Player Spotlight: Chris Chambers (1 Viewer)

[Jason Wood]

2008 Player Spotlight Series

One of Footballguys best assets is our message board community. The Shark Pool is, in our view, the best place on the internet to discuss, debate and analyze all things fantasy football. In what's become an annual tradition, the Player Spotlight series is a key part of the preseason efforts. As many of you know, we consider the Player Spotlight threads the permanent record for analyzing the fantasy prospects of the player in question. Last year, we published more than 140 offensive spotlights covering the vast majority of expected skill position starters. This year will be no different.

Each week we will post a list of players to be discussed. Those threads will remain open for the entire preseason, and should be a central point to discussion expectations for the player in question. Importantly, analysis done in the first week of posting will be part of the permanent record in two ways. 1) At the end of the week, we will tally the projections into a consensus. 2) We will select a number of pull quotes from forum contributors who make a compelling statement or observation. Both the projections and pull quotes will be part of a published article on the main website.

Thread Topic: Chris Chambers, WR, San Diego Chargers

Player Page Link: Chris Chambers Player Page

Each article will include:

Detailed viewpoint from a Footballguys staff member
Highlighted member commentary from the message board threads
FBG Projections
Consensus Member ProjectionsThe Rules

In order for this thread to provide maximum value, we ask that you follow a few simple guidelines:

Focus commentary on the player in question, and your expectations for said player
Back up your expectations in whatever manner you deem appropriate; avoid posts that simply say "I hate him" or "He's the best"
To be included in the final synopsis and consensus outlook, you MUST provide projections for the playerProjections should include (at a minimum):

For QBs: Passing Yards, Passing TDs, Ints, Rush Yards, Rush TDs
For RBs: Rushes, Rushing Yards, Rush TDs, Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDs
For WRs & TEs: Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDsNow let's get on with the conversation! We look forward to your contributions and let me offer a personal thanks in anticipation of the great debate and analysis.

 

[Sweet Love]

I really like Chambers a lot going into 2008. He will have his first training camp with his new team, and in 10 games last year, he had 555 yards and TDs with the Chargers (he had 970 yards total including his time in Miami). The Chargers have Gates to attract attention away from Chambers (the first time in his career he worked with another receiving threat), so I think he can have a year similar to his 05 campaign, when he went off for 82 receptions, 1118 yards and 11 TDs.

I see:

73 receptions, 1150 yards and 8 TDs

 

[Blackjacks]

I like Chambers to. I could go with 1150 and about 8 td's as well. I think he fits nicely in that offense and will benefit from being there for a wholle year.

 

[zdaddy]

I can't remember the last time the Chargers had a really productive WR. Do we have to go back as far as Andre' Miller. I have never thought of Chambers as anything special. Even in his best days in Miami, he had a bunch of mediocore games, with a huge one or two thrown in to boost his stats. Most of the fantasy points from the Chargers will still go to LT2 and Gates, leaving only left overs for Chambers. I see 58/862 and 5 TDs. I wouldn't count on him for anything more that a WR3.

 

[Weiner Dog]

Arguably, the best "sell high" of all #1 WR's in the NFL. For whatever reason, the guy is still viewed as a Top-30 WR despite the following:

1) Will share receptions with Gates, LT, VJax and (soon-to-be) Craig Davis.

2) Did not eclipse 100 yards receiving or have more than 5 catches in a game after he was traded to the Chargers after Week 6.

3) Had 50 or fewer yards in 1/2 of his games as a Charger.

3) Only had 4 TD's in his 10 games as a Charger.

As VJax becomes the #1 WR (...and #2 option behind Gates), I believe Chambers will start to fade slightly. Chambers best chance of succeeding will come at the expense of Gates' foot injury. If Gates returns healthy, I view Chambers as nothing more than a WR3-4.

56-880-6

 

[RoyDubb]

Arguably, the best "sell high" of all #1 WR's in the NFL. For whatever reason, the guy is still viewed as a Top-30 WR despite the following:

1) Will share receptions with Gates, LT, VJax and (soon-to-be) Craig Davis.

2) Did not eclipse 100 yards receiving or have more than 5 catches in a game after he was traded to the Chargers after Week 6.

3) Had 50 or fewer yards in 1/2 of his games as a Charger.

3) Only had 4 TD's in his 10 games as a Charger.

As VJax becomes the #1 WR (...and #2 option behind Gates), I believe Chambers will start to fade slightly. Chambers best chance of succeeding will come at the expense of Gates' foot injury. If Gates returns healthy, I view Chambers as nothing more than a WR3-4.

56-880-6

 

[AllVolUT]

With a full offseason behind him, I expect Chambers to increase on his total 2007 output. I see him netting approximately 125 targets and him milking in on about 75 receptions - 125 targets may seem somewhat steep, but I expect LT2's workload to be slightly decreased. With Chambers' career average of about 14ypc, this equates to just over 1000 yards.

75 receptions, 1050 yards, 9 tds

 

[JPeso]

Last year of the contract, but I don't expect a huge bump in numbers. Jackson showed signs in the playoffs, and a healthy Gates will limit Chambers' upside. Oh, and then there is LT. You could do worse at WR3.

65 catches, 950 yards, 14.46 YPC, 6 TD

 

[radballs]

60 receptions, 920 yards, 5 TDs

 

[tommyGunZ]

60 receptions, 920 yards, 5 TDs

i agree with the esteemed mr radballs.64 - 950 - 6TDs

 

[TS Garp]

With a full offseason behind him, I expect Chambers to increase on his total 2007 output. I see him netting approximately 125 targets and him milking in on about 75 receptions - 125 targets may seem somewhat steep, but I expect LT2's workload to be slightly decreased. With Chambers' career average of about 14ypc, this equates to just over 1000 yards.75 receptions, 1050 yards, 9 tds

125 targets is very steep indeed, considering the make-up of this team. Unless Gates misses significant time or the Chargers throw more than ever before, this isn't going to happen.

 

[BoltBacker]

60 receptions, 920 yards, 5 TDs

i agree with the esteemed mr radballs.64 - 950 - 6TDs

I think that's the low end with the potential for more if the Gates toe injury lingers.He had 970/4 after changing teams mid-season. By the end of the season you could tell he was one of Rivers favorite targets.

 

[Jon_Moore]

He's one of the best goal line receivers in the NFL, but with Tomlinson, Gates, Jackson all in town, it's going to be hard to see Chambers catching several TDs.

He gives them a great big play option, but they're still going Tomlinson and gates until defenses stop them--which won't happen often. Rivers knee injury may affect his own play for the season as Palmer's seemed to when he returned. I believe he'll rely more on Gates this year than last, provided Gates is healthy. The deep ball will be rationed in SD.

47 receptions

779 yards

6 tds

 

[The Man with the Plan]

Philip Rivers is the best quarterback that Chris Chambers has received passes from. That's not saying a lot but I guess it could count for something. He put up okay numbers but that was later on when Gates was a non-factor. He doesn't have the best hands (or good ones for that matter) so unless he gets a lot of targets (unlikely with Gates and LT around) he'll disappoint like he usually does.

60 catches 840 yards 5tds= decent #3 receiver but I'd look for better production elsewhere.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

2) Did not eclipse 100 yards receiving or have more than 5 catches in a game after he was traded to the Chargers after Week 6.

In the Chargers' three playoff games, Chambers went 6/121/0, 3/67/1, and 7/90/0.Chambers is tough to figure out. His best games occurred when Gates was gimpy. But even before Gates was injured, Chambers was starting to become the guy Rivers looked for on third down -- a role that had always gone to Gates in previous seasons. (This is one reason to downgrade Gates this season.)Chambers had a reputation for dropping too many balls in Miami, but he really showed consistently great hands last year for the Chargers. Maybe it was a fluke.I don't know how healthy Gates will be this year, or when he'll return to action. That makes it hard to do projections for the Chargers. But as I said, even before Gates was injured last year Chambers was becoming a favorite target for Rivers.It's also hard to know how V.Jax will do this year. He came on during the playoffs. Could be a sign of things to come, or could be just a tease.Ultimately, Chambers could be anything from the clear #1 target in the passing game (if Gates is banged up and V.Jax doesn't continue to improve) to just one of three or four receivers splitting catches pretty evenly.My tentative projection:95 targets, 53 catches, 747 yards, 5.5 TDs

 

[Yitbos69]

75/1150/7

 

[SSOG]

With a full offseason behind him, I expect Chambers to increase on his total 2007 output. I see him netting approximately 125 targets and him milking in on about 75 receptions - 125 targets may seem somewhat steep, but I expect LT2's workload to be slightly decreased. With Chambers' career average of about 14ypc, this equates to just over 1000 yards.75 receptions, 1050 yards, 9 tds

It's not the 125 targets that catches my eye the most... it's the fact that you projected him to have a 60% catch%. For Chambers, targets have never been the problem, actually catching them has been.

 

[JMon348]

63-800-6

 

[Tau837]

With a full offseason behind him, I expect Chambers to increase on his total 2007 output. I see him netting approximately 125 targets and him milking in on about 75 receptions - 125 targets may seem somewhat steep, but I expect LT2's workload to be slightly decreased. With Chambers' career average of about 14ypc, this equates to just over 1000 yards.

75 receptions, 1050 yards, 9 tds

It's not the 125 targets that catches my eye the most... it's the fact that you projected him to have a 60% catch%. For Chambers, targets have never been the problem, actually catching them has been.

I'm not sure that was actually a problem for him in San Diego. Looking at his FBG game logs, there is a problem with week 20, as he is listed with 0 targets but 7 receptions. Assuming the other weeks are correct, check his MIA/SD splits from last season:MIA - 31 receptions on 66 targets (47.0%)

SD (not including week 20) - 51 receptions on 90 targets (56.7%)

Almost 10% improvement, despite starting cold in a new (albeit similar) offense with a new QB. Having a quality QB and a quality offense can obviously make a big difference.

He was not among the leaders in Drops - the top 28 in the AFC are shown at the link and Chambers isn't among them. Interestingly, Marty Booker, his teammate at Miami, and Gates, his teammate in SD, are among them.

EDITED to reflect the 12 targets (and 7 catches) in week 20, per Maurile.

 

[Tau837]

On the subject of targets, Chambers had 90 targets in 13 games, including the postseason. That is 6.9 per game and scales to 111 over 16 games. It does seem that 60% is probably the highest percentage of his targets we could hope for Chambers to catch, given past performance... and perhaps that is optimistic. Anyway, even 60% would only yield 66 catches.

There have been 3 posters who have predicted 73+ catches. So my questions to them and others who are thinking of reception totals higher than the mid 60s:

1. Are you expecting more than 111 targets? If so, why will he get more targets this year?

2. Do you think he'll catch more than 60% of his targets? His career best was the 56.7% he posted with San Diego last year. If you do think he'll catch more than 60%, why?

EDITED to reflect the 12 targets in week 20, per Maurile.

 

[Todem]

A total enigma his whole career. He has all the tools to be a monster but lacks the focus on the field. He also drops too many passes and does not do enough with the ones he grabs.

65 receptions 775 Yards 4 TD's

 

[by_the_sea_wannabe]

57 777 6

5 rushes 30 yards

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Looking at his FBG game logs, there is a problem with week 20, as he is listed with 0 targets but 7 receptions.

Chambers had 12 targets in week 20.

 

[burd]

Chambers isnt enough of a player to stand out amongst LT and Gates.

60 700 5

 

[BoltBacker]

1. Are you expecting more than 104 targets? If so, why will he get more targets this year?

a) uncertainty with regard to the Gates toe issueb) has had 130 targets in the Norv Turner offense beforec) chemistry with Rivers should be improved(and it was pretty good last year in a partial season)d) people like to criticize Chambers but under several different coaches in the recent past he's had 129+ targets for the past 5 years in a row so several coaching staffs have recognized he's quite a talent and made a point to give him opportunities. It wouldn't surprise me at all to see Chambers get more than 104 targets this season. I'd guess just under 70 receptions but keep in mind he had about 16y/rec last year after arriving in SD.... that combo would be in the ~1,100yd ballpark. People are being pretty conservative in this thread imo and I'm the person that argued everyone was expecting wayyy too much out of Vincent Jackson last year so it's not homerism.

 

[Tau837]

1. Are you expecting more than 104 targets? If so, why will he get more targets this year?

a) uncertainty with regard to the Gates toe issueb) has had 130 targets in the Norv Turner offense beforec) chemistry with Rivers should be improved(and it was pretty good last year in a partial season) It wouldn't surprise me at all to see Chambers get more than 104 targets this season. I'd guess just under 70 receptions but keep in mind he had about 16y/r last year after arriving in SD.... that combo would be in the ~1,100yd ballpark. People are being pretty conservative in this thread imo and I'm the person that argued everyone was expecting wayyy too much out of Vincent Jackson last year so it's not homerism.

First off, with the info on his 12 targets in week 20, his average with SD scales up to 111 targets now. Of course, that just shows how influential one outlier game can be in a small sample size.On your point (b) above, Norv was OC in Miami for 2 seasons, 2002 & 2003. Chambers had 98 targets in 15 games in 2002 and 130 targets in 16 games in 2003. Big swing there. Perhaps more relevant, how did the 2003 Miami situation compare to the 2008 San Diego situation?Miami only threw 450 passes, so Chambers really got a high ratio (29%). I expect San Diego to throw more. Last year, they attempted 471 passes in the regular season.Let's compare competition for targets:In 2003, Miami's top RB was Ricky Williams with 50 catches; other RBs combined for 32 catches.The combination of LT and Sproles is a stronger receiving threat IMO, though SD RBs "only" combined for 83 catches last year, making this a wash.In 2003, Miami's top TE was Randy McMichael with 49 catches; Donald Lee added 7 catches.Gates is obviously a stronger receiving threat; he and Manu combined for 85 catches last season.In 2003, Miami's WRs other than Chambers were James McKnight, Derrius Thompson, Oronde Gadsden, and Kendall Newson. They combined for 55 catches.IMO it is clear that Jackson, Davis, Parker, et al are a stronger group. WRs other than Chambers combined for 78 catches last year. Granted, they played 6 games without Chambers, so perhaps this would really be a wash if not for that.The bottom line is that I think there is much stronger competition for catches on San Diego's roster this year than when Chambers got 130 targets in Norv's offense in 2003. Still, like I said, Chambers' targets last year in San Diego scale to 111 in 16 games... not *that* far off from 130... especially if Gates is slowed early by his toe. (I don't know how likely that is.)I guess the only other thing I'd point out is that 70 catches for Chambers will probably require at least 120 targets. So IMO he'll have to be used very much like he was in 2003 to have a shot at your projections.

 

[SSOG]

I'm not sure that was actually a problem for him in San Diego. Looking at his FBG game logs, there is a problem with week 20, as he is listed with 0 targets but 7 receptions. Assuming the other weeks are correct, check his MIA/SD splits from last season:

MIA - 31 receptions on 66 targets (47.0%)

SD (not including week 20) - 51 receptions on 90 targets (56.7%)

Almost 10% improvement, despite starting cold in a new (albeit similar) offense with a new QB. Having a quality QB and a quality offense can obviously make a big difference.

He was not among the leaders in Drops - the top 28 in the AFC are shown at the link and Chambers isn't among them. Interestingly, Marty Booker, his teammate at Miami, and Gates, his teammate in SD, are among them.

EDITED to reflect the 12 targets (and 7 catches) in week 20, per Maurile.

You've been around the block long enough that I'm sure I don't need to bring up the issues with sample size, but even still... that's a 56.7% catch%. And it's the highest he's had in his career. Not boding well for him becoming a 60% receiver at any point in the near future.

 

[Tau837]

I'm not sure that was actually a problem for him in San Diego. Looking at his FBG game logs, there is a problem with week 20, as he is listed with 0 targets but 7 receptions. Assuming the other weeks are correct, check his MIA/SD splits from last season:

MIA - 31 receptions on 66 targets (47.0%)

SD (not including week 20) - 51 receptions on 90 targets (56.7%)

Almost 10% improvement, despite starting cold in a new (albeit similar) offense with a new QB. Having a quality QB and a quality offense can obviously make a big difference.

He was not among the leaders in Drops - the top 28 in the AFC are shown at the link and Chambers isn't among them. Interestingly, Marty Booker, his teammate at Miami, and Gates, his teammate in SD, are among them.

EDITED to reflect the 12 targets (and 7 catches) in week 20, per Maurile.

You've been around the block long enough that I'm sure I don't need to bring up the issues with sample size, but even still... that's a 56.7% catch%. And it's the highest he's had in his career. Not boding well for him becoming a 60% receiver at any point in the near future.

I don't disagree, as you can tell by my other posts. I was mainly making the point here that he improved substantially in San Diego. He set a career high in catch percentage; that can't be anything but a positive in terms of projecting his future performance in San Diego.And, while 56.7% is not 60%, it's also worth noting that he averaged 16.3 ypr in San Diego. I don't know where to find this data, but I'd suspect that a high percentage of his targets were further downfield than for most receivers, which in turn presumably makes it less likely that he would have a high catch percentage; they are lower percentage plays.

And it is at least possible that he could improve upon that 56.7% catch percentage given an offseason/training camp/preseason in the organization and offense, and to build rapport with Rivers.

IMO it all comes down to how many targets he'll get, not so much his ability to convert them. I think the optimistic projections in this thread are probably assuming too many targets.

 

[BoltBacker]

The bottom line is that I think there is much stronger competition for catches on San Diego's roster this year than when Chambers got 130 targets in Norv's offense in 2003. Still, like I said, Chambers' targets last year in San Diego scale to 111 in 16 games... not *that* far off from 130... especially if Gates is slowed early by his toe. (I don't know how likely that is.)I guess the only other thing I'd point out is that 70 catches for Chambers will probably require at least 120 targets. So IMO he'll have to be used very much like he was in 2003 to have a shot at your projections.

So after changing teams mid season he was on a 111 target pace and you think he needs 120 targets. I guess you think those 9 targets are a bigger mountain to overcome than I do. I'd say what should be an even better chemistry with Rivers from preseason reps could add a few more targets/game than last season. I'm also not just penciling in Gates as 100% until I see it. He has more competition for catches because of the TE position but the TE position is what's up in the air right now. As you pointed out RB targets were the same. Chambers is clearly the #1 WR in SD so as long as he's healthy I don't really think it matters all that much the #2/#3/#4 WR's differ from the '03 MIA to '07 SD. Some like to argue back and forth that a better WR on the other side opens up more routes for you or makes coverage against the #1 WR softer.... meh, I avoid that argument either way.

 

[Tau837]

The bottom line is that I think there is much stronger competition for catches on San Diego's roster this year than when Chambers got 130 targets in Norv's offense in 2003. Still, like I said, Chambers' targets last year in San Diego scale to 111 in 16 games... not *that* far off from 130... especially if Gates is slowed early by his toe. (I don't know how likely that is.)I guess the only other thing I'd point out is that 70 catches for Chambers will probably require at least 120 targets. So IMO he'll have to be used very much like he was in 2003 to have a shot at your projections.

So after changing teams mid season he was on a 111 target pace and you think he needs 120 targets. I guess you think those 9 targets are a bigger mountain to overcome than I do. I'd say what should be an even better chemistry with Rivers from preseason reps could add a few more targets/game than last season. I'm also not just penciling in Gates as 100% until I see it. He has more competition for catches because of the TE position but the TE position is what's up in the air right now. As you pointed out RB targets were the same. Chambers is clearly the #1 WR in SD so as long as he's healthy I don't really think it matters all that much the #2/#3/#4 WR's differ from the '03 MIA to '07 SD. Some like to argue back and forth that a better WR on the other side opens up more routes for you or makes coverage against the #1 WR softer.... meh, I avoid that argument either way.

You're right, 9 targets isn't a big gap. But the reason Chambers was on pace for 111 targets already factored in Gates not being healthy - Gates had only 5 total targets in the Chargers' 3 playoff games, while Chambers had 27. Clearly, Gates' injury skewed Chambers target totals - until those three games, he had 63 targets in 10 games, which only scales to 101 targets over 16 games.And on top of that, to get 70 catches on 120 targets would still require Chambers to set another career high in catch percentage (that would be 58.3%).Sure, these are small differences. But it is not unreasonable to project him to get 100 targets and catch 55% of them, based on past precedent, including last year's performance in San Diego.

 

[BoltBacker]

And on top of that, to get 70 catches on 120 targets would still require Chambers to set another career high in catch percentage (that would be 58.3%).Sure, these are small differences. But it is not unreasonable to project him to get 100 targets and catch 55% of them, based on past precedent, including last year's performance in San Diego.

Just to be clear I said I thought he'd get just under 70 receptions. High 60's if I were to guess. I also agree with your catch % - Mid 50's.You do make a solid point about Gates missing a lot of time in the playoffs last year but like I said I think Chambers gets more integrated into the offense with a full offseason with the team. And that leads us to the only part we disagree on: the # of targets. I think he gets 115-125 and you think he gets considerably less. I suppose we'll find out soon enough who is right. Here's my guess...118 targets / 56% catch / 66 rec / 16y per catch / 1056 yards / 7 TD... which seems higher than most Charger fans. Significantly more than Tremblay and surprisingly more than 'gunz who is an unabashed homer.

 

[AllVolUT]

While my original post of 75 receptions may have been a little steep, I still stand by Chambers grabbing 111+ targets. Coming in mid-season, the guy averaged 6.3 targets a game during the regular season with SD (6.9 including playoffs). As Chambers finds more chemistry with Rivers this offseason (illustrated during the playoffs) and with the uncertainty surrounding Gates, I think bumping the average targets per game up 0.5 would be just. This equates to Chambers netting somewhere in the neighborhood of 115-120 targets.

If we downgrade Chambers' 56.7% reception rate to even 55%, then with his estimated target totals of ~118 he grabs about 65 balls. As BoltBacker mentioned, he averaged 15.9ypc - somewhat inflated IMO. If he regresses to ~15ypc, he'll put up 975 yards.

I temper my expectations a little bit: 65 catches, 975 yards, 9 tds

 

[BoltBacker]

As BoltBacker mentioned, he averaged 15.9ypc - somewhat inflated IMO. If he regresses to ~15ypc, he'll put up 975 yards.

I looked at that too, but in my opinion if we are going to penalize his # of targets because of the talent around him(the past five seasons his targets were 129, 154, 166, 132, 130) I don't think it's unreasonable to think that his higher y/catch is based at least partly due to the improved talent around him as well. He's no longer the #1 threat defenses are defending as he was in MIA. SD faces a lot of 8-man fronts. In my opinion the 16 y/catch is legit.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Catch percentage is 100% useless as a measure of WR quality. Very few, if any, WRs consistently out/under perform their QB's completion to the team's WRs by more than a couple percentage points (i.e. a couple receptions across the entire season). And almost all exceptions relate to the WR's role on the team - not his quality.

Miami QBs' completion percentage to WRs 2002-2007: 916/1821 = 50.3%

Chris Chambers' career catch percentage in Miami 2002-2007: 392/809 = 48.5%

Philip Rivers' completion percentage to WRs in 2007: 113/206 = 54.8%

Chris Chambers' catch percentage on passes from Rivers: 44/78 = 56.4%

Did Chambers get better? No. But his QB did.

 

[jurb26]

Catch percentage is 100% useless as a measure of WR quality. Very few, if any, WRs consistently out/under perform their QB's completion to the team's WRs.Miami QBs' completion percentage to WRs 2002-2007: 916/1821 = 50.3%Chris Chambers' career catch percentage in Miami 2002-2007: 392/809 = 48.5%Philip Rivers' completion percentage to WRs in 2007: 113/206 = 54.8%Chris Chambers' catch percentage on passes from Rivers: 44/78 = 56.4%Did Chambers get better? No. But his QB did.

Not only did his QB, but his entire team did thus allowing better opportunities. Opportunities such as lesser coverage because teams now factor the other significant weapons on the offense such as LT or Gates. It just seems far to sensible that Chambers catch % goes up and a low and behold it did! Some of us have been saying this for years now. Chambers was never as bad as that Mia offense made him look. Still, half a season proves little if anything. We'll see how this season turns out. I guess I need to post projections before I get my hand slapped. 65 receptions, 990 yds, 7 TDs

 

[BoltBacker]

Catch percentage is 100% useless as a measure of WR quality. Very few, if any, WRs consistently out/under perform their QB's completion to the team's WRs.Miami QBs' completion percentage to WRs 2002-2007: 916/1821 = 50.3%Chris Chambers career catch percentage in Miami 2002-2007: 392/809 = 48.5%Philip Rivers' completion percentage to WRs in 2007: 113/206 = 54.8%Chris Chambers catch percentage on passes from Rivers: 44/78 = 56.4%Did Chambers get better? No. But his QB did.

That's a solid point I was going to bring up earlier, but usually it's countered by "well, if <MIA scrub receiver that caught 25 balls all season for 300 yards> was able to catch 55% of these crappy QB passes why did Chambers only catch 49%?". In my opinion it's because Chambers was the #1 and sometimes only receiver to defend or throw to so he got a lot more attention by defenses.I even looked up the top passers for MIA since Chambers entered the league in '01;LemonHarringtonFrerotteFeeleyFiedlerFiedlerFiedlerwoof!

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

68/1028/7 - WR19

 

[SSOG]

Catch percentage is 100% useless as a measure of WR quality. Very few, if any, WRs consistently out/under perform their QB's completion to the team's WRs by more than a couple percentage points (i.e. a couple receptions across the entire season). And almost all exceptions relate to the WR's role on the team - not his quality.Miami QBs' completion percentage to WRs 2002-2007: 916/1821 = 50.3%Chris Chambers' career catch percentage in Miami 2002-2007: 392/809 = 48.5%Philip Rivers' completion percentage to WRs in 2007: 113/206 = 54.8%Chris Chambers' catch percentage on passes from Rivers: 44/78 = 56.4%Did Chambers get better? No. But his QB did.

I disagree, but rather than argue, I'll ask what a decent metric is? Would you prefer yards per target?2001- 9.82002- 7.42003- 7.42004- 6.42005- 6.72006- 4.4 (not a typo!)2007- 7.5Generally speaking, WRs average significantly more yards per target than the QB throwing the ball averages yards per attempt (because the QB's numbers are brought down by passes to TEs and RBs).And if WRs really do just average about the same catch% as their QB's comp%, and about the same ypt as the QB's ypa, then why on earth would any team bother spending money on WRs? I mean, if your QB is a 60% passer and a 7.5 ypa kind of guy, why spend money on good receivers who will average 60% catch% and 7.5 ypt, when crappy receivers will get the same numbers?Perhaps the reason that the WRs catch% corresponds so well to the QB's comp% isn't just because the QB is bringing down the WR's numbers... it's because the WR is bringing down the QB's numbers, too. Chambers consistently underperformed his teammates in Miami. Wes Welker demonstrated that good WRs are going put up good per-play statistics with whatever dreck you put at QB. Look at Torry Holt with Ryan Fitzpatrick under center. Look at Lee Evans with J.P. Losman under center. Look at Fitzgerald and Boldin with all of the QBs that Arizona has gone through. Their numbers are going to be affected, sure, but good WRs will still put up good numbers at the end of the day.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

I disagree, but rather than argue, I'll ask what a decent metric is? Would you prefer yards per target?

See your PMs SSOG - don't want to hijack the thread here.

 

[LHUCKS]

Arguably, the best "sell high" of all #1 WR's in the NFL. For whatever reason, the guy is still viewed as a Top-30 WR despite the following:

1) Will share receptions with Gates, LT, VJax and (soon-to-be) Craig Davis.

2) Did not eclipse 100 yards receiving or have more than 5 catches in a game after he was traded to the Chargers after Week 6.

3) Had 50 or fewer yards in 1/2 of his games as a Charger.

3) Only had 4 TD's in his 10 games as a Charger.

As VJax becomes the #1 WR (...and #2 option behind Gates), I believe Chambers will start to fade slightly. Chambers best chance of succeeding will come at the expense of Gates' foot injury. If Gates returns healthy, I view Chambers as nothing more than a WR3-4.

56-880-6

Fool's Gold...particulary with a feeble Rivers.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

I like Chris Chambers on San Diego. I think we saw Phillip Rivers developing in the playoffs last season and he emerged a leader. This is good news for San Diego receivers......still, they have LT and a strong defense.

900 yards receiving, 7 Td's with 75 receptions

 

[Portis 26]

I've never been convinced by the whole X on the San Diego offense can't put up great numbers because he has Gates and LT2 to contend with argument.

I could give countless examples of successful offenses where several different players put up superb numbers. At least in part, the more good players on an offense, the more difficult it is for Ds to focus on eliminating one, and the more all can profit.

 

[Byron_nyc]

What makes Chambers appealing -- playing at last in a great offense -- is what limits his numbers: he's battling for targets with Gates, LT, and two good young WRs. A solid WR3 for your fantasy team who will have some big weeks.

60 receptions, 900 yards, 5 TDs

 

[Ghost Rider]

Through three games, Chambers only has six catches, but four of them have been for touchdowns. Weird. As much as the Chargers passing game has been clicking, I am really surprised he hasn't been catching more passes.