Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones was very impressive during the first half of yesterday’s NFC Championship game in Atlanta. The young receiver amassed 182 yards on 11 receptions including two highlight reel touchdowns in a 28-24 loss to the 49ers.
For the season Jones finished with with 79 receptions for 1198 yards and 10 touchdowns in just his second year of action… no sophomore slump here.
These are certainly numbers of a top five receiver in the League, but are these numbers that reflect the best receiver in the League?
NFL.com’s Gil Brandt thinks so.
During the course of yesterday’s game in Atlanta, the former VP of Player Personnel for the Dallas Cowboys tweeted that Jones is the best receiver in the league, better than Calvin Johnson citing Jones as being stronger, having better hands and the same speed.
https://twitter.com/Gil_Brandt/status/293099448039505920
Now I’m not going to disagree with Brandt that Julio Jones is an excellent receiver. I wouldn’t disagree with anyone when they say he’s a top five wide-out in the League. But to say he’s better than Calvin Johnson may be a little knee-jerk all things considered.
Yes, Julio Jones helped get his team a first round bye in the playoffs, a divisional round win against the Seahawks and very close to moving on to the Super Bowl. This is all something that Calvin Johnson couldn’t do during his much longer tenure with the Detroit Lions.
However…
Dan Patrick pointed out on his radio show Monday morning that Julio Jones has surrounding pieces that Calvin Johnson just doesn’t have. Jones has Roddy White, a very good receiver in his own right as well as Tony Gonzalez, who more than likely will retire but still very productive at the end of his career.
Who did Calvin Johnson have for the majority of this season to help alleviate some of that double coverage?
The Falcons also have a nice running game with Michael Turner, Jason Snelling and Jacquizz Rodgers to keep the opposing linebackers on their heels.
Now I don’t think the Lions had an awful running game but given the offensive lines inability to create running lanes linebackers don’t have a whole lot to worry about. Not to mention how much game planning do you have to dedicate to stopping Mikel Leshoure and/or Joique Bell?
Call me a homer all you want, but Calvin Johnson has the opportunity to go down as the best receiver the NFL has ever seen.
Again, Julio Jones is an awesome talent and one of the best in the NFL. But saying he’s thee best is a bit of a stretch.