Megatron Closer To 10 Or 20 Touchdowns In 2012?
By Dennis Fithian
@DennisFithian
Can Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson improve upon his 16 touchdown performance of 2011? Why wouldn't Johnson keep improving his TD rate in his upcoming sixth NFL season?
I'm not dealing with the 'Madden Curse' but there are points why he wouldn't be as successful getting to the end zone this year. But, I believe the rare elite player, combined with the ideas below, will have Calvin Johnson at or above 20 TD receptions in 2012. The reasons why he wouldn't catch more than 16 touchdowns?
First off it's difficult, in the history of the league -scoring more than 16 TD's - has only been achieved 13 times. The record for single season TD receptions was 23 by Randy Moss in 2007. Other reasons to think that Johnson wouldn't go over 16 scores. A more balanced offensive attack and defenses totally game planning for him. The reasons that Johnson will eclipse his end zone productions this year. Working with Matt Stafford for only the second time for a full season, provided they both stay healthy.
The NFL is obviously going more to a passing league and the Lions are right there with that trend going with offense with there first two picks this year. The biggest reason to think more offense this year, around the NFL, is the concussion discussion. The NFL can't limit the head-to-head collisions close to the line of scrimmage. Limiting defensive backs from any big hits close to the head was already being enforced more closely last year.
Get ready for offensive players running free through NFL defenses even more this year. Remember Calvin Johnson is 6-5, 240, runs a sub 4.4 and can out jump anybody in the league. There's going to be even more passing offense this year in the NFL.
I'll bet a record performance over a pedestrian showing from the best wide out in the game in his prime in 2012.
