Calvin Translates to the Possession WR game.

I love Calvin, I always have and he is far and away the best dynasty FF WR, but he sometimes has concentration drops and he does not run the same amount of routes, with the same success as Fitz.

One of the most dominant runs I've ever seen a WR have is that Cardinals playoff run. He completely took over every, single game.

By this point it's clear, voted for Fitzgerald

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

not sure how well Calvin Translates to the Possession WR game

You must not watch many lions games...

 

[wiscstlatlmia]

not sure how well Calvin Translates to the Possession WR gameYou must not watch many lions games...

I actually watched every target he had in 2010 and most of the games in 2011Hes a tremendous WR, but hes not better than Fitz, at least in that Area.ETA: I really hate the ' you must not have watched him much' argument.

 

[Phlash]

Fitzgerald is right behind Calvin as far as best receivers in the NFL go. They're very close - both are tall, both have speed (although Calvin is faster), both have incredible hands, both run very good routes.

As an aside, I was looking at Calvin's numbers recently - has there ever been a better 4 game stretch for a WR than Calvin's last 3 games last year and his postseason game?

G  Rec  Yds  Y/R    TD14   9  214  23.78   215   4  102  25.50   116  11  244  22.18   117  12  211  17.58   2

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

not sure how well Calvin Translates to the Possession WR gameYou must not watch many lions games...

I actually watched every target he had in 2010 and most of the games in 2011Hes a tremendous WR, but hes not better than Fitz, at least in that Area.ETA: I really hate the ' you must not have watched him much' argument.

Then you should have seen how many time CJ runs 5-15yard routes/outs/curls/fades/hooks and can readily play the 'possession game'.

 

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

Fitzgerald is right behind Calvin as far as best receivers in the NFL go. They're very close - both are tall, both have speed (although Calvin is faster), both have incredible hands, both run very good routes.As an aside, I was looking at Calvin's numbers recently - has there ever been a better 4 game stretch for a WR than Calvin's last 3 games last year and his postseason game?

G  Rec  Yds  Y/R    TD14   9  214  23.78   215   4  102  25.50   116  11  244  22.18   117  12  211  17.58   2

Only 102 in Wk 15? Lacks consistency.

 

[Assani Fisher]

Fitzgerald is right behind Calvin as far as best receivers in the NFL go. They're very close - both are tall, both have speed (although Calvin is faster), both have incredible hands, both run very good routes.As an aside, I was looking at Calvin's numbers recently - has there ever been a better 4 game stretch for a WR than Calvin's last 3 games last year and his postseason game?

G  Rec  Yds  Y/R    TD14   9  214  23.78   215   4  102  25.50   116  11  244  22.18   117  12  211  17.58   2

Maybe not quite as good, but Jerry Rice's last 3 regular season games and first playoff game in 1995:6 catches, 121 yards, 0 TDs14 catches, 289 yards, 3 TDs, 10 rushing yards on 1 rushing attempt12 catches, 154 yards, 0 TDs11 catches, 117 yards, 0 TDs, 5 rushing yards on 1 rushing attempt

 

[unckeyherb]

I recall seeing an interview Fitz gave this pre season. The interviewer asked him who the best WR on football was. His answer was Calvin Johnson. I'll search for the video when I get a chance.

 

[Raider Nation]

Didn't want to start another Calvin thread just for this question, so I'll ask it here.

I was just reading the recap of Calvin's last game from FBG. Here's the edited version:

Week 4 vs MIN - Johnson had about as rough a day as he has had in a long time. The Vikings played a very physical game against him, getting hands on him and hitting him at the line. Anything they could do to jam him up and keep him from separating, they did. That was compounded by the fact that his quarterback was under such pressure that there was no time for him to go vertical and gain some separation. Even when he did make a catch, he was often hit immediately. After awhile it was clear that this was wearing on him.

On the final drive, Johnson was targeted three straight times. On the first pass, the ball was high but still went right through Johnson's hands. The second pass went off his hands again, only this time it was a very well thrown pass. The third pass was a fourth down attempt and Johnson was wide open for the catch but even then, it wasn't vintage Johnson as the pass went behind him and he fell down. It was clear that by the end of the game that the constant physical play had exhausted the Lions, and nobody more than Calvin Johnson.

Now all you Calvin owners don't get upset at what I'm about to suggest... I'm just asking a question.Have the Vikings established the blueprint on how to defend Johnson? (Especially since they held the entire Lions offense to 13 points playing this way). And if so, do most other teams have the personnel to do it as effectively as Minnesota did?

I need to know this to put my mind at ease because I may or may not currently be in talks to acquire Calvin.

 

[cmv5]

Didn't want to start another Calvin thread just for this question, so I'll ask it here.

I was just reading the recap of Calvin's last game from FBG. Here's the edited version:

Week 4 vs MIN - Johnson had about as rough a day as he has had in a long time. The Vikings played a very physical game against him, getting hands on him and hitting him at the line. Anything they could do to jam him up and keep him from separating, they did. That was compounded by the fact that his quarterback was under such pressure that there was no time for him to go vertical and gain some separation. Even when he did make a catch, he was often hit immediately. After awhile it was clear that this was wearing on him.

On the final drive, Johnson was targeted three straight times. On the first pass, the ball was high but still went right through Johnson's hands. The second pass went off his hands again, only this time it was a very well thrown pass. The third pass was a fourth down attempt and Johnson was wide open for the catch but even then, it wasn't vintage Johnson as the pass went behind him and he fell down. It was clear that by the end of the game that the constant physical play had exhausted the Lions, and nobody more than Calvin Johnson.

Now all you Calvin owners don't get upset at what I'm about to suggest... I'm just asking a question.Have the Vikings established the blueprint on how to defend Johnson? (Especially since they held the entire Lions offense to 13 points playing this way). And if so, do most other teams have the personnel to do it as effectively as Minnesota did?

I need to know this to put my mind at ease because I may or may not currently be in talks to acquire Calvin.

No, the Vikings haven't established a blue print. Bears did, I believe it was last year. It doesn't completely take Calvin out of the game but it is going to affect him. It would affect any receiver. Keep in mind, the Vikings have some pretty sizeable corners and includes a very big cheap shot to Calvin. I don't think you can consistently keep Calvin out of games. Every team wants to play him this way, it is another to accomplish it. Also, keep in mind this would be effective on any receiver so it isn't some big weakness of Calvin's.

 

[Raider Nation]

My apologies to the Bears then, if your recollection is indeed accurate.

I think most teams are scared to "get physical" with Calvin in case the DB completely whiffs on him at the LOS.

 

[eaglesfan17]

Definitely Larry and it would be clear if he had a better QB throwing to him

 

[Sleeper 43]

I read the first handful of comments and its almost like just because Calvin is taller and a better physical specimen that that automatically means he is not as hard of a worker or as good of a route runner. Calvin is everything Fitz is just bigger, stronger and faster... The QB thing is bogus too, lets not forget what Calvin had to work with at GTech. Fitz may have set the bar for being a technician but that doesn't mean Calvin is not striving for the same level of perfection. I believe Calvin still hasn't peaked yet as scary as that is.

 

[SSOG]

I read the first handful of comments and its almost like just because Calvin is taller and a better physical specimen that that automatically means he is not as hard of a worker or as good of a route runner. Calvin is everything Fitz is just bigger, stronger and faster... The QB thing is bogus too, lets not forget what Calvin had to work with at GTech. Fitz may have set the bar for being a technician but that doesn't mean Calvin is not striving for the same level of perfection. I believe Calvin still hasn't peaked yet as scary as that is.

I'm not saying Calvin isn't a hard worker. I'm sure he's one of the hardest workers in the league. It's just that nobody writes newspaper articles when local players go work out with Calvin Johnson over the summer.

 

[Sleeper 43]

I read the first handful of comments and its almost like just because Calvin is taller and a better physical specimen that that automatically means he is not as hard of a worker or as good of a route runner. Calvin is everything Fitz is just bigger, stronger and faster... The QB thing is bogus too, lets not forget what Calvin had to work with at GTech. Fitz may have set the bar for being a technician but that doesn't mean Calvin is not striving for the same level of perfection. I believe Calvin still hasn't peaked yet as scary as that is.

I'm not saying Calvin isn't a hard worker. I'm sure he's one of the hardest workers in the league. It's just that nobody writes newspaper articles when local players go work out with Calvin Johnson over the summer.

True. I actually wonder if Calvin will ever look into starting his own camp. I think so many players show up to Fitz's camp because they know (like Jerry Rice) that his elite success is not about raw athleticism as much as it is perfecting route running and working on the details day in and day out.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

1 catch vs the falcons d for 11 yards Is pretty pathetic. Whaddupwiththatlarryfitz

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

Didn't want to start another Calvin thread just for this question, so I'll ask it here.

I was just reading the recap of Calvin's last game from FBG. Here's the edited version:

Week 4 vs MIN - Johnson had about as rough a day as he has had in a long time. The Vikings played a very physical game against him, getting hands on him and hitting him at the line. Anything they could do to jam him up and keep him from separating, they did. That was compounded by the fact that his quarterback was under such pressure that there was no time for him to go vertical and gain some separation. Even when he did make a catch, he was often hit immediately. After awhile it was clear that this was wearing on him.

On the final drive, Johnson was targeted three straight times. On the first pass, the ball was high but still went right through Johnson's hands. The second pass went off his hands again, only this time it was a very well thrown pass. The third pass was a fourth down attempt and Johnson was wide open for the catch but even then, it wasn't vintage Johnson as the pass went behind him and he fell down. It was clear that by the end of the game that the constant physical play had exhausted the Lions, and nobody more than Calvin Johnson.

Now all you Calvin owners don't get upset at what I'm about to suggest... I'm just asking a question.Have the Vikings established the blueprint on how to defend Johnson? (Especially since they held the entire Lions offense to 13 points playing this way). And if so, do most other teams have the personnel to do it as effectively as Minnesota did?

I need to know this to put my mind at ease because I may or may not currently be in talks to acquire Calvin.

No