Has Calvin Johnson started to decline?

nybluemeadow · Post #1 » by **nybluemeadow** » Tue Sep 22, 2015 9:56 am

Has Calvin Johnson started to decline and Julio Jones and Dez Bryant already surpassed Calvin as best WR in the NFL?

Yoshun · Post #2 » by **Yoshun** » Tue Sep 22, 2015 6:43 pm

I think he has, but honestly it's hard to tell. He's been dealing with injuries and all kinds of stuff over the past few seasons. He definitely looks as if he's lost a step though.

(quietly mentions Odel Beckham as part of a "best receiver" conversation)

orlandomanic · Post #3 » by **orlandomanic** » Wed Sep 23, 2015 12:21 pm

I would also throw in Antonio Brown into the mix. I have, in no particular order, Antonio Brown, Julio Jones, and Dez Bryant as 1a. 1b. 1c...

i have Calvin, Beckham, Green, and Demaryius as second tier guys.

Higga · Post #4 » by **Higga** » Wed Sep 23, 2015 5:06 pm

Yes he has. This is his 9th year in the league and he's 30+, so he's definitely a declining player.

Post #5 » by **Icness** » Wed Sep 23, 2015 5:33 pm

Technically he's still 29 (his birthday is Sept. 25).

I saw him in person in training camp this summer. He looked healthier than he has at any point in the last 3 years. His catch radius remains the best in the world.

He's never been a complete receiver in terms of route elements, and that is showing more. The Lions crap offense isn't helping him. But he's always been a high drop receiver, had a bad one last Sunday. There are times where he is visibly coasting on plays where he's not the prime target (always on short/quick routes). His footwork isn't nimble. But give him a step and you're not catching him at full stride.

I would put Antonio Brown, a healthy Julio Jones and maybe A.J. Green over him. Maybe Demaryius but he's got a lot of the same issues with less proven track record. Beckham needs more time.