In an period of the NFL in which yards following the capture reign supreme, with star ankle-breakers like Justin Jefferson, Deebo Samuel, and Cooper Kupp consistently putting on demonstrates with their capacity to flip screens and slants into scores, it’s strange to imagine about how successful somebody like Tyler Lockett has been.
Arguably functioning as Seattle’s No. 2 selection in the passing activity, Lockett is fifth among the NFL extensive receivers in typical separation (3.6 yards), but has the 29th-worst yards soon after the capture for each reception (3.6 yards certainly, it is a coincidence). For viewpoint, just about every other receiver over Lockett in separation yards averages at minimum 5.5 yards immediately after the capture per reception. In point, only two receivers in the top rated-30 on the wideout separation leaderboards have recorded considerably less YAC/R: Russell Gage and Isaiah McKenzie.
Of study course, Gage and McKenzie aren’t approximately as talented or associated in their respective offenses as Lockett is. Irrespective of his bad YAC/R, Lockett is in the Major 15 in the NFL in receptions, catch share, getting yards, and obtaining touchdowns. Here’s the thing while, Lockett could be way much better in every single just one of these classes, but for the sake of his wellbeing, he chooses not to.
Lockett has a knack for basically falling to the floor as before long as he helps make most of his catches, instead than playing until eventually he’s dragged to the floor. In reality, any go to Lockett an intermediate length from the line of scrimmage has a fantastic opportunity of ending with Lockett supplying himself up relatively than having tackled. Lockett has in no way been an elite YAC receiver. He’s also 30 years outdated and has struggled with accidents in the earlier, even though he hasn’t missed a activity because of to harm since 2016. The lengths he goes to avoid injuries yet again while are fascinating, to the position exactly where he’s pissed some persons off.
This inclination genuinely came to a head subsequent Week 9, when Lockett experienced an option for a very first down, but rather fell short prior to he confronted any contact.
Lockett even responded to this “fan,” stating the point that players of course really do not see the yellow line on the area. Even so, that does not adjust the simple fact that Lockett’s continual decisions to give himself up in advance of currently being tackled has most likely charge the Seahawks various yards over the course of the entire season.
This TikTok account features several examples of periods Lockett slid to stay clear of call this year.
Does it make any difference? Does not feel so. Like I said, he’s been a major-tier receiver by almost every single discernable metric this 12 months. And even with his inclination to prevent get hold of, he’s nevertheless forward of men like Diontae Johnson, Mike Evans, Chris Olave, Adam Thielen, Courtland Sutton, and Amari Cooper in YAC/R this season, and the Seahawks are even now Leading 10 in the NFL in completion proportion, passing yards per recreation, yards for every try, and passer rating. Obviously, Lockett “chickening out of contact” as some persons could set it is not hurting Seattle as considerably as most oldheads would like to feel.
Lockett is a compact guy (5’10” 182) by NFL specifications, with a large amount to play for in the close to upcoming. If he’s going to set himself up for lifestyle, he desires to play as extensive as he can. This determination to stay away from speak to might not be the most macho in accordance to some thick-brained meatheads who only want players who’ll always combat for each and every inch, but it’s most likely what is best for Lockett’s longevity. Based on the fact that he’s experienced a few straight seasons of at the very least 8 touchdowns and 1,000 receiving yards, and he’s on speed for a fourth, he’ll very likely be all-around for numerous yrs immediately after 2022 continue to. Potentially a handful of a lot more players in Lockett’s sneakers will adhere to in his footsteps and although that may possibly guide to much less Beast Quake-style operates, it could lead to quite a few of our favorite players playing in the NFL substantially for a longer period, and that is a sacrifice I’ll make 100 out of 100 situations.