TE Jordan Matthews, CAR (1 Viewer)

[*****]

A ten reception game in preseason. An eight reception game in week three of his career. That's demonstration of talent reasonably close in time. I don't need many more games in his rookie season to convince me he can play at a high level. He need not perform as a WR 1 in his rookie season. He need only show what he can do, much like Patterson did at the end of last season. Frankly, in light of the spark he showed this early, I would not be surprised if he showed more over the season than CP. The debate in this thread may not be far from being settled.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Jordan Matthews - WR - Eagles

Jordan Matthews caught four passes for 28 yards in Sunday's Week 4 loss at San Francisco.

Matthews was targeted a healthy seven times, but most were desperation tosses from a haggard Nick Foles. There's going to be a lot of inconsistency out of the rookie until he unseats Riley Cooper as the No. 2 wideout opposite Jeremy Maclin. Through four games, Matthews is on pace for 60 catches, 564 yards and eight touchdowns.

Sep 28 - 8:44 PM

 

[OrangeJulius]

Talent I say - TALENT!

 

[Milkman]

WR5 lololol

 

[georg013]

Bump Matthews up to WR1 after tonights game. In fact, he now passes Sammy Watkins and Mike Evans as the 1.01 due to his elite measureables. I'm completely sold on him being the best prospect in this class after this performance. Matthews owners join me in rejoicing his coming out party. He is now ELITE!!!!!

 

[Xue]

Bump Matthews up to WR1 after tonights game. In fact, he now passes Sammy Watkins and Mike Evans as the 1.01 due to his elite measureables. I'm completely sold on him being the best prospect in this class after this performance. Matthews owners join me in rejoicing his coming out party. He is now ELITE!!!!!

Hacked by Brewtown.

 

[werdnoynek]

Bump Matthews up to WR1 after tonights game. In fact, he now passes Sammy Watkins and Mike Evans as the 1.01 due to his elite measureables. I'm completely sold on him being the best prospect in this class after this performance. Matthews owners join me in rejoicing his coming out party. He is now ELITE!!!!!

Hacked by Brewtown.

 

[stells]

Riding the Matthews/Charlie Sims wave to the championship.

 

[Milkman]

All kidding aside. If Matthews ends up hitting too......what an insane rookie WR class 2014 is.

 

[OrangeJulius]

Just imagine what he'll do when he figures out how to run the full route tree and learns how to gain separation...

 

[ConnSKINS26]

Seems like Lee might be the only real bust in this entire class, if he doesn't turn it around. Good call, Xue.

Is it this new NFL, these new no-contact rules they're enforcing? Are more and more WR prospects going to hit? I realize this was a great class on it's own merit, but this is just ridiculous. Everyone is just producing, they're all plug-and-play.

 

[OrangeJulius]

Didn't Sammy Watkins take a ton of screens last year too?

Yes.

Thanks. If someone can tell me the difference is, that would be great.

Watkins displays consistent clear ability to create separation vs man coverage and run the full route tree effectively

This running of a full route tree seems like a pretty basic skill for a WR that can be taught/learned (especially with someone of Matthews athletic ability and bloodline). You think Jerry Rice's cousin won't be able to run decent routes : )

So, in your film study, you did not see the full route tree, and in your opinion he did not demonstrate this in college. Part of what we do in evaluating is predicting how talent translates to the NFL. Wouldn't any reasonable scout/man think that a very good athlete like Matthews would probably have no problem running the full route tree?

This...

 

[ShaHBucks]

Seems like Lee might be the only real bust in this entire class, if he doesn't turn it around. Good call, Xue.

Is it this new NFL, these new no-contact rules they're enforcing? Are more and more WR prospects going to hit? I realize this was a great class on it's own merit, but this is just ridiculous. Everyone is just producing, they're all plug-and-play.

Makes up for last year..

 

[Raider Nation]

Just imagine what he'll do when he figures out how to run the full route tree and learns how to gain separation...

I haven't followed this thread much. Did Bloom make those comments before Matthews was drafted by the Eagles? If so, it's somewhat understandable. But if he maintained that position after he was drafted, that's ballsy. Chip Kelly could scheme ways to have Tony Siragusa get separation.

 

[Omniscient Deity]

Swing and a miss by Bloom(we all have them). I've watched every snap of his and he's more than just a product of this offense.

 

[Raider Nation]

Swing and a miss by Bloom(we all have them). I've watched every snap of his and he's more than just a product of this offense.

But it certainly doesn't hurt. Riley Cooper went for 835 yards and 8 TDs last year. Here was the scouting report on him before he got drafted in the 5th:

Not much of a blocker. Has a lot of trouble creating separation against man coverage and an equally difficult time getting off the jam at the line of scrimmage. A long-strider, Cooper takes a while to get to full speed. Has decent timed speed but doesn’t display quickness on the field. Has had his shared of dropped balls that were very catchable. Will sometimes let the ball get into his body when catching. Not elusive after the catch. Limited experience and questions surround his dedication to football.

 

[Raider Nation]

I'm not arguing that Matthews ISN'T a nice talent, for the record.

But let's not act like we'd be this excited about him if he ended up in Oakland, Minnesota, Tennessee, etc.

 

[ShaHBucks]

I'm not arguing that Matthews ISN'T a nice talent, for the record.

But let's not act like we'd be this excited about him if he ended up in Oakland, Minnesota, Tennessee, etc.

Or Jac w Bortles

 

[Xue]

https://twitter.com/MikeClayNFL/status/532055173477044224

Chip adamant not to read too much into Matthews' big game. Gameplan was to focus on slot/inside. Explains Celek too.

8:56pm - 10 Nov 14

 

[Raider Nation]

I'm not arguing that Matthews ISN'T a nice talent, for the record.

But let's not act like we'd be this excited about him if he ended up in Oakland, Minnesota, Tennessee, etc.

Or Jac w Bortles

Yeah, Bortles is KILLING his rookie WRs!

Rookies - Receiving Yards

1. Kelvin Benjamin WR, Carolina Panthers - 661

2. Sammy Watkins WR, Buffalo Bills - 617

3. Mike Evans WR, Tampa Bay Bucs - 585

4.Allen Robinson WR, Jacksonville Jaguars – 548

5. Brandin Cooks WR, New Orleans Saints - 514

6. Allen Hurns WR, Jacksonville Jaguars - 475

Keep trolling though. You add a lot to the forum.

 

[SameSongNDance]

Yes, he's currently running in a great system with a QB who has shown a tendency to lock onto him from the inception of their "connection" in the preseason. This in conjunction with blatant physical tools (compare's favorably to Micheal Floyd) and we have a perfect storm brewing.

 

[ShaHBucks]

I'm not arguing that Matthews ISN'T a nice talent, for the record.

But let's not act like we'd be this excited about him if he ended up in Oakland, Minnesota, Tennessee, etc.

Or Jac w Bortles

Yeah, Bortles is KILLING his rookie WRs!

Rookies - Receiving Yards

1. Kelvin Benjamin WR, Carolina Panthers - 661

2. Sammy Watkins WR, Buffalo Bills - 617

3. Mike Evans WR, Tampa Bay Bucs - 585

4.Allen Robinson WR, Jacksonville Jaguars – 548

5. Brandin Cooks WR, New Orleans Saints - 514

6. Allen Hurns WR, Jacksonville Jaguars - 475

Keep trolling though. You add a lot to the forum.

Lol. I won't bother

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Swing and a miss by Bloom(we all have them). I've watched every snap of his and he's more than just a product of this offense.

LOL yup, that game settles that for good

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

https://twitter.com/MikeClayNFL/status/532055173477044224

Chip adamant not to read too much into Matthews' big game. Gameplan was to focus on slot/inside. Explains Celek too.

8:56pm - 10 Nov 14

no no, celek is budding superstar too.

matthews is going to be a fine NFL WR. I'll admit that I underestimated the quality of the fit in this role in philly, could bloat his numbers too (look at Maclin's #s right now. Is anyone arguing that he is truly an elite talent?). He's still not an NFL #1 WR and not a WR who is going to shake good man coverage or win tough balls in the air consistently.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

https://twitter.com/MikeClayNFL/status/532055173477044224

Chip adamant not to read too much into Matthews' big game. Gameplan was to focus on slot/inside. Explains Celek too.

8:56pm - 10 Nov 14

no no, celek is budding superstar too.

matthews is going to be a fine NFL WR. I'll admit that I underestimated the quality of the fit in this role in philly, could bloat his numbers too (look at Maclin's #s right now. Is anyone arguing that he is truly an elite talent?). He's still not an NFL #1 WR and not a WR who is going to shake good man coverage or win tough balls in the air consistently.

The Eagles did (to an extent) when they took him as the 19th overall selection in 2009. And everyone had him listed as a solid first round talent back then.

I think people just get distracted with DJax speed/breakaway component. Heck, Harvin was taken after Maclin and yet he got called elite all the time.

 

[OrangeJulius]

https://twitter.com/MikeClayNFL/status/532055173477044224

Chip adamant not to read too much into Matthews' big game. Gameplan was to focus on slot/inside. Explains Celek too.

8:56pm - 10 Nov 14

no no, celek is budding superstar too. matthews is going to be a fine NFL WR. I'll admit that I underestimated the quality of the fit in this role in philly, could bloat his numbers too (look at Maclin's #s right now. Is anyone arguing that he is truly an elite talent?). He's still not an NFL #1 WR and not a WR who is going to shake good man coverage or win tough balls in the air consistently.

Maclin is WR 6 in my PPR league and Matthews is WR27 in that same league as a rookie with a bit role in 2014.

I am not sure what you consider a WR1 - but Maclin is a WR1 in 2014 on a contending team where he is making a difference.

Matthews is only a rookie and his performance is remarkable as Philly has a lot of weapons as options. He has a great size/speed combo that Philly is choosing to utilize as a rookie. This young buck has produced everywhere he has been. HIGH-Level competitive NFL football is not too big for him. Just imagine how he'll be doing in a couple of years in that offense...

 

[Milkman]

Dudes gonna be elite. Even Bloom's coming around on him. Let's see if Werdnoynek can sack up or not. I'm betting not. Lolol werd.

 

[John Paul]

My hope is he's WR1b in Philly in 2015 playing the outside. His time in the slot in '14 will just be part of his learning curve. I don't see Cooper holding him back and there's still a chance that Maclin doesn't resign with the team.

I'm not trying to put him in Julio, AJ, Dez or Demaryius territory on talent, but he's closer than quite a few scouts guessed six months ago. I like the system he's growing up in and I like Foles as a young QB to grow with. I'm not going to get overly excited or down based on such a small sample size, but he is showing me what I'd hoped in his rookie year. This is a good WR to have on your dyno squad.

 

[dhockster]

https://twitter.com/MikeClayNFL/status/532055173477044224

Chip adamant not to read too much into Matthews' big game. Gameplan was to focus on slot/inside. Explains Celek too.

8:56pm - 10 Nov 14

no no, celek is budding superstar too.

matthews is going to be a fine NFL WR. I'll admit that I underestimated the quality of the fit in this role in philly, could bloat his numbers too (look at Maclin's #s right now. Is anyone arguing that he is truly an elite talent?). He's still not an NFL #1 WR and not a WR who is going to shake good man coverage or win tough balls in the air consistently.

Aren't the majority of people looking at things from a FF perspective? So if Maclin is a very good receiver who puts up elite numbers because he is in a pass friendly offense, doesn't that make him an elife FF receiver? Who cares whether he has elite talent.

 

[BeTheMatch]

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

https://twitter.com/MikeClayNFL/status/532055173477044224

Chip adamant not to read too much into Matthews' big game. Gameplan was to focus on slot/inside. Explains Celek too.

8:56pm - 10 Nov 14

no no, celek is budding superstar too.

matthews is going to be a fine NFL WR. I'll admit that I underestimated the quality of the fit in this role in philly, could bloat his numbers too (look at Maclin's #s right now. Is anyone arguing that he is truly an elite talent?). He's still not an NFL #1 WR and not a WR who is going to shake good man coverage or win tough balls in the air consistently.

Aren't the majority of people looking at things from a FF perspective? So if Maclin is a very good receiver who puts up elite numbers because he is in a pass friendly offense, doesn't that make him an elife FF receiver? Who cares whether he has elite talent.

this article was written during draft season. it was a draft profile and about how he didn't compare to the first round WRs he was being mentioned with in terms of pure talent/ability

 

[dhockster]

https://twitter.com/MikeClayNFL/status/532055173477044224

Chip adamant not to read too much into Matthews' big game. Gameplan was to focus on slot/inside. Explains Celek too.

8:56pm - 10 Nov 14

no no, celek is budding superstar too.

matthews is going to be a fine NFL WR. I'll admit that I underestimated the quality of the fit in this role in philly, could bloat his numbers too (look at Maclin's #s right now. Is anyone arguing that he is truly an elite talent?). He's still not an NFL #1 WR and not a WR who is going to shake good man coverage or win tough balls in the air consistently.

Aren't the majority of people looking at things from a FF perspective? So if Maclin is a very good receiver who puts up elite numbers because he is in a pass friendly offense, doesn't that make him an elife FF receiver? Who cares whether he has elite talent.

this article was written during draft season. it was a draft profile and about how he didn't compare to the first round WRs he was being mentioned with in terms of pure talent/ability

I was talking about your Maclin comment, not about Matthews.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

https://twitter.com/MikeClayNFL/status/532055173477044224

Chip adamant not to read too much into Matthews' big game. Gameplan was to focus on slot/inside. Explains Celek too.

8:56pm - 10 Nov 14

no no, celek is budding superstar too.

matthews is going to be a fine NFL WR. I'll admit that I underestimated the quality of the fit in this role in philly, could bloat his numbers too (look at Maclin's #s right now. Is anyone arguing that he is truly an elite talent?). He's still not an NFL #1 WR and not a WR who is going to shake good man coverage or win tough balls in the air consistently.

Aren't the majority of people looking at things from a FF perspective? So if Maclin is a very good receiver who puts up elite numbers because he is in a pass friendly offense, doesn't that make him an elife FF receiver? Who cares whether he has elite talent.

this article was written during draft season. it was a draft profile and about how he didn't compare to the first round WRs he was being mentioned with in terms of pure talent/ability

I was talking about your Maclin comment, not about Matthews.

exactly. maclin's #s are more about the system/opportunity than an indication of his talent. no one is saying maclin is the equal of the WRs he scored on the level of season to date in terms of ability. and if you took maclin out of PHI and put him elsewhere, numbers would be closer to talent level. same is going to apply to matthews. look at decker in DEN vs decker w NYJ. I think Decker is actually a decent compare for Matthews is some aspects too

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

https://twitter.com/MikeClayNFL/status/532055173477044224

Chip adamant not to read too much into Matthews' big game. Gameplan was to focus on slot/inside. Explains Celek too.

8:56pm - 10 Nov 14

no no, celek is budding superstar too.

matthews is going to be a fine NFL WR. I'll admit that I underestimated the quality of the fit in this role in philly, could bloat his numbers too (look at Maclin's #s right now. Is anyone arguing that he is truly an elite talent?). He's still not an NFL #1 WR and not a WR who is going to shake good man coverage or win tough balls in the air consistently.

Can you name 31 other NFL #1 WR's please.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

https://twitter.com/MikeClayNFL/status/532055173477044224

Chip adamant not to read too much into Matthews' big game. Gameplan was to focus on slot/inside. Explains Celek too.

8:56pm - 10 Nov 14

no no, celek is budding superstar too.

matthews is going to be a fine NFL WR. I'll admit that I underestimated the quality of the fit in this role in philly, could bloat his numbers too (look at Maclin's #s right now. Is anyone arguing that he is truly an elite talent?). He's still not an NFL #1 WR and not a WR who is going to shake good man coverage or win tough balls in the air consistently.

Can you name 31 other NFL #1 WR's please.

I dont think there are 31 #1 WRs in the NFL

a "#1 WR" is one with a diverse skillset who can be everything from a deep threat to a guy who can make the tough catch in traffic to convert the 3rd and 7. ability to win in multiple ways is the essence.

NFL WR1s (off the top of my head)

Sammy Watkins

Andre Johnson? (definitely used to be/debatable now, DeAndre Hopkins might get there with more consistency)

Antonio Brown

Josh Gordon? (we'll see)

AJ Green

Demaryius Thomas

Keenan Allen (was on track last year we'll see)

Dez Bryant

Pierre Garcon (not being used as one right now)

Odell Beckham

Jordy Nelson

Alshon Jeffery

Brandon Marshall

Calvin Johnson

Kelvin Benjamin (projects as one with consistency a la Braylon Edwards)

Julio Jones/Roddy White

Mike Evans/Vincent Jackson

Larry Fitzgerald/Michael Floyd (projects as one but in a slump right now)

 

[ShaHBucks]

That's all subjective.

 

[John Paul]

I would like to see where Matthews winds up in year 2/3 with DJax/Maclin type plays/targets. That is one of the outlying reasons I chose Matthews so high in dyno. I have Maclin too and it made sense in so many ways to back him up with Matthews. We had a pretty good indication that Kelly's offense was working in the NFL. We also had pretty good indication that Foles could thrive in that system.

Last offseason they were willing cut their leading WR and take a chance on Maclin in spite of coming off a serious knee injury. They signed him to a 'show me' deal and it has worked. Maclin is set for a career year and most likely gets a better offer than he did coming into 2014. Does Philly pay it or wish him well at his next location like they did with DJax earlier this year? It's not out of the question.

The odd man out here is Cooper, he's overpaid and WR3 material on most rosters in the NFL. However, he is under contract until 2017 I believe. Looking at dead money, it doesn't make sense to cut him until 2016. By then I expect Matthews will have firmly taken over WR1 and garner a lot of targets in the Kelly offense.

As far as physical attributes alone, Matthews is ahead of Maclin in every way IMO. I like Maclin, I own him and start him over Matthews. Looking at metrics alone it's not close though, Matthews just needs a little bit more time to get used to NFL life as a WR.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

That's all subjective.

lol most football talk is

 

[ShaHBucks]

That's all subjective.

lol most football talk is

Right, it's almost a pointless exercise. I doubt you see anything different now than you seen from him at Vandy. I guess you can question/confirm whether or not you underestimated how what he's good at translates, and the issue with "timely" drops. Otherwise, I would stick to my scouting report just like you are.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

That's all subjective.

lol most football talk is

Right, it's almost a pointless exercise. I doubt you see anything different now than you seen from him at Vandy. I guess you can question/confirm whether or not you underestimated how what he's good at translates, and the issue with "timely" drops. Otherwise, I would stick to my scouting report just like you are.

he had some drops issues early in preseason and they have come up a few times in regular season, but looks very calm and confident now. definitely ideal start to his development, like most of the rookie WRs

 

[Snotbubbles]

https://twitter.com/MikeClayNFL/status/532055173477044224

Chip adamant not to read too much into Matthews' big game. Gameplan was to focus on slot/inside. Explains Celek too.

8:56pm - 10 Nov 14

no no, celek is budding superstar too.

matthews is going to be a fine NFL WR. I'll admit that I underestimated the quality of the fit in this role in philly, could bloat his numbers too (look at Maclin's #s right now. Is anyone arguing that he is truly an elite talent?). He's still not an NFL #1 WR and not a WR who is going to shake good man coverage or win tough balls in the air consistently.

Can you name 31 other NFL #1 WR's please.

I dont think there are 31 #1 WRs in the NFL

a "#1 WR" is one with a diverse skillset who can be everything from a deep threat to a guy who can make the tough catch in traffic to convert the 3rd and 7. ability to win in multiple ways is the essence.

NFL WR1s (off the top of my head)

Sammy Watkins

Andre Johnson? (definitely used to be/debatable now, DeAndre Hopkins might get there with more consistency)

Antonio Brown

Josh Gordon? (we'll see)

AJ Green

Demaryius Thomas

Keenan Allen (was on track last year we'll see)

Dez Bryant

Pierre Garcon (not being used as one right now)

Odell Beckham

Jordy Nelson

Alshon Jeffery

Brandon Marshall

Calvin Johnson

Kelvin Benjamin (projects as one with consistency a la Braylon Edwards)

Julio Jones/Roddy White

Mike Evans/Vincent Jackson

Larry Fitzgerald/Michael Floyd (projects as one but in a slump right now)

Maclin's skill set is diverse.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

https://twitter.com/MikeClayNFL/status/532055173477044224

Chip adamant not to read too much into Matthews' big game. Gameplan was to focus on slot/inside. Explains Celek too.

8:56pm - 10 Nov 14

no no, celek is budding superstar too.

matthews is going to be a fine NFL WR. I'll admit that I underestimated the quality of the fit in this role in philly, could bloat his numbers too (look at Maclin's #s right now. Is anyone arguing that he is truly an elite talent?). He's still not an NFL #1 WR and not a WR who is going to shake good man coverage or win tough balls in the air consistently.

Can you name 31 other NFL #1 WR's please.

I dont think there are 31 #1 WRs in the NFL

a "#1 WR" is one with a diverse skillset who can be everything from a deep threat to a guy who can make the tough catch in traffic to convert the 3rd and 7. ability to win in multiple ways is the essence.

NFL WR1s (off the top of my head)

Sammy Watkins

Andre Johnson? (definitely used to be/debatable now, DeAndre Hopkins might get there with more consistency)

Antonio Brown

Josh Gordon? (we'll see)

AJ Green

Demaryius Thomas

Keenan Allen (was on track last year we'll see)

Dez Bryant

Pierre Garcon (not being used as one right now)

Odell Beckham

Jordy Nelson

Alshon Jeffery

Brandon Marshall

Calvin Johnson

Kelvin Benjamin (projects as one with consistency a la Braylon Edwards)

Julio Jones/Roddy White

Mike Evans/Vincent Jackson

Larry Fitzgerald/Michael Floyd (projects as one but in a slump right now)

Sort of ridiculous not to have Maclin in that group. PFF has Maclin as the #5 WR over all right now. ZERO Drops, 2nd in the league in TDs, 12th in receptions, 7th in targets, 8th in yards, 8th in YAC...

 

[dhockster]

https://twitter.com/MikeClayNFL/status/532055173477044224

Chip adamant not to read too much into Matthews' big game. Gameplan was to focus on slot/inside. Explains Celek too.

8:56pm - 10 Nov 14

no no, celek is budding superstar too.

matthews is going to be a fine NFL WR. I'll admit that I underestimated the quality of the fit in this role in philly, could bloat his numbers too (look at Maclin's #s right now. Is anyone arguing that he is truly an elite talent?). He's still not an NFL #1 WR and not a WR who is going to shake good man coverage or win tough balls in the air consistently.

Can you name 31 other NFL #1 WR's please.

I dont think there are 31 #1 WRs in the NFL

a "#1 WR" is one with a diverse skillset who can be everything from a deep threat to a guy who can make the tough catch in traffic to convert the 3rd and 7. ability to win in multiple ways is the essence.

NFL WR1s (off the top of my head)

Sammy Watkins

Andre Johnson? (definitely used to be/debatable now, DeAndre Hopkins might get there with more consistency)

Antonio Brown

Josh Gordon? (we'll see)

AJ Green

Demaryius Thomas

Keenan Allen (was on track last year we'll see)

Dez Bryant

Pierre Garcon (not being used as one right now)

Odell Beckham

Jordy Nelson

Alshon Jeffery

Brandon Marshall

Calvin Johnson

Kelvin Benjamin (projects as one with consistency a la Braylon Edwards)

Julio Jones/Roddy White

Mike Evans/Vincent Jackson

Larry Fitzgerald/Michael Floyd (projects as one but in a slump right now)

Sort of ridiculous not to have Maclin in that group. PFF has Maclin as the #5 WR over all right now. ZERO Drops, 2nd in the league in TDs, 12th in receptions, 7th in targets, 8th in yards, 8th in YAC...

Agreed. Watkins/Beckham/Benjamin/Allen/Evans/Floyd are all projections right now. If your argument against Maclin is let's see him do it for more than one season, than I would present the same argument for the guys I just listed.

 

[Faust]

Eagles' Jordan Matthews shines in win over Panthers

 

[Mookie]

I think the big takeaway from last night's game (Sorry Cam, that wasn't aimed at you) was the Panthers complete inability to cover the slot. Might be an area worth exploiting in future matchups.

 

[Amused to Death]

https://twitter.com/MikeClayNFL/status/532055173477044224

Chip adamant not to read too much into Matthews' big game. Gameplan was to focus on slot/inside. Explains Celek too.

8:56pm - 10 Nov 14

no no, celek is budding superstar too.

matthews is going to be a fine NFL WR. I'll admit that I underestimated the quality of the fit in this role in philly, could bloat his numbers too (look at Maclin's #s right now. Is anyone arguing that he is truly an elite talent?). He's still not an NFL #1 WR and not a WR who is going to shake good man coverage or win tough balls in the air consistently.

Can you name 31 other NFL #1 WR's please.

I dont think there are 31 #1 WRs in the NFL

a "#1 WR" is one with a diverse skillset who can be everything from a deep threat to a guy who can make the tough catch in traffic to convert the 3rd and 7. ability to win in multiple ways is the essence.

NFL WR1s (off the top of my head)

Sammy Watkins

Andre Johnson? (definitely used to be/debatable now, DeAndre Hopkins might get there with more consistency)

Antonio Brown

Josh Gordon? (we'll see)

AJ Green

Demaryius Thomas

Keenan Allen (was on track last year we'll see)

Dez Bryant

Pierre Garcon (not being used as one right now)

Odell Beckham

Jordy Nelson

Alshon Jeffery

Brandon Marshall

Calvin Johnson

Kelvin Benjamin (projects as one with consistency a la Braylon Edwards)

Julio Jones/Roddy White

Mike Evans/Vincent Jackson

Larry Fitzgerald/Michael Floyd (projects as one but in a slump right now)

Sort of ridiculous not to have Maclin in that group. PFF has Maclin as the #5 WR over all right now. ZERO Drops, 2nd in the league in TDs, 12th in receptions, 7th in targets, 8th in yards, 8th in YAC...

Agreed. Watkins/Beckham/Benjamin/Allen/Evans/Floyd are all projections right now. If your argument against Maclin is let's see him do it for more than one season, than I would present the same argument for the guys I just listed.

I bolded the part in Sig's post where he states his definition of an NFL WR1 (not FFL). So by his definition not every team has a true #1WR. However, I don't agree that Maclin lacks either of those 2 requirements. Not a deep threat guy? In his first year as the Eagles' #1 he's averaging over 17 yds per reception and tied for 2nd in the league 5 plays of 40+.

Tough possession yards for a 1st down? His 1st down % is 68.8. Compare those numbers to Antonio Brown (a true #1 on Sig's list) has 3 plays of 40+ (13.5 yds/rec) and a 1st down % of 63.3. D. Thomas? 5 receptions of 40+ (15.4 yds/rec) and 61.5%. Dez? Averaging 14.2 with 4 & 64.3.

Maclin compares favorably imho.

 

[dhockster]

I think the big takeaway from last night's game (Sorry Cam, that wasn't aimed at you) was the Panthers complete inability to cover the slot. Might be an area worth exploiting in future matchups.

And that Sanchez likes to throw to Matthews. This was established when they were both running with the second team in pre-season. They have already combined for 3 TD's in about 1.5 games together.

 

[ShaHBucks]

If anyone that exceeds your expectations in Philly just give all the credit to Chip Kelly. It's pretty convenient.

 

[Ketamine Dreams]

Matthews owners, are you plugging him in as your #3 WR/Flex guy and leaving him in?

 

[Bayhawks]

Matthews owners, are you plugging him in as your #3 WR/Flex guy and leaving him in?

I'm picking between him and M Bryant as my #3. I wasn't sold on Bryant, but based on his targets in the RZ, I'll probably go with him. Won't have to make the decision in week 12, but during the playoffs, Bryant has the better matchups.