Concerns about Calvin Johnson (1 Viewer)

[MDSkinner]

Even though I am more than ecstatic about the final numbers be put up, I am very displeased with how he got there in terms of his future prospects (speaking for this year only). 7 catches for 154 and a score and I am sitting here jacked for the games ahead, 2 for 154 and I am thinking this is not something I can count on week in and week out.

 

[North]

Even though I am more than ecstatic about the final numbers be put up, I am very displeased with how he got there in terms of his future prospects (speaking for this year only). 7 catches for 154 and a score and I am sitting here jacked for the games ahead, 2 for 154 and I am thinking this is not something I can count on week in and week out.

He's only catching like 3 balls per game, he just happen to make the most of them this week. I wouldn't count on performances like this each week however.

 

[yinzer]

As someone with a lot of stock in Megatron, Im very split with his situation.

That said, I wouldnt trade him for anything outside of Fitz, Andre, Wayne, Boldin, Owens, etc. The elite of the elite, and I doubt those owners would trade them for CJ unless the deal was very sweet.

Point is, you wont be able to trade Calvin for a WR that will be better than him, and if you trade him, youre likely losing on the deal.

WRs are gonna have their share of bad games, but even with the team/QB that CJ has, hes putting up pretty good numbers

 

[W1cked]

One concern I have as a Calvin Johnson owner in two leagues is Orlovsky hanging him out and him taking a hit. On the deep pass before the half he was pretty vunerable on that pass. Orlovsky was throwing high all game.

it was a hail mary

Wasn't just that pass.... Orlovsky's deep passes in general seem to have excessive air on them. There was a pass last week also that Calvin Johnson was open on and because Orlovsky put so much air on it the defense was able to recover.

 

[FantasyTrader]

Hines, Randy Moss, Holt, Cotchery, Chad Johnson, Derrick Mason, Donald Driver, Lav. Coles, Steve Smith, Reggie Wayne. All of the above had less targets than Calvin heading into today. We could also argue that what he did with 3 three catches today should cause the coaching staff to double it's efforts in getting him the ball. But as I write this I'm remembering it's the Lions so....yeah. Us Calvin owners can dream at least.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

Right now, Calvin is 4th in FBG (non PPR) scoring (he will likely be 5th after Marshall plays tonight). He is 9th in PPR scoring. He has had 2 clunkers, but pretty much every top WR other than Fitz has had 1 or 2 bad games. I can understand the concern because of the QB situation. But Kitna was not exactly lighting the world on fire, so the drop in QB play is minimal to me.

I also think Stanton starts sooner rather than later and I have to think he will be like most young QBs and lock onto his best WR. Also, Stanton can buy time with his running ability and that should give Calvin more time to get open. DBs can only cover for so long.

There was another Marinelli comment last night (I saw it on TV, so no link), with him saying they need to get Calvin the ball more.

I think there will be nervous Calvin owners every week, especially with Orlovsky, but Calvin's production right now is that of a WR1 (high WR1 in non PPR). I don't know what's not to like about that.

 

[Addai's Adidas]

I've had a chance to sleep on it. Calvin had the highest possible FF scoring play (save 3 yards) yesterday. I'll take it. He's starting.

 

[HoTnickZ]

So which comparable WR or RB would you trade him for?

 

[Anthony Borbely]

So which comparable WR or RB would you trade him for?

That's a good question and it depends on what you think of his chances going forward. Assuming redraft, I doubt I could get the caliber of WR that I would be willing to accept. The owners of the elite WRs aren't going to trade them. I will not move him for a WR2 type like a Cotchery or someone similar. I still think he finishes in the top 10 this year, so my opinion is based on that. In dynasty, I would not consider moving him for anyone with the possible exception of Fitz. His upside is massive and I'll take my chances keeping him.

 

[Addai's Adidas]

He is currently 4th in scoring my my leagues.

 

[FantasyTrader]

So which comparable WR or RB would you trade him for?

That's a good question and it depends on what you think of his chances going forward. Assuming redraft, I doubt I could get the caliber of WR that I would be willing to accept. The owners of the elite WRs aren't going to trade them. I will not move him for a WR2 type like a Cotchery or someone similar. I still think he finishes in the top 10 this year, so my opinion is based on that. In dynasty, I would not consider moving him for anyone with the possible exception of Fitz. His upside is massive and I'll take my chances keeping him.

I own Calvin in Dynasty and Fitz is the only name that came to my mind as well.

 

[Ripleys]

I would only trade him for Fitz in a dynasty too. That's it. But I wouldn't shop him to the Fitz owner, only if he came to me. I love me some Megatron!!!

 

[Grahamburn]

Even though I am more than ecstatic about the final numbers be put up, I am very displeased with how he got there in terms of his future prospects (speaking for this year only). 7 catches for 154 and a score and I am sitting here jacked for the games ahead, 2 for 154 and I am thinking this is not something I can count on week in and week out.

He's only catching like 3 balls per game, he just happen to make the most of them this week. I wouldn't count on performances like this each week however.

Glass half empty or half full kind of situation. He only had three targets, but he caught two of those and we all saw what the final statline was.

I'm looking at it as a positive thing. Too many of us have seen what this young man is capable of and our expectations are astronomical right now. In his last two games he's only caught the ball 6 times, but look at that production. 239 yards and 2 TD's. Can his situation possibly get any worse?

I've toyed with benching him the last two weeks because of that situation, but haven't because of his obvious talent. I don't think I can bench this guy.

The QB is bad, the oline is bad, there aren't any other weapons on the offense, the defense can't get off the field, he's not seeing a lot of targets, the playcalling is atrocious but Calvin is STILL producing. Just a little perspective.

 

[TheDirtyWord]

In a game where he wasn't targeted but 4 times, he certainly made the most of his opportunities.

I recognize that Orlovsky is a weak QB. But I'd hesitate to write off Johnson because of that factor alone. Marinelli has since said, getting the ball to Johnson needs to be a priority and Orlovsky could develop some level of competence in the coming weeks.

I don't expect any 2/154/1 days, but I think you could probably hope for 3 100 yard performances and another 4-6 TD's and with his talent, who knows...

 

[The Houston Stallions]

If I recall, his other target was a dropped pass. I didn't see the play but I saw the camera on him after dropping the pass. Seems like it was a shorter route. 7-12 yards.

 

[Dexter Manley]

It's pretty simple to me...they have to throw Calvin the ball. He was surrounded on the hail mary and caught it over the top of everyone. The long TD pass he just blew by the coverage. The 2 point conversion, he was doubled. I think he only had 3 targets. They have to throw him the ball and let him make some plays. He is virtually uncoverable, especially on balls thrown high, like the 2 point conversion. Nobody on any defense that I have seen can go that high to catch the ball. The real stud WRs can make plays despite double coverage. Moss does. Owens does. Andre does. The reason they do is because they get targets. Look at it anyways you want, but despite a couple of clunker games and a lack of targets, Calvin should be in or close to the top 10 after this week. Makes me wonder what he will do when they throw him the ball. The thought is downright scary.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

 

[Debeucci]

One concern I have as a Calvin Johnson owner in two leagues is Orlovsky hanging him out and him taking a hit. On the deep pass before the half he was pretty vunerable on that pass. Orlovsky was throwing high all game.

Seemed like Kitna was throwing 4 out of 5 passes high to Calvin Johnson. Half the time CJ would wind up flat on his back after jumping for those Kitna squibs. If Orlovsky can throw only 2 out of 5 passes high to CJ, we'll all sleep better at night.Once MacDonald and Furrey establish themselves again in this offense, CJ will start to get regular looks again. It will take a few games, hopefully less. If the Lions were smart, they'd give CJ a few more quick slants every game. In space, he looks like he's running in slow motion, yet outruns almost everyone.

 

[Meat]

I'm personally selling high on him. I took a look at the upcoming schedule and I'm a bit worried. Bear in mind, I'm not going to 'give' him away - I'm trying to package him to get Peterson - but I think we do need to temper our expectations as Calvin owners. If Detroit had shown in this game that they were going to just continue to feed him the ball, I would be MUCH more encouraged. The fact they did not do that, against Houston of all teams, is a bit concerning to me. Facing tougher defenses that will put more pressure on Orlovsky + be better equipped to double CJ could make for a very frustrating situation.

 

[Garts]

Good players put up numbers reagrdless who they play.

 

[lsutigers]

It's the perfect storm for a WR.

Trying like wildfire to sell high after this misleading game.

Have a trade out with the Wayne owner, Megatron and Kevin Walter for Wayne and a garbage WR.

 

[Garts]

It's the perfect storm for a WR.Trying like wildfire to sell high after this misleading game.Have a trade out with the Wayne owner, Megatron and Kevin Walter for Wayne and a garbage WR.

Hope that's not a keeper league.

 

[burd]

its not like the Lions have anyone else they can throw to. Sure it'll be tougher for him to get open, but even if Orlovsky trys to force a ball to CJ that ends up a pick, it hurts Orlovsky, not CJ. The only thing that can hurt CJ is not getting the ball thrown to him. With no one else worthy or being targeted a lot, i can't see how the Lions dont' throw to CJ.

 

[FantasyTrader]

its not like the Lions have anyone else they can throw to. Sure it'll be tougher for him to get open, but even if Orlovsky trys to force a ball to CJ that ends up a pick, it hurts Orlovsky, not CJ. The only thing that can hurt CJ is not getting the ball thrown to him. With no one else worthy or being targeted a lot, i can't see how the Lions dont' throw to CJ.

I agree. I think people are reading too much into last week stats of Calvin being targeted only three times. If anything, I think what he was able to do on those targets only reinforces the fact that by any means necessary - Calvin needs to touch the ball. It's kinda funny that we're all using the same argument to justify completely opposite views on the guy. People "selling high" on Calvin are underestimating the lengths that Detroit will go to in order to get him the ball in the 2nd half of the season.

 

[Dexter Manley]

I've never seen so much worrying and fretting over an uber stud top 5 wr.

I swear, some of you guys could luckbox your way into dating a Victoria's Secret supermodel and you would be nervously worrying that she would gain weight and wouldn't be good looking enough for you.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

Looks like the Lions are going to try to get Calvin the ball.

Link

Lions to force the issue with Calvin Johnson?

by Tom Kowalski

Thursday October 23, 2008, 2:39 PM

Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson is only averaging four catches per game this season, but good things happen when he gets his hands on the ball -- as evidenced by his 21.2 yards-per-catch average.

Offensive coordinator Jim Colletto said the Lions have to find a way to get him the ball despite the fact opposing defense will try to take him away at all costs.

"They're going to find out where he's at,'' Colletto said. "You can move him around all you want, but they'll move there, too. We'll do some different things, but you always have to be prepared if it doesn't work out that he's open.

Johnson said that he knows the Lions are trying to get him more involved but, in any case, he's not going to whine about how many passes he gets every game.

"I think it's there and I think they're going to give me a chance to make some plays. I don't think I'm limited at all. There might be some games where you won't get as many tosses as you might want to, but you've just got to play the next game,'' said Johnson, adding that he won't pull any antics like Terrell Owens or Chad Johnson and publicly demand the ball. "I'm not going to be that guy who goes and talks to the media and telling the media stuff like those guys do. If there's an issue, it can be handled behind closed doors, in our meetings or wherever. The guys are working to get me the ball so I'm not worried about it.''

So, is Johnson complaining behind closed doors?

"No, I don't complain at all,'' he said. "Every receiver wants the ball but I'm not going to complain and say 'I want the ball.'''

 

[Grahamburn]

I really love this guy.

 

[HoTnickZ]

Playoff schedule, perhaps against teams with a lot to play for:

Sun 12/7 Minnesota 1:00 pm

Sun 12/14 at Indianapolis 1:00 pm

Sun 12/21 New Orleans 1:00 pm

Thoughts?

 

[FFdork]

Playoff schedule, perhaps against teams with a lot to play for:

Sun 12/7 Minnesota 1:00 pm

Sun 12/14 at Indianapolis 1:00 pm

Sun 12/21 New Orleans 1:00 pm

Thoughts?

None of those defenses particularly scare me. A lot can change, but my best guess right now is that maybe one of those teams is in serious playoff contention by week 13. Indy is the only one of those 3 that really feels like they're headed in the right direction (both MN and NO have some key players allegedly in danger of suspension) right now.The bigger question for me is if Detroit is ever going to really find ways to get the ball to Calvin more or just keep giving the idea lip service each week.

 

[RBM]

Think I heard 18 targets today

 

[burd]

18 targets seems right to me. w/ Roy Williams out of the picture, who else are the Lions going to throw to? I laughed when i read previous posts about how RW's leaving is going to hurt Megatron. Now if we can just find a QB that is fairly accurate ....

 

[OU#1]

Hey Haseley:

I found a Needle in the Haystack. His name is Megatron. He can score even with a bum QB and being double and triple covered. I'm so glad I drafted him at 3.07! I wouldn't trade him for any WR in the league.

P.S. Your article is my favorite on FBG's!

 

[Cowboys#1]

Kind of that I watched nearly all of this game when I have Sunday Ticket. I just wanted to watch Calvin play. He goes 100% on every ball near him. Amazing to watch balls that are thrown 10 feet in the air and the guy going full stretch to make an effort at the ball. Much more than most receivers would do.

He's a guy I really cannot root against even when I play against him. Hopefully they get him a decent QB and we can watch a superior WR go to work every week.

 

[Krewe]

Kind of that I watched nearly all of this game when I have Sunday Ticket. I just wanted to watch Calvin play. He goes 100% on every ball near him. Amazing to watch balls that are thrown 10 feet in the air and the guy going full stretch to make an effort at the ball. Much more than most receivers would do. He's a guy I really cannot root against even when I play against him. Hopefully they get him a decent QB and we can watch a superior WR go to work every week.

With decent throws he would have had two more TD's today and a pretty good game would have turned into a monster game--at Soldier Field.Starting him with confidence, y'all should do likewise

 

[Anthony Borbely]

With decent throws he would have had two more TD's today and a pretty good game would have turned into a monster game--at Soldier Field.

Yesterday, he was a good 5 yards behind the secondary on one play and Orlovsky put way too much air under it and the DB was able to catch up to the play and knock the ball down. On another play, he blew past Tillman and Orlovsky overthrew him. That should have been 2 long TD passes. Those were poor throws. He was wide open both times. Just think...he has no QB, no running game, a line that can't block, and marginal WRs playing with him. Despite all that, Calvin is the #2 fantasy WR in FBG scoring, trailing only Fitz, and by only a tenth of a point, and 5th in PPR scoring. It is downright scary to think what he will do with some improvement around him.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

It's the perfect storm for a WR.Trying like wildfire to sell high after this misleading game.Have a trade out with the Wayne owner, Megatron and Kevin Walter for Wayne and a garbage WR.

For your sake, I hope he turned your offer down.While I do agree about that one game (the Houston game) by itself being misleading, the fact is that Calvin has been a top 10 WR all year, and now has moved to second, only a tenth of a point behind Fitz. This after half the year (8 games). That is a big enough sample size.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

With decent throws he would have had two more TD's today and a pretty good game would have turned into a monster game--at Soldier Field.

Yesterday, he was a good 5 yards behind the secondary on one play and Orlovsky put way too much air under it and the DB was able to catch up to the play and knock the ball down. On another play, he blew past Tillman and Orlovsky overthrew him. That should have been 2 long TD passes. Those were poor throws. He was wide open both times. Just think...he has no QB, no running game, a line that can't block, and marginal WRs playing with him. Despite all that, Calvin is the #2 fantasy WR in FBG scoring, trailing only Fitz, and by only a tenth of a point, and 5th in PPR scoring. It is downright scary to think what he will do with some improvement around him.

I don't know for sure, but Orlovsky hasn't played all that bad. No running game for sure, a line that can't run block at all, but do OK to poor for passing blocking and the part about no WR's opposite him I think helps him. When Roy left, I said right away this would help him, not hurt him. He's the only real target out there and if you can't run the ball, that means you're going to get some serious targets.Did you see the final play of the Lions game yesterday. I swear Johnson leaped up about 12 feet into the air and just missed grabbing that ball for a game winning TD. I mean he missed it by 3 inches, that would have been an amazing catch.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

I don't know for sure, but Orlovsky hasn't played all that bad. No running game for sure, a line that can't run block at all, but do OK to poor for passing blocking and the part about no WR's opposite him I think helps him. When Roy left, I said right away this would help him, not hurt him. He's the only real target out there and if you can't run the ball, that means you're going to get some serious targets.

Did you see the final play of the Lions game yesterday. I swear Johnson leaped up about 12 feet into the air and just missed grabbing that ball for a game winning TD. I mean he missed it by 3 inches, that would have been an amazing catch.

Considering everything, I agree with you that Orlovsky hasn't played all that bad. But the fact is Calvin was wide open downfield twice and Orlovsky missed bad on both throws. Those were easy throws too. He should have had another 80-100 yards and 2 more TDs. I thought he was going to catch that last pass yesterday. If the ball is thrown in the right spot, the defenses can't possibly go high enough to knock the ball down. The Lions need to get Calvin more involved near the goal line. The fade from the 18 yard line was a thing of beauty. They should use that play when they are inside the 5. It is extremely hard to defend with a WR with Calvin's skills and size.

As a Lions fan, I haven't seen a player like this since Barry played. A player that you instantly look for as soon as they line up.

 

[FFdork]

So where are we now with the Orlovsky news? I know people have been calling for Stanton and Culpepper has a good deep ball. On the surface it seems like a positive for Calvin, but is my judgement being clouded by those ugly deep passes from Orlovsky--he did just finally target Calvin a ton yesterday and any new QB is a ?

 

[Anthony Borbely]

So where are we now with the Orlovsky news? I know people have been calling for Stanton and Culpepper has a good deep ball. On the surface it seems like a positive for Calvin, but is my judgement being clouded by those ugly deep passes from Orlovsky--he did just finally target Calvin a ton yesterday and any new QB is a ?

I think Calvin sees a bunch of targets regardless of who the QB is. I don't think the change downgrades Calvin because Orlovsky wasn't anything special. In fact, he badly missed Calvin deep twice. I really don't know who starts this week, but I am guessing Culpepper does. While I think his skills have eroded, one thing he can do is throw a great deep ball. I think Calvin will keep on producing.