Michael Clayton's future (1 Viewer)

[Tick]

Michael Clayton was a monster his rookie year, playing as a #1 WR and doing it well. He finished with 80 - 1193 - 7.

Next year, Galloway was the #1, and Clayton sucked (perhaps due to a knee injury). 32 - 372 - 0 and 2 games missed. Wow.

This year, Clayton was supposed to rebound after getting healthy. Instead, he was at 33 - 356 - 1 before he missed the last four game with another knee injury. Again, horrible.

Why was he so good his rookie year? If Galloway were injured, could Clayton have any chance of being useful for FF? Is he even their #2 heading into next season when it's all said and done? I know they don't have much on their roster right now, but with his performance the past two years, don't they have to look at some free agents?

 

[lord_helmet]

Every time I get too high on Colston, Claytons name pops into my head.

 

[prymetyme25]

Michael Clayton was a monster his rookie year, playing as a #1 WR and doing it well. He finished with 80 - 1193 - 7.Next year, Galloway was the #1, and Clayton sucked (perhaps due to a knee injury). 32 - 372 - 0 and 2 games missed. Wow.This year, Clayton was supposed to rebound after getting healthy. Instead, he was at 33 - 356 - 1 before he missed the last four game with another knee injury. Again, horrible. Why was he so good his rookie year? If Galloway were injured, could Clayton have any chance of being useful for FF? Is he even their #2 heading into next season when it's all said and done? I know they don't have much on their roster right now, but with his performance the past two years, don't they have to look at some free agents?

I was a couple of issues with Clayton's numbers last year. 1. He dropped quite a few passes last year (but not a disturbing number though)2. Gradkowski was very inaccurate on the deep ball so teams sat in that middle part of the field and thats where Clayton operates.3. Tampa's O-line has really cause that offense to really plummet since their Superbowl year. (Keyatta Walker pick really hurt them)

 

[fruity pebbles]

Every time I get too high on Colston, Claytons name pops into my head.

Me too.

 

[guderian]

Every time I get too high on Colston, Claytons name pops into my head.

Me too.

I wouldn't be surprised if Colston has a sophomore slump, but there's one big difference between Clayton and Colston--Drew Brees--or more accurately, just good, consistent QB play. In Clayton's rookie year he had Griese playing his best ball. Since then it's been the in-consistent Griese, Simms, and Gradkowski.

 

[fruity pebbles]

Every time I get too high on Colston, Claytons name pops into my head.

Me too.

I wouldn't be surprised if Colston has a sophomore slump, but there's one big difference between Clayton and Colston--Drew Brees--or more accurately, just good, consistent QB play. In Clayton's rookie year he had Griese playing his best ball. Since then it's been the in-consistent Griese, Simms, and Gradkowski.

Hasn't hurt Galloway that much though. Gotta place the blame squarely on Clayton IMO.

 

[Tag]

Every time I get too high on Colston, Claytons name pops into my head.

Me too.

Me three.

 

[prymetyme25]

Every time I get too high on Colston, Claytons name pops into my head.

Me too.

I wouldn't be surprised if Colston has a sophomore slump, but there's one big difference between Clayton and Colston--Drew Brees--or more accurately, just good, consistent QB play. In Clayton's rookie year he had Griese playing his best ball. Since then it's been the in-consistent Griese, Simms, and Gradkowski.

Hasn't hurt Galloway that much though. Gotta place the blame squarely on Clayton IMO.

Galloway has blazing speed and a more seasoned wr thats gotta help.

 

[Alluro]

Michael who?

 

[FTRWRTR]

My biggest worry with clayton is that jon gruden seems to have lost faith in him. Maurice stovall was their #2 at the end of the year because gruden was thru with clayton. In addition every mock I've seen has the bucs drafting Calvin johnson so it's conceivable that clayton will be the bucs #4 wr next season which is not a good thing as far as clayton's fantasy prospects are concerned.

 

[EBF]

His demise is puzzling to say the least. Not only did he produce as a rookie, but he also looked the part of a future star. Also, he was a top 15 pick, so it's not like he was just some fluke who came out of nowhere.

He's a good buy low candidate simply because his value almost can't get any lower. A lot of people gave up on guys like Glenn, Galloway, and Kennison when they were slumping. Maybe Clayton can rebound like those guys have.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

IIRC, Rod Gardner had 1,100+ yds and 7 TD his rookie year...anyone seen him lately?

 

[Tick]

IIRC, Rod Gardner had 1,100+ yds and 7 TD his rookie year...anyone seen him lately?

Year TM | G | Att Yards Y/A TD | Rec Yards Y/R TD |+----------+-----+--------------------------+-------------------------+| 2001 was | 16 | 1 16 16.0 0 | 46 741 16.1 4 || 2002 was | 16 | 1 1 1.0 0 | 71 1006 14.2 8 || 2003 was | 16 | 0 0 0.0 0 | 59 600 10.2 5 || 2004 was | 16 | 3 7 2.3 0 | 51 650 12.7 5 |

 

[Ministry of Pain]

IIRC, Rod Gardner had 1,100+ yds and 7 TD his rookie year...anyone seen him lately?

Year TM | G | Att Yards Y/A TD | Rec Yards Y/R TD |+----------+-----+--------------------------+-------------------------+| 2001 was | 16 | 1 16 16.0 0 | 46 741 16.1 4 || 2002 was | 16 | 1 1 1.0 0 | 71 1006 14.2 8 || 2003 was | 16 | 0 0 0.0 0 | 59 600 10.2 5 || 2004 was | 16 | 3 7 2.3 0 | 51 650 12.7 5 |

OK, so he had 741...then he posted 1,000/8, then he stopped producing much...5 TD is pretty norm for a season but he never took the next step.Thanks Tick

 

[SproutDaddy]

Every time I get too high on Colston, Claytons name pops into my head.

Me too.

Me three.

Brees > any Tampa QBColston will be fine, and I still think Clayton rebounds once TB gets all the pieces back on offense.

 

[Gordon Keith]

Every time I get too high on Colston, Claytons name pops into my head.

Me too.

I thought about it too....here...http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=298511&hl=

 

[wannabee]

Guys, I looked this up last offseason. His great rookie year had a couple of variables which are different now. Here is the full post, but please remember that is was last offseason:

Disclaimer: I know injury claimed some of the blame for Clayton's lower numbers in 2005 compared to his rookie year in 2004.

But, I would like to offer another, alternative reason:

Drop in targets. Period.

Here are the numbers:

In 2004, Clayton had 116 of the 253 Tampa WR targets. Of those targets, he caught 80 passes for 1193 yds and 7 TDs. This was a very good rookie year. Also, Galloway and Jurevicius each missed six of the first 7 games. During this time, Clayton had 55 targets in his first 7 games. The surprising part is that the targets did not decrease when Galloway and Jurevicius came back. Clayton still averaged almost two more targets a game than did Galloway after Galloway came back from the injury.

In 2005, Clayton had 55 targets in 13 games. This is out of a total of WR targets of 270. Of those 55 targets, 32 netting 372 yds and 0 TDs. Oddly enough, Jurevicius departed and Galloway received the bulk of the targets. Galloway had 152 of the 270 total WR targets. In addition, Ike Hillard had 54 targets.

Now, let's look at the difference in targets. The targets for Clayton were almost cut in half on a per game basis. This has to play major part in the reduction in fantasy production. Something changes between 2004 and 2005 to flip-flop the targets.

Some possibilities:

a. Injury: Galloway was still nicked up when he first came back in 2004 and his targets rose as he became healthier. In addition, Clayton's injuries could have made him ineffective and less able to get open in 2005 than in 2004.

b. The addition of Caddy Williams in 2005 altered the routes and play-calling, and therefore the targets. In 2004, Pittman was leading rusher with 219 carries for 926 yds. In 2005, Caddy was the leading rusher 290 carries for 1178 yds.

c. Change of QB. In 2004, Griese played in 11 games and averaged 30 attempts a game. In 2005, Simms was the leading QB, playing in 11 games and and attemped 313 passes. Maybe Griese, as a veteran, gained confidence in the rookie (Clayton) and looked for him even after Galloway and Jurevicius came back. Simms, a young QB, looked for the stable, veteran WR (Galloway) often as a safety net, especially with a rookie RB.

d. Record of Tampa Bay. In 2004, the Bucs were 5-11 and 11-5 in 2005. This, in addition to the drafting of Caddy, could change the game plan.

In summary, I think some of the blame for the decrease in Clayton's fantasy production was due to injury. But, there are many other factors at work, too. In trying to define fantasy production for 2006, and beyond, I think we cannot assume that Clayton will automatically resume the position as focal point in the passing game, and thereby getting the largest chunk of the targets.

The targets will tell us in 2006 which year, 2004 or 2005, was the fluke.

The links for this info:

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam2005.htm

http://www.footballguys.com/teampage-tam-2.php

 

[prymetyme25]

Guys, I looked this up last offseason. His great rookie year had a couple of variables which are different now. Here is the full post, but please remember that is was last offseason:

Disclaimer: I know injury claimed some of the blame for Clayton's lower numbers in 2005 compared to his rookie year in 2004.

But, I would like to offer another, alternative reason:

Drop in targets. Period.

Here are the numbers:

In 2004, Clayton had 116 of the 253 Tampa WR targets. Of those targets, he caught 80 passes for 1193 yds and 7 TDs. This was a very good rookie year. Also, Galloway and Jurevicius each missed six of the first 7 games. During this time, Clayton had 55 targets in his first 7 games. The surprising part is that the targets did not decrease when Galloway and Jurevicius came back. Clayton still averaged almost two more targets a game than did Galloway after Galloway came back from the injury.

In 2005, Clayton had 55 targets in 13 games. This is out of a total of WR targets of 270. Of those 55 targets, 32 netting 372 yds and 0 TDs. Oddly enough, Jurevicius departed and Galloway received the bulk of the targets. Galloway had 152 of the 270 total WR targets. In addition, Ike Hillard had 54 targets.

Now, let's look at the difference in targets. The targets for Clayton were almost cut in half on a per game basis. This has to play major part in the reduction in fantasy production. Something changes between 2004 and 2005 to flip-flop the targets.

Some possibilities:

a. Injury: Galloway was still nicked up when he first came back in 2004 and his targets rose as he became healthier. In addition, Clayton's injuries could have made him ineffective and less able to get open in 2005 than in 2004.

b. The addition of Caddy Williams in 2005 altered the routes and play-calling, and therefore the targets. In 2004, Pittman was leading rusher with 219 carries for 926 yds. In 2005, Caddy was the leading rusher 290 carries for 1178 yds.

c. Change of QB. In 2004, Griese played in 11 games and averaged 30 attempts a game. In 2005, Simms was the leading QB, playing in 11 games and and attemped 313 passes. Maybe Griese, as a veteran, gained confidence in the rookie (Clayton) and looked for him even after Galloway and Jurevicius came back. Simms, a young QB, looked for the stable, veteran WR (Galloway) often as a safety net, especially with a rookie RB.

d. Record of Tampa Bay. In 2004, the Bucs were 5-11 and 11-5 in 2005. This, in addition to the drafting of Caddy, could change the game plan.

In summary, I think some of the blame for the decrease in Clayton's fantasy production was due to injury. But, there are many other factors at work, too. In trying to define fantasy production for 2006, and beyond, I think we cannot assume that Clayton will automatically resume the position as focal point in the passing game, and thereby getting the largest chunk of the targets.

The targets will tell us in 2006 which year, 2004 or 2005, was the fluke.

The links for this info:

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam2005.htm

http://www.footballguys.com/teampage-tam-2.php

very .Members like you are what make me want to read these post.

Thanks

 

[gocats]

Guys, I looked this up last offseason. His great rookie year had a couple of variables which are different now. Here is the full post, but please remember that is was last offseason:

Disclaimer: I know injury claimed some of the blame for Clayton's lower numbers in 2005 compared to his rookie year in 2004.

But, I would like to offer another, alternative reason:

Drop in targets. Period.

Here are the numbers:

In 2004, Clayton had 116 of the 253 Tampa WR targets. Of those targets, he caught 80 passes for 1193 yds and 7 TDs. This was a very good rookie year. Also, Galloway and Jurevicius each missed six of the first 7 games. During this time, Clayton had 55 targets in his first 7 games. The surprising part is that the targets did not decrease when Galloway and Jurevicius came back. Clayton still averaged almost two more targets a game than did Galloway after Galloway came back from the injury.

In 2005, Clayton had 55 targets in 13 games. This is out of a total of WR targets of 270. Of those 55 targets, 32 netting 372 yds and 0 TDs. Oddly enough, Jurevicius departed and Galloway received the bulk of the targets. Galloway had 152 of the 270 total WR targets. In addition, Ike Hillard had 54 targets.

Now, let's look at the difference in targets. The targets for Clayton were almost cut in half on a per game basis. This has to play major part in the reduction in fantasy production. Something changes between 2004 and 2005 to flip-flop the targets.

Some possibilities:

a. Injury: Galloway was still nicked up when he first came back in 2004 and his targets rose as he became healthier. In addition, Clayton's injuries could have made him ineffective and less able to get open in 2005 than in 2004.

b. The addition of Caddy Williams in 2005 altered the routes and play-calling, and therefore the targets. In 2004, Pittman was leading rusher with 219 carries for 926 yds. In 2005, Caddy was the leading rusher 290 carries for 1178 yds.

c. Change of QB. In 2004, Griese played in 11 games and averaged 30 attempts a game. In 2005, Simms was the leading QB, playing in 11 games and and attemped 313 passes. Maybe Griese, as a veteran, gained confidence in the rookie (Clayton) and looked for him even after Galloway and Jurevicius came back. Simms, a young QB, looked for the stable, veteran WR (Galloway) often as a safety net, especially with a rookie RB.

d. Record of Tampa Bay. In 2004, the Bucs were 5-11 and 11-5 in 2005. This, in addition to the drafting of Caddy, could change the game plan.

In summary, I think some of the blame for the decrease in Clayton's fantasy production was due to injury. But, there are many other factors at work, too. In trying to define fantasy production for 2006, and beyond, I think we cannot assume that Clayton will automatically resume the position as focal point in the passing game, and thereby getting the largest chunk of the targets.

The targets will tell us in 2006 which year, 2004 or 2005, was the fluke.

The links for this info:

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam2005.htm

http://www.footballguys.com/teampage-tam-2.php

very .Members like you are what make me want to read these post.

Thanks

 

[LHUCKS]

It's possible his targets decreased because he became increasingly sucky...just saying.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

It's possible his targets decreased because he became increasingly sucky...just saying.

You really believe that? He was pretty darn solid at LSU, targets or no targets he had some sensational catches as a rookie. Do you remember when he had his helmet tore off and he still kept running after the catch and scored a TD? Have you ever watched this guy?

 

[billyjoe]

It's possible his targets decreased because he became increasingly sucky...just saying.

You really believe that? He was pretty darn solid at LSU, targets or no targets he had some sensational catches as a rookie. Do you remember when he had his helmet tore off and he still kept running after the catch and scored a TD? Have you ever watched this guy?

Dude I was awesome in HS football. Not that it matters.Look at the last two seasons. End of story. He's been garbage. And they're about to draft CJ2, and they resigned Boston. So the people close to Clayton think he sucks, but you don't because of a few catches he made at LSU/Rookie year? Really? Seriously, let those Clayton moments go, they're only going to get you in trouble.We need OTIS in here to tell us about Chris Perry and how if healthy, he could be a top 5 rb.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

It's possible his targets decreased because he became increasingly sucky...just saying.

You really believe that? He was pretty darn solid at LSU, targets or no targets he had some sensational catches as a rookie. Do you remember when he had his helmet tore off and he still kept running after the catch and scored a TD? Have you ever watched this guy?

Dude I was awesome in HS football. Not that it matters.Look at the last two seasons. End of story. He's been garbage. And they're about to draft CJ2, and they resigned Boston. So the people close to Clayton think he sucks, but you don't because of a few catches he made at LSU/Rookie year? Really? Seriously, let those Clayton moments go, they're only going to get you in trouble.We need OTIS in here to tell us about Chris Perry and how if healthy, he could be a top 5 rb.

I'll just refer back to what Wannabee pointed out. It's a mix of targets and injuries. Guy had plenty of targets his rookie year and did just fine. I hope if the Bucs draft Calvin Johnson that they do send Clayton to another team where he can get a fresh start. The guy has the skills IMO.

 

[THEBUTCHER]

I'll just refer back to what Wannabee pointed out. It's a mix of targets and injuries. Guy had plenty of targets his rookie year and did just fine. I hope if the Bucs draft Calvin Johnson that they do send Clayton to another team where he can get a fresh start. The guy has the skills IMO.

I agree that Clayton has some skills but his desire and a consistant QB are the two things holding him back it seems.

 

[perry147]

I'll just refer back to what Wannabee pointed out. It's a mix of targets and injuries. Guy had plenty of targets his rookie year and did just fine. I hope if the Bucs draft Calvin Johnson that they do send Clayton to another team where he can get a fresh start. The guy has the skills IMO.

I agree that Clayton has some skills but his desire and a consistant QB are the two things holding him back it seems.

I read somewhere that he parties to much and the success of his rookie year went to his head.

 

[redman]

IIRC, Rod Gardner had 1,100+ yds and 7 TD his rookie year...anyone seen him lately?

Year TM | G | Att Yards Y/A TD | Rec Yards Y/R TD |+----------+-----+--------------------------+-------------------------+| 2001 was | 16 | 1 16 16.0 0 | 46 741 16.1 4 || 2002 was | 16 | 1 1 1.0 0 | 71 1006 14.2 8 || 2003 was | 16 | 0 0 0.0 0 | 59 600 10.2 5 || 2004 was | 16 | 3 7 2.3 0 | 51 650 12.7 5 |

OK, so he had 741...then he posted 1,000/8, then he stopped producing much...5 TD is pretty norm for a season but he never took the next step.Thanks Tick

I'm no expert on Clayton, but from Gardner's standpoint his best comparison is probably David Terrell. Both are - or at least were when drafted - talented guys (Gardner probably more so) but neither guy seemed as serious about developing their football skill as living "the life". After his first season back, Gibbs told the team that anyone who didn't want to be there with them should tell him, and only two guys came forward, Gardner and Coles. Gibbs obliged by sending them both packing. Gardner remains in the league based solely upon physical talent and potential (each of which is rapidly fading as time goes on) and whatever his level of motivation at the moment is to get another paycheck. I'd bet money he's not in the league two years from now.

 

[TheFanatic]

I will say this, the game is won and lost at the O-Line. Tampa's is terrible. Caddy will be the first to tell you. It's hard to pass while running all over the place avoiding a sack, or worse yet, from your butt after taking a sack.

If Tampa had emphasized the screen more I think it would've forced opposing D's to be a little more honest and stay back into coverage thus giving whatever mediocre TB QB time to actually complete a pass and quite possibly some running room for Caddy. That was not the case.

Get them some Line help and a whole lot of TB offensive players put up better numbers.

 

[prymetyme25]

I will say this, the game is won and lost at the O-Line. Tampa's is terrible. Caddy will be the first to tell you. It's hard to pass while running all over the place avoiding a sack, or worse yet, from your butt after taking a sack. If Tampa had emphasized the screen more I think it would've forced opposing D's to be a little more honest and stay back into coverage thus giving whatever mediocre TB QB time to actually complete a pass and quite possibly some running room for Caddy. That was not the case.Get them some Line help and a whole lot of TB offensive players put up better numbers.

This is the reason I dont think its a slam dunk that they take Calvin if they get the 3rd pick.

 

[guderian]

It's possible his targets decreased because he became increasingly sucky...just saying.

You really believe that? He was pretty darn solid at LSU, targets or no targets he had some sensational catches as a rookie. Do you remember when he had his helmet tore off and he still kept running after the catch and scored a TD? Have you ever watched this guy?

Dude I was awesome in HS football. Not that it matters.Look at the last two seasons. End of story. He's been garbage. And they're about to draft CJ2, and they resigned Boston. So the people close to Clayton think he sucks, but you don't because of a few catches he made at LSU/Rookie year? Really? Seriously, let those Clayton moments go, they're only going to get you in trouble.We need OTIS in here to tell us about Chris Perry and how if healthy, he could be a top 5 rb.

It's not about his college career, he showed that he could do well in the NFL his rookie season. What changed since then to cause him to "suck" now? He was injured in 2005 and they had a revolving door of marginal QBs this year. Heck they were 31st in points and yards last season--the entire offense there has imploded behind a woeful offensive line and inconsistent QB play.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

My biggest worry with clayton is that jon gruden seems to have lost faith in him. Maurice stovall was their #2 at the end of the year because gruden was thru with clayton. In addition every mock I've seen has the bucs drafting Calvin johnson so it's conceivable that clayton will be the bucs #4 wr next season which is not a good thing as far as clayton's fantasy prospects are concerned.

Stovall became the #2 WR mainly becauseof Clayton's injury towards the end of the season,not because Gruden was "thru" with Clayton.

 

[prymetyme25]

My biggest worry with clayton is that jon gruden seems to have lost faith in him. Maurice stovall was their #2 at the end of the year because gruden was thru with clayton. In addition every mock I've seen has the bucs drafting Calvin johnson so it's conceivable that clayton will be the bucs #4 wr next season which is not a good thing as far as clayton's fantasy prospects are concerned.

Stovall became the #2 WR mainly becauseof Clayton's injury towards the end of the season,not because Gruden was "thru" with Clayton.

Truth