NFL
By: Joe “Cartright” Cardoso
Preseason is rolling and NFL fans are drooling waiting for the game we all love to comeback. I gave my top 5 QB’s under pressure this season and it’s only right to show some WR the same love. Who is on the hot seat to step up and reclaim past success or live up to the hype they had coming into the National Football League. This is NOT a fantasy football article this is a the squad needs wins and you are the key article, so here are 5 wide receivers who need to show what they got:
Kelvin Benjamin: The Panthers wide out was a break out star his rookie year and missed all of last year with a torn ACL. Cam Newton and company need a threat besides hands of stone Ted Ginn. Yes it will take time for him to get back in the groove but how long? And will he be the same after the injury? ACL tears can affect players in different ways, Panthers fans hope to see an even better Benjamin. In the red zone with his size he is a match up nightmare for most safeties let alone corners.
Doug Baldwin: I know, I know wait what he blew up last year 14 touchdowns and 78 grabs to lead the Seahawks. But was it a contract year performance or a sign of the rest of his career? If I have learned one thing it is to never count out #89 it will be interesting to see with the return of Jimmy Graham if he can produce at the same level.
Golden Tate: Calvin Johnson is gone and now the weight of the Lions passing attack is on him. Some people thought when he left Seattle he would be a bust and he has been far from it and now we will really see how good he is. His numbers with Johnson on the sidelines were very good and Lions fans need to hope that is the rule and not the exception. Matt Stafford loves to sling the rock and Tate should have many chances to prove his doubters wrong.
Davante Adams: On paper he has it all the size and speed to be a top flight wide out and oh yeah one of the top 3 quarterback’s in the league. Adams had a case of the drops with 10 on 88 targets. Jordy Nelson is back from last year’s injury and the Packers have some young talent ready to blow. So it is put up or shut up time for Adams. With Cobb and Nelson along with the young players in the wings the time is now. Green Bay has a QB in the prime of his career and they won’t waste it on what if’s.
- Victor Cruz: Feels like just yesterday Giants fans where salsa dancing and now the music has been turned off. Cruz is trying to get back to elite level he once was at. But unlike 50 cent and his music Cruz wants it to work. Having missed time with a calf and torn ligament in his right knee, he wants to get back on the field. The G Men have the man with the most popular hair in the NFL Odell Beckham Jr and Cruz could be a nice addition to the offense. Sterling Shepard out of Oklahoma will make plays so the time is NOW for the salsa king. The Giants will be smart and not rush him but at some point he has to hit the field and show them what he’s got.
The NFL is a passing league and these pass catchers are big factors in their teams success, I am looking forward to seeing how it turns out. Who are you’re players under pressure this year? For more sports talk and great sports articles follow our sports blog @NutsAndBoltsSP and follow me @Cright.
