Why is everyone so high on Larry Fitzgerald? (1 Viewer)

[JuniorNB]

With my pick in the draft, I'll be able to choose from any receiver except Steve Smith, Chris Chambers, and Chad Johnson (due to people protecting them from last year).

I'm on the fence between Torry Holt and Larry Fitzgerald.

I won't take T.O. in that spot, because he burned me last year. Moss and Harrison are both in the 6-10 range in my opinion.

Question is, why do magazines and websites have LFitz so high? Is it because he is a "third year receiver"? My worry is that he won't establish himself as a clear number one and he'll be a co-number one with Boldin.

Is there any reason to believe that he will seperate himself from Boldin and go from a very good receiver to a consensus stud?

TIA

 

[Spike]

For a redraft league?

Just flip a coin. They're both exceptional.

 

[TheCommish]

Ummm ... he has already established himself with his 103 catch season last year.

That said, I would take Holt over Fitzgerald.

 

[Two Deep]

Fitz is the ####z !

 

[My Ditka]

Ummm ... he has already established himself with his 103 catch season last year.That said, I would take Holt over Fitzgerald.

I would take Holt too......Boldin hurts a little and Warner is fragile.

 

[Kirby]

Ummm ... he has already established himself with his 103 catch season last year.That said, I would take Holt over Fitzgerald.

Holt is Captain Consistency.

 

[ninerfan]

2005 stats:

Fitzgerald: 103 / 1409 yds / 10 tds

Holt: 102 / 1331 yds / 9 tds

In a redraft, take your pick although St Louis is supposedly committed to the "run" this season (although who knows?).

In a keeper or dynasty... take Fitz.

 

[swifty]

I have the same problem. I really like Fitz and his size, speed, hands and what ever else he has that's great. I just can't get over the fact that Boldin avg. more catchs per game and TD's per game then Fitz. yet people say he is the clear # 1 for Arizona. Boldin is a beast and if healthy will get a ton of balls. Put in the fact that Edge is there It's hard for me to see how Fitz will be a top 5 wr. With that being said someone talk me into Fitz because I think the best pick is Holt!

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

2005 stats:Fitzgerald: 103 / 1409 yds / 10 tdsHolt: 102 / 1331 yds / 9 tdsIn a redraft, take your pick although St Louis is supposedly committed to the "run" this season (although who knows?).In a keeper or dynasty... take Fitz.

That is with Holt missing two games and having bumms QB 6 of his games.Choice is Torry

 

[Sleeper 43]

So if it came to down any of those Wr's you listed hands down I go with Steve Smith.

About Fitz:

1 - Denny Green is in love with his former ball boy on the Vikings and I think Fitz get more looks than Boldin becasue of it.

2 - Arizona will continue to air it our and theres enough balls ot go around

3- The team consensus is that Fitz is the hardest worker on the Team.

Almost everyday after camp is over Fitz stays late with the ball machine and conditions further.

4- Hes proven, tall and a great red zone target

 

[LawFitz]

Fitz will finish as the #1 WR this year. Probably not, but I can easily see it happening.

6'3'' 225, with tremendous hands, body control and work ethic. He lacks top end speed, but that's overrated. Dude has the talent to do it. It will be a matter of situation.

Tori Holt should be awesome too tho, so you should be fine either way.

 

[There it is]

So if it came to down any of those Wr's you listed hands down I go with Steve Smith.

About Fitz:

1 - Denny Green is in love with his former ball boy on the Vikings and I think Fitz get more looks than Boldin becasue of it.

2 - Arizona will continue to air it our and theres enough balls ot go around

3- The team consensus is that Fitz is the hardest worker on the Team.

Almost everyday after camp is over Fitz stays late with the ball machine and conditions further.

4- Hes proven, tall and a great red zone target

I had this same choice last Sunday in the OMEGA league and I chose Fitz.

Denny Green loves his former ball boy.

 

[Mark Wimer]

So if it came to down any of those Wr's you listed hands down I go with Steve Smith.About Fitz:1 - Denny Green is in love with his former ball boy on the Vikings and I think Fitz get more looks than Boldin becasue of it.2 - Arizona will continue to air it our and theres enough balls ot go around3- The team consensus is that Fitz is the hardest worker on the Team. Almost everyday after camp is over Fitz stays late with the ball machine and conditions further.4- Hes proven, tall and a great red zone target

excellent points that I was going to add myself. Fitzgerald has a long history with Green and is definitely his favorite - but he totally justifies Green's faith with his performance on the field. He excels in all phases at his position, and can outfight most DB's for the TD when it counts. They call his number a ton for good reasons down there in the desert...

 

[LHUCKS]

Fitz is my #2 ranked WR behind SS.

 

[PatsWillWin]

What the hell does Dennis Green have to do with it? Is he playing QB?

Warner made Boldin the 3rd highest targetted WR last season. That's raw numbers, not percenteages, so he had more targets than Fitzy even though he missed time.

 

[Spartans Rule]

What the hell does Dennis Green have to do with it? Is he playing QB? Warner made Boldin the 3rd highest targetted WR last season. That's raw numbers, not percenteages, so he had more targets than Fitzy even though he missed time.

Boldin is a possession receiver and the Cardinals couldn't run last year, so they had to throw to move the chains more and that meant more Boldin.With a running game, I think they'll be able to take better advantage of Fitzgerald, who is the more talented receiver.

 

[RBM]

Question is, why do magazines and websites have LFitz so high? Is it because he is a "third year receiver"? My worry is that he won't establish himself as a clear number one and he'll be a co-number one with Boldin.

Not trying to be a smartass here, but have you ever seen him play?

 

[PatsWillWin]

What the hell does Dennis Green have to do with it? Is he playing QB? Warner made Boldin the 3rd highest targetted WR last season. That's raw numbers, not percenteages, so he had more targets than Fitzy even though he missed time.

Boldin is a possession receiver and the Cardinals couldn't run last year, so they had to throw to move the chains more and that meant more Boldin.With a running game, I think they'll be able to take better advantage of Fitzgerald, who is the more talented receiver.

Boldin and Fitzy's yard per catch were exactly equal last season at 13.7. That number in itself, as well as it's relation to Fitzy's, does not support the claim that Boldin played a possession role.

 

[broncofan13000]

I would take Holt over Fitz as well...but i'd be happy with either

 

[pk2448]

AZ still has to show that it has the O Line to block for Edge to get the run game going. Boldin was the reciever of choice for quick possesion passes. Will Warner have the time to throw it to Fitz who doe not run the slant patterns.

Bulger loves Holt and can get the ball to him for redraft take Holt. if it is a keepr or dynasty Fitz has the better long term value.

 

[JuniorNB]

Question is, why do magazines and websites have LFitz so high? Is it because he is a "third year receiver"? My worry is that he won't establish himself as a clear number one and he'll be a co-number one with Boldin.

Not trying to be a smartass here, but have you ever seen him play?

Yes. I've sen Fitz and Boldin. Why?

 

[Spartans Rule]

What the hell does Dennis Green have to do with it? Is he playing QB? Warner made Boldin the 3rd highest targetted WR last season. That's raw numbers, not percenteages, so he had more targets than Fitzy even though he missed time.

Boldin is a possession receiver and the Cardinals couldn't run last year, so they had to throw to move the chains more and that meant more Boldin.With a running game, I think they'll be able to take better advantage of Fitzgerald, who is the more talented receiver.

Boldin and Fitzy's yard per catch were exactly equal last season at 13.7. That number in itself, as well as it's relation to Fitzy's, does not support the claim that Boldin played a possession role.

That is true. Although Boldin did get a lot more of his yards after the catch (5.3, compared to 3.7 for Fitz). He creates his own YPC by running after the catch.

 

[RBM]

Question is, why do magazines and websites have LFitz so high? Is it because he is a "third year receiver"? My worry is that he won't establish himself as a clear number one and he'll be a co-number one with Boldin.

Not trying to be a smartass here, but have you ever seen him play?

Yes. I've sen Fitz and Boldin. Why?

And you havent been extremely impressed?

 

[Mark Wimer]

What the hell does Dennis Green have to do with it? Is he playing QB? Warner made Boldin the 3rd highest targetted WR last season. That's raw numbers, not percenteages, so he had more targets than Fitzy even though he missed time.

The coaches draw up the game plans, and you can bet that Keith Rowen (the OC) is apprised of the head coach's high opinion of Fitzgerald. If the coaching staff believes in a player, then they are likely to call his number (or a play designed to get the ball to him as the primary option).

 

[Native]

Is Leinart the #2 QB in Arizona?

 

[wannabee]

Is Leinart the #2 QB in Arizona?

yes, he has surpassed Navarre ... much to the delight of Fitz and Boldin owners

 

[LHUCKS]

Is Leinart the #2 QB in Arizona?

yes, he has surpassed Navarre ... much to the delight of Fitz and Boldin owners

part of the reason why I have Fitz at #2...Leinart is already an above average backup IMHO.

 

[Native]

Is Leinart the #2 QB in Arizona?

yes, he has surpassed Navarre ... much to the delight of Fitz and Boldin owners

I guess Leinart is better than Navarre, but I still dont want him anywhere near the field if Im a Fitz/Boldin owner. The backup situation is the only thing that has me worried about these two studs. Leinart will have a big learning curve and there numbers may take a hit if Warner is out for an extended period.

 

[PatsWillWin]

What the hell does Dennis Green have to do with it? Is he playing QB? Warner made Boldin the 3rd highest targetted WR last season. That's raw numbers, not percenteages, so he had more targets than Fitzy even though he missed time.

The coaches draw up the game plans, and you can bet that Keith Rowen (the OC) is apprised of the head coach's high opinion of Fitzgerald. If the coaching staff believes in a player, then they are likely to call his number (or a play designed to get the ball to him as the primary option).

Targets. Speaking of targets. Targetting is done by the quarterback, not the HC or OC. And even if plays are designed for certain players, that does not explain why Boldin out-received Fitzy last season.

 

[joffer]

What the hell does Dennis Green have to do with it? Is he playing QB? Warner made Boldin the 3rd highest targetted WR last season. That's raw numbers, not percenteages, so he had more targets than Fitzy even though he missed time.

Boldin is a possession receiver

no he's not

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

Fitz will finish as the #1 WR this year. Probably not, but I can easily see it happening.

 

[switz]

Boldin is a possession receiver

If by "possession receiver" you mean he's the WR with the better hands that the QB trust more... you are right.If by "possession receiver" you mean he's a slow WR who is used for intermediate routes and does not make big plays... you couldn't be further from the truth.I would suggest you watch the Cardinals play - I know they haven't gotten much National TV air time, so it's a bit difficult to make an informed option. But I highly suggest you watch them BEFORE coming back in here and posting something so obviously incorrect.

 

[switz]

What the hell does Dennis Green have to do with it? Is he playing QB? Warner made Boldin the 3rd highest targetted WR last season. That's raw numbers, not percenteages, so he had more targets than Fitzy even though he missed time.

The coaches draw up the game plans, and you can bet that Keith Rowen (the OC) is apprised of the head coach's high opinion of Fitzgerald. If the coaching staff believes in a player, then they are likely to call his number (or a play designed to get the ball to him as the primary option).

Yep, and if on that play the QB sees that the "other" WR is more open, or is more liekly to make the play, then the QB is going to throw it to the "other" WR.

 

[Mark Wimer]

What the hell does Dennis Green have to do with it? Is he playing QB?

Warner made Boldin the 3rd highest targetted WR last season. That's raw numbers, not percenteages, so he had more targets than Fitzy even though he missed time.

The coaches draw up the game plans, and you can bet that Keith Rowen (the OC) is apprised of the head coach's high opinion of Fitzgerald. If the coaching staff believes in a player, then they are likely to call his number (or a play designed to get the ball to him as the primary option).

Targets. Speaking of targets. Targetting is done by the quarterback, not the HC or OC. And even if plays are designed for certain players, that does not explain why Boldin out-received Fitzy last season.

1 Smith,Steve CAR 16 0 0 0 0 0 25 4 1 1 1563 103 12 236.82 Fitzgerald,Larry ARI 16 0 0 0 0 0 41 8 0 0 1409 103 10 205.0

3 Moss,Santana WAS 16 0 0 0 0 0 -3 3 0 1 1483 84 9 202.0

4 Johnson,Chad CIN 16 0 0 0 0 0 33 5 0 0 1432 97 9 200.5

5 Galloway,Joey TB 16 0 0 0 0 0 4 2 0 0 1287 83 10 189.1

6 Holt,Torry STL 14 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 1 1331 102 9 187.3

7 Chambers,Chris MIA 16 0 0 0 0 0 92 12 0 2 1118 82 11 187.0

8 Harrison,Marvin IND 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1146 82 12 186.6

9 Boldin,Anquan ARI 14 0 1 0 0 0 45 12 0 1 1398 102 7 186.3

Targets:

Red Zone Opportunities:

Looks pretty even to me, except when it comes to TDs. I know Boldin was out for 2 games, but we also had games with sub-standard QB'ing (Warner out weeks 4-8, 16-17) to muddy the statistical waters, so as far as I am concerned, it was basically a 1a - 1b situation - but Fitzgerald was the superior producer in the red-zone, based on the 1 year sample size.

That's my thoughts on targets, overall and red-zone in AZ '05.

Why do you think Boldin "out-received" Fitzgerald? I'd be interested to see an articulation of that point, as I'm sure others would.

 

[JuniorNB]

Question is, why do magazines and websites have LFitz so high? Is it because he is a "third year receiver"? My worry is that he won't establish himself as a clear number one and he'll be a co-number one with Boldin.

Not trying to be a smartass here, but have you ever seen him play?

Yes. I've sen Fitz and Boldin. Why?

And you havent been extremely impressed?

Yes, but that's the problem. I'm impressed with both of them. I just can't justify grabbing Fitz in the first when I could possibly get Boldin in the second or third. I just don't see an obvious difference.(the reason Fitz would be a first rounder is because some of the top guys (SA, LT, LJ, ect. were protected from last year)

 

[Bob Sacamano]

I won't hammer you here, but is WR really where you want to go there?

That out of the way, I don't see a huge difference as being likely between Boldin and Fitzgerald's numbers.

The point was made that the OL still has to block for Edge, and that's exactly right. That's why I feel he's a little over-rated this year. But at the very least, the running game has to be MORE effective than it was last season, partially because of Edge, partially because of improved OL play, and partially because it couldn't possibly be worse. And with an impotent run game last season, they still put up stats like that.

The improved run game will help BOTH players, though. I think the best two points to be made for Fitzgerald as the selecion over Boldin are 1)His incredible athleticism gives him an advantage in the red zone and 2)He's a year younger. If they were close to even year 3 vs. year 2, you'd have to expect the guy with less experience to be the one more likely to improve.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Question is, why do magazines and websites have LFitz so high? Is it because he is a "third year receiver"? My worry is that he won't establish himself as a clear number one and he'll be a co-number one with Boldin.

Not trying to be a smartass here, but have you ever seen him play?

Yes. I've sen Fitz and Boldin. Why?

And you havent been extremely impressed?

Yes, but that's the problem. I'm impressed with both of them. I just can't justify grabbing Fitz in the first when I could possibly get Boldin in the second or third. I just don't see an obvious difference.(the reason Fitz would be a first rounder is because some of the top guys (SA, LT, LJ, ect. were protected from last year)

Then your question isn't, "Why should I take Fitz here?" Your question is, "Am I better off with Holt and Boldin or Fitzgerald and WR4?"

 

[cantstop1999]

i dont like fitz this year for several reasons. 1 warner will get hurt 2 they wont throw as much as they did before getting james . i would take holt in a heart beat ,but i also love chambers this year to blow up.

 

[golfguy]

i like fitz over holt.

here are some of the reasons:

1. new offense in st. louis they will not throw the ball as much.

2. is kurt warner brittle nowadays? yes. but have you seen bulger? i'd rather have leinart the the backups in st. louis throwing to my guy.

3. arizona's defense is still suspect and i think they will still be throwing the ball a ton.

4. fitz is a lot younger

5. steven jackson is going to take a lot of red zone opportunities i think with linehan running the show, meaning less passes to WR inside the 20.

I do like holt, but I actually like fitz 1, holt 2, chad johnson 3, boldin 4, smith 5 (hammy is concerning me now).

actuall you can do a lot worse then having boldin and fitz on your team as your #1 and #2 wrs.

 

[SteelerMurf]

What the hell does Dennis Green have to do with it? Is he playing QB? Warner made Boldin the 3rd highest targetted WR last season. That's raw numbers, not percenteages, so he had more targets than Fitzy even though he missed time.

Boldin is a possession receiver and the Cardinals couldn't run last year, so they had to throw to move the chains more and that meant more Boldin.With a running game, I think they'll be able to take better advantage of Fitzgerald, who is the more talented receiver.

Great analysis. Makes very good sense to me.

 

[Purpulhippo999]

if youre in a snake draft, get the last pick, then draft fitz AND boldin and youre set with WRs...no joke

 

[hi1111]

i like fitz over holt.here are some of the reasons:1. new offense in st. louis they will not throw the ball as much.2. is kurt warner brittle nowadays? yes. but have you seen bulger? i'd rather have leinart the the backups in st. louis throwing to my guy.3. arizona's defense is still suspect and i think they will still be throwing the ball a ton.4. fitz is a lot younger 5. steven jackson is going to take a lot of red zone opportunities i think with linehan running the show, meaning less passes to WR inside the 20.I do like holt, but I actually like fitz 1, holt 2, chad johnson 3, boldin 4, smith 5 (hammy is concerning me now). actuall you can do a lot worse then having boldin and fitz on your team as your #1 and #2 wrs.

1 i dont think you can affect a player like holt2 holt was pretty much consistent last year3 ill take arzona's d over stlouis any day4 fitz is younger but holt isnt oldthat being said i think fitz reminds me of issac bruce and watch for boldin and fitz to become the greatest show on turf

 

[ProdigyofParcells]

With my pick in the draft, I'll be able to choose from any receiver except Steve Smith, Chris Chambers, and Chad Johnson (due to people protecting them from last year).I'm on the fence between Torry Holt and Larry Fitzgerald.I won't take T.O. in that spot, because he burned me last year. Moss and Harrison are both in the 6-10 range in my opinion.Question is, why do magazines and websites have LFitz so high? Is it because he is a "third year receiver"? My worry is that he won't establish himself as a clear number one and he'll be a co-number one with Boldin.Is there any reason to believe that he will seperate himself from Boldin and go from a very good receiver to a consensus stud?TIA

For consistency sake, probably Holt. People think Linehan is going to be run oriented. I remember him being the coordinator for Culpeppers big run and tremendous season in 2004. Lots of deep balls.For upside, you cant go wrong with Fitz. I see the Cards being in the red zone a little more this year and Fitz is a tremendous option for TDs. Green always found ways to get Moss and Carter numbers in Minny. Heck, he even got Jake Reed some love.