Teammate defends Antonio Brown against critics, new deal could be next
Antonio Brown is one of <a href="http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-antonio-brown-jersey-c-2_14.html">Antonio Brown Jersey</a> the league's best receivers. But everything he's accomplished on the field in recent seasons was forgotten the second he decided to fire up Facebook Live in the Steelers' locker room in the moments following their playoff win last month over the Chiefs.
That lapse in judgment -- which was no doubt precipitated by the report that Brown has a six-figure deal with Facebook -- led to countless stories about <a href="http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-arthur-moats-jersey-c-2_32.html">Arthur Moats Youth Jersey</a> how the Steelers might be better off without Antonio Brown, portrayed as a selfish teammate and locker room cancer.
But earlier this week, Steelers president Art Rooney II sounded a different tone about the team's star wide receiver.
"Our intention is to try and get a contract done, a contract extension <a href="http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-carnell-lake-jersey-c-2_52.html">Carnell Lake Kids Jersey</a> done with Antonio and so we'll get to work on that and I think some of the off-the-field things, I think, for the most part are things that I don't think had a big impact on the team," Rooney said, via PennLive.com. "Hopefully in the future he'll keep them to minimal types of distractions."
Meanwhile, Brown's teammate, Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey, was much less diplomatic when addressing the critics via his Instagram feed.
"Can't hold my tongue anymore tired of <a href="http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-ben-roethlisberger-jersey-c-2_3.html">http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-ben-roethlisberger-jersey-c-2_3.html all the hate, bulls--t stories! [Brown] is a team player loved by all his teammates especially ME! You against him, you against me!"
So you've been warned.
As for the notion that the Steelers would let Brown walk, don't bet on it. In addition <a href="http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-cobi-hamilton-jersey-c-2_73.html">http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-cobi-hamilton-jersey-c-2_73.html to Rooney's remarks about a contract extension for one of the league's most underpaid players, ESPN.com's Jeremy Fowler reported Friday night that the two sides are optimistic that a new deal can be agreed upon before training camp.
On Thursday, Brown appeared on ESPN's "First Take," where he was asked about where he wants to play in 2017.
"Steelers for life," Brown said. "My teammates know what type <a href="http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-david-decastro-jersey-c-2_27.html">http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-david-decastro-jersey-c-2_27.html of player I am, what type of intensity I bring to practice, what kind of leadership I bring. I'm just excited about that situation and see what's going to happen."
Eagles looking to trade LB Mychal Kendricks, will Vikings be interested?
According to a report from PhillyVoice, the brother of Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks is on <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-eric-kendricks-jersey-c-2_10.html">Eric Kendricks Jersey</a> the trade market.
The report notes that last season, Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Mychal Kendricks saw a dip in his usage under new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, seeing the field on just 26.8% this season as the Eagles deferred more to Nigel Bradham and Jordan Hicks. In 2015, Kendricks played 51.8% of total snaps and had been as high has 88% during his career.
Kendricks is set to have a $6.6 million cap <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-everson-griffen-jersey-c-2_18.html">Everson Griffen Kids Jersey</a> hit in 2017 but would cost $4.8 million in dead money if he is released, which would explain why the Eagles would want to move him. Plus, Philadelphia only has around $9.8 million in cap space according to Overthecap.com
The report notes that he could also be cut after June 1, which would save $5 million on the cap, but it would result in $3.2 million in dead money in 2018.
USA Today’s Eagles Wire lists the Browns, 49ers, Rams, Chiefs and Colts as the most likely teams to acquire the linebacker, but there is a natural connection with the Vikings because of Eric, who emerged as a quality linebacker this year, ranking 28th in the NFL by Pro Football Focus measures.
Spending that much in cap space for a linebacker <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-cris-carter-jersey-c-2_40.html">Cris Carter Jersey</a> when Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr are already set as starters may seem like a far-fetched idea, but there are a few reasons why it might make sense, assuming the cost was very low. First, the Vikings are very likely losing their starting linebacker in base package Chad Greenway, who played 38.7% of total defensive snaps last season.
Head coach Mike Zimmer may shift to playing more nickel packages, but if not, the Vikings will have to find another linebacker to take on that 40% of snaps. Playing against the run is the main role of the third linebacker in the base package and Kendricks rated 30th in the NFL by PFF measures against the run in his limited snaps last season.
There’s also the depth issue. Since Mychal Kendricks has been an every-down linebacker before, the Vikings wouldn’t see a massive drop-off if Eric Kendricks or Barr went down with an injury. Last season, Kendricks missed <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-chuck-foreman-jersey-c-2_35.html">http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-chuck-foreman-jersey-c-2_35.html most of a game against Washington and Emmanuel Lamar and Audie Cole struggling mightily to adequately replace him.
Coincidentally, Mychal (No. 95) had possibly his best game this year against the Vikings. Here he shuts down a Jerick McKinnon run.
As far as role-playing linebackers go, it would be hard <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-fran-tarkenton-jersey-c-2_36.html">http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-fran-tarkenton-jersey-c-2_36.html to find one better than Kendricks on the free agent market. In 2013 as a full-timer, he managed 106 tackles, four sacks, two forced fumbles, three interceptions, four pass deflections and six stuffed runs. Philadelphia’s 6-foot, 240-pound linebacker had four more sacks in 12 games in 2014.
Schwartz acknowledged that the reason Kendricks’ playing time dropped off is because the Eagles don’t use their linebackers to blitz as much many other teams and rushing the passer is one of Kendricks’ best talents. That skill would give more versatility to the Vikings’ base package, which rarely saw Greenway chase the passer. On this play, Kendricks dodges Ronnie Hillman’s attempted block to put a hit on Sam Bradford.
At just 26 years old, Kendricks could be a backup option in case Barr does not have a turnaround year. Barr is entering his fourth year, which means the Vikings will have to decide on either picking up his fifth-year option at a very high cap hit, signing him to a long-term deal after 2017 or letting him become an Unrestricted Free Agent (a la Cordarrelle Patterson).
He could also be a short-term fix as the dead cap <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-harrison-smith-jersey-c-2_16.html">http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-harrison-smith-jersey-c-2_16.html money drops from $4.8 million to $3.2 million in 2018.
While the Vikings certainly have more pressing needs with their cap room than to spend it on a linebacker and they are not in a position to move out assets, but Minnesota could create even more room by making moves like releasing Sharrif Floyd and/or renegotiating with Brian Robison or releasing him. In that case, adding a luxury type player might make some sense.
Purple Update: Status of Bridgewater’s future
What’s going on in Minnesota this offseason? The Vikings <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-teddy-bridgewater-jersey-c-2_7.html">Teddy Bridgewater Authentic Jersey</a> have their work cut out for them, as they try to make it back to the playoffs in 2017. Free agency and the NFL Draft are atop the priorities right now, but what is the organization’s greatest question mark for the future? The quarterback situation. Teddy Bridgewater’s injury after the third preseason game took a toll that would eventually exhaust the rest of the team later in the year.
The young franchise quarterback <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-tom-johnson-jersey-c-2_31.html">Tom Johnson Youth Jersey</a> was coming into his own, building on a 2015-2016 Pro Bowl season and taking noticeable strides with his downfield passing game. Bridgewater performed well early in the 2016 preseason, until a non-contact, practice injury would force an abrupt end to his year. A dislocated kneecap, torn ACL, along with other damaged ligaments was the result of the incident. The injury was catastrophic, leading some to question his football future.
So what is the update on Bridgewater’s future? Just a <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-xavier-rhodes-jersey-c-2_28.html">Xavier Rhodes Authentic Jersey</a> few weeks ago, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report came out with a report that Bridgewater would likely miss the entire 2017 season. However, that report was later refuted by Bridgewater’s agent, saying Cole’s claim had, “no substance and no credibility.” Adam Schefter would also confirm the refute, discrediting the Bleacher Report article.
The truth is, Bridgewater’s timetable is <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-tom-johnson-jersey-c-2_31.html">http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-tom-johnson-jersey-c-2_31.html uncertain. There have been many projected returns, anywhere from 12 to 24 months. There is a chance Bridgewater could return by next season, and that could come early, middle, or late in the year.
On the bright side, Bridgewater is younger and <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-xavier-rhodes-jersey-c-2_28.html">http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-xavier-rhodes-jersey-c-2_28.html healthier than others who have experienced the same injury. He could recover faster than most, especially with the help of Vikings head trainer, Eric Sugarman. Bridgewater is walking without crutches and without limp and has been videoed participating in agility drills.
We know that the young quarterback is <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-zach-line-jersey-c-2_26.html">http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-zach-line-jersey-c-2_26.html making progress; his timetable will be easier to tell come training camp. Until then, his poised demeanor, leadership and clutch abilities will be missed by the Vikings. Sam Bradford is the current option at quarterback, who can play well with solid protection in front of him. Hopefully Teddy recovers fast and surprises spectators everywhere.
MINNESOTA VIKINGSVikings offseason primer: Build an offense that doesn’t drag down defense
Most NFL teams have a turning point in their seasons — one moment where things come together or fall apart.
For the <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-joe-berger-jersey-c-2_19.html">Joe Berger Authentic Jersey</a> Detroit Lions, it was Matthew Stafford’s late-season hand injury. For the Green Bay Packers, it was Aaron Rodgers announcing the team could run the table. The Atlanta Falcons decided to pass the ball while in range of a Super Bowl-clinching field goal. The New England Patriots drafted Tom Brady.
For the Minnesota Vikings, though, the 2016 season didn’t turn once or twice, but several times, and every one of them impacts what they need to do heading into 2017.
The Vikings lost Teddy Bridgewater to a training-camp knee injury and ended up with Sam Bradford at quarterback. In Week 2, Adrian Peterson blew out his knee and didn’t play again until an ineffectual performance in December.
Despite that, the Bears got off to a 5-0 start and were poised <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-matt-asiata-jersey-c-2_51.html">Matt Asiata Jersey</a> to steal the NFC North from the struggling Packers and Lions. They had already beaten the Packers, New York Giants and Houston Texans — all eventual playoff teams — and had an early bye that should have let them finish building an offense around Bradford, Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata.
Instead, the bye week killed their momentum, and they lost eight of their next 10 games. They only salvaged a .500 season by routing the hapless Bears on New Year’s Day.
It all sets up for a fascinating offseason for general manager Rick Spielman, who has to figure out what he has and what he needs before training camp.
Biggest Needs
Offensive tackle: Minnesota’s offensive line was a disaster, thanks to early season injuries to Matt Kalil and Andre Smith. T.J. Clemmings was regularly overrun at left tackle, and the Vikings not only couldn’t replace him, they couldn’t find anyone to fill the other tackle spot. Kalil and Smith weren’t playing well before their injuries, so the Vikings are starting from scratch at the two most important line positions.
Running back: Peterson turns 32 in March and looked <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-michael-griffin-jersey-c-2_55.html">Michael Griffin Jersey</a> older than that when he tried to return from his torn meniscus. He’s got an $18 million cap hit for 2017, so unless he’s willing to take a huge pay cut, he’s not going to be back. McKinnon and Asiata combined to average 3.4 yards per carry, so the answer will have to come through free agency or the draft.
Quarterback: No one knows if or when Bridgewater will play again, and Bradford has an $18 million cap hit for mediocre performance. He doesn’t throw interceptions, and the Vikings’ defense is great, but they can’t win with no running game and a quarterback who doesn’t stretch the field.
Offensive guard: The hits keep coming for the Minnesota offense. Alex Boone was solid at one guard spot and Joe Berger is a fine, if aging, center, but right guard was a problem all season and there’s no one on the roster who looks ready to take over.
Cornerback: The Vikings had an outstanding <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-joe-berger-jersey-c-2_19.html">http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-joe-berger-jersey-c-2_19.html defense, and a big part of that was the play of cornerbacks Xavier Rhodes, Terence Newman and Captain Munnerlyn. Newman and Munnerlyn, though, are unrestricted free agents, and even if Newman comes back, he’ll be 37 at the beginning of the regular season. He’s avoided Father Time thus far, but he’s only human.
Unrestricted free agents:
OT Matt Kalil
CB Captain Munnerlyn
OT Andre Smith
QB Shaun Hill
LB Chad Greenway
CB Terrence Newman
WR Cordarrelle Patterson
TE Rhett Ellison
FB Zach Line
OT Jake Long
LB Audie Cole
RB Matt Asiata
DE Justin Trattou
P Jeff Locke
Restricted free agents:
WR Adam Thielen
WR Charles Johnson
OT Jeremiah Sirles
OG Zac Kerin
Plans for free agency:
Other than Munnerlyn, Newman <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-michael-griffin-jersey-c-2_55.html">http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-michael-griffin-jersey-c-2_55.html and big-play threats Thielen and Patterson, there’s not a lot that Spielman will be anxious to retain from Minnesota’s free-agent list. He could bring back Kalil or Smith to make sure there’s an experienced NFL body at tackle, but the rest of the list is going to have a lot of turnover.
If Bradford and Peterson are both cut loose, it will open up a huge chunk of cap space, but the Vikings will need to find a running back and quarterback. They can try to fill one of those holes through the draft, but it would be safer to get a veteran, especially without a first-round pick.
Draft strategy:
Spielman has to do a better job with the 2017 draft that he did in 2016, where the only useful production came from special teamers Kentrell Brothers and Jayron Kearse. First-round pick Laquon Treadwell caught one pass and second-round pick Mackensie Alexander struggled in pass coverage when he got on the field.
The Vikings will definitely be busy in free <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-shamar-stephen-jersey-c-2_23.html">http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-shamar-stephen-jersey-c-2_23.html agency, but Spielman has to be able to at least get significant depth help from more picks this time around.
John Randle on Adrian Peterson’s future with the Minnesota Vikings
Hall of Fame <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-fran-tarkenton-jersey-c-2_36.html">Fran Tarkenton Youth Jersey</a> member John Randle gave his opinion on the Adrian Peterson situation for the Minnesota Vikings, and he held back nothing in his words.
When it comes to speaking their minds, the legends <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-fran-tarkenton-jersey-c-2_36.html">Fran Tarkenton Kids Jersey</a> of the Minnesota Vikings are a vocal group. Whether it is Randy Moss, Cris Carter, Fran Tarkenton, or others, some big bombs have been dropped by the big names of the past.
During the Super Bowl weekend, John Randle spoke on <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-jake-long-jersey-c-2_56.html">Jake Long Kids Jersey</a> the ThePostGame Podcast With Jeff Eisenband about several topics, including Texas high school football, Dennis Green, and NFC Championship Game.
One of the most interesting topics was the future of Adrian Peterson with the Vikings, which happened at the 12:25 point of the podcast on SoundCloud.
While the entire interview is interesting, and <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-fran-tarkenton-jersey-c-2_36.html">http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-fran-tarkenton-jersey-c-2_36.html the stories involving Dennis Green and the heartbreaking loss were high points, hearing Randle speculate about the future of Adrian Peterson hammered home what many fans are thinking already.
“Adrian Peterson is gone, he’ll probably be gone,” Randle said. “He can maybe come back if he can lower his pay.”
Randle’s reasoning for his words make sense as well. He used <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-jake-long-jersey-c-2_56.html">http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-jake-long-jersey-c-2_56.html the words of Peterson himself in the conversation and focused on looking forward rather than dwelling on the past of the running back position.
“It’s a possibility because he’s already said who he’s looking at,” Randle said. “He’s looking at other teams. I think he said Denver or some other team. You know what? Eventually we’re going to have to replace him anyhow. It’s sad in <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-jerick-mckinnon-jersey-c-2_5.html">http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-jerick-mckinnon-jersey-c-2_5.html one way, but it’s a new beginning of something else. It’s an opportunity for someone else to come in and to fulfill that role because we’re going to have to do it anyhow.”
There is still plenty of time for the Minnesota Vikings to make a decision on the future of Adrian Peterson, but hearing insight from legend John Randle reminds fans of just how much of a business the National Football League can be.
Harrison Smith Spreads Smiles at 'Give Kids the World' Visit
Pro Bowl players from the <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-harrison-smith-jersey-c-2_16.html">Harrison Smith Womens Jersey</a> NFC and AFC squads spent an afternoon away from football, deflecting the spotlight off of themselves and onto children courageously fighting life-threatening illnesses.
When Harrison Smith saw an opportunity to visit the Give Kids the World Village during his stay in Florida, he knew immediately that he wanted to volunteer.
Smith spent time talking with families, posing for photos and signing autographs. While some of the youth were NFL fans excited to meet their heroes, others were just happy with the attention and smiles Smith offered them.
“This [event] kind of caught my eye just because of what these families are going through, and they get to come here and have a piece of happiness,” Smith said. “Just getting to interact with them, even if they don’t know who I am.”
One of the first children Smith met was a Vikings <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-harrison-smith-jersey-c-2_16.html">Harrison Smith Kids Jersey</a> fan who raved about Sam Bradford. Later, a young boy wearing a Packers jersey boldly approached Smith and asked him, “Don’t you think Jordy Nelson is really good?” Smith couldn’t help but smile as he swapped football stories with him and smiled for a photo.
Smith said that in a situation where youth are fighting for their lives, it’s easy to look past team alliances.
“They’re just having fun,” Smith said. “It’s great.”
Smith was joined at the event by <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-fran-tarkenton-jersey-c-2_36.html">Fran Tarkenton Authentic Jersey</a> Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins and Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, in addition to a number of team cheerleaders and NFL alumni. The event featured lively music, face painting, games and even a photo booth.
According to Give Kids the World President and CEO Pamela Landwirth, the 79-acre village has 168 villas that house approximately 150 families <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-fran-tarkenton-jersey-c-2_36.html">http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-fran-tarkenton-jersey-c-2_36.html on any given night. The non-profit program is the only one of its kind in the world and is open 365 days a year. In its 30 years of operation, Give Kids the World has served more than 150,000 families from 76 different countries.
Landwirth said Minnesota is one of the most common states they welcome guests from, and former Vikings linebacker Fred McNeill at one time served on the program’s board.
“We have a special connection to the Vikings,” said Landwirth.
Landwirth smiled as she gestured to the festivities going on around her. She said the difference Smith and the other players made was undeniable, but the influence worked both ways.
Volunteers often tell Landwirth that they get <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-jarius-wright-jersey-c-2_44.html">http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-jarius-wright-jersey-c-2_44.html even more out of the visits than they put into them.
“It’s an inspiration for them to see children who are facing battles that are almost unimaginable, not even knowing if they’re going to throw up, and they’re here smiling and laughing,” Landwirth said. “They’re dancing, they’re cheering, and they’re taking every single moment of every single day in their life and living it to the fullest.”
The Pro Bowl focus was a special event, but Landwirth explained that Give Kids the World hosts a party of some sort every single night.
Another special guest arrived toward the end of the evening to illustrate Landwirth’s point – and he didn’t play for a football team. Children squealed with excitement at the sight of Santa Claus, complete with a full white beard and red suit, and Landwirth explained that they celebrate Christmas every Thursday and Halloween every Monday for the terminally ill guests of honor and their families.
It’s all part of providing a sense of normalcy.
“Seeing the children and <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-jerick-mckinnon-jersey-c-2_5.html">http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-jerick-mckinnon-jersey-c-2_5.html the families when they first come, they look so tired and like they’ve lost all hope, and then that transformation happens,” Landwirth said. “They reconnect as a family and remember what it’s like to just be a child.”
She said the NFL players helped with that process during their visit.
Smith gave his full attention to each young person he interacted with, intentionally making each individual feel important and valued. For Smith, the opportunity to step away from the football field for a couple of hours to make a difference in the lives of young people was a privilege he couldn’t pass up.
“I think we need to get out and mix it up in whatever communities we’re in, whether it’s Minnesota or our hometowns or something like this,” Smith said. “It’s about the families, it’s about the kids … just trying to put a smile on the kids’ faces – that’s all that matters.”
Cris Carter: Marvin Jones wasn't good enough for Lions
HOUSTON -- Cris Carter was a big fan of Golden Tate last season. Anquan Boldin, too. He thinks Boldin <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-cris-carter-jersey-c-2_40.html">Cris Carter Authentic Jersey</a> could still play another year, maybe two.
But Marvin Jones?
"To me, he was a disappointment," the Hall of Fame receiver said during Super Bowl week. "Just based on what I expected that I was going to see from him."
Bob Quinn's first free-agent class was a pretty <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-cris-carter-jersey-c-2_40.html">Cris Carter Kids Jersey</a> good one in Detroit. Boldin led the Lions in receiving touchdowns, and was among the league's best receivers on third down. Tavon Wilson and Rafael Bush helped provide some key depth alongside Glover Quin at safety. Andre Roberts housed two punts for touchdowns.
All were bargain buys who provided excellent returns on investment. In fact, Jones, who was supposed to be the jewel of the class, wound up being the biggest miss.
He was an excellent No. 2 receiver behind A.J. Green in Cincinnati, and the Lions were desperate to replace the retired Calvin Johnson. So Quinn offered <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-danielle-hunter-jersey-c-2_6.html">Danielle Hunter Authentic Jersey</a> him a five-year, $40 million to pry him away from the Bengals. And it looked like the move would be a fruitful one, too, when Jones exploded for 482 receiving yards the first four weeks of the season.
That led the league.
But then he had just 448 yards the rest of the way.
Jones finished with 930 overall, which ranked second on <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-cris-carter-jersey-c-2_40.html">http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-cris-carter-jersey-c-2_40.html the team and was a career high. But he also averaged just 41 yards per game the final 12 games of the season, and was held to a single catch in three of the final seven.
"I just thought he would be better," Carter said. "I just thought he was going to have a great opportunity playing opposite Golden Tate. Matthew Stafford really has developed. He's one of the great throwers we have in the league. But there were times when they needed (Jones), and he didn't show up big.
"He didn't make enough big plays, given the coverages they were playing. He got a lot of single coverage. That's just what I saw."
Jones drew some double <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-danielle-hunter-jersey-c-2_6.html">http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-danielle-hunter-jersey-c-2_6.html teams after his big opening month, but defenses also began playing some aggressive press-man on him, and that proved to be enough to take him out of games. He has great footwork, especially along the sideline, and deceptive downfield speed, but struggled to gain separation as defenses got more physical with him.
Now there are questions about whether he's a No. 1-type receiver, or if he's best suited as a complementary receiver, like the role he filled alongside Green for four seasons in Cincinnati.
"How good is he? You tell me. Because I don't know," Carter said. "I don't know how good he is. Most guys, when they're a No. 3 or a No. 4, and they pay them the money to make them a No. 2 or a No. 3, it doesn't necessarily work out that way.
"But I think he still think he has room to develop."
If Jones doesn't develop, that could pose some issues for the Lions. Tate continues to produce at a high level -- he's surpassed 90 catches in all three seasons with Detroit, and 1,000 yards in two of them -- but isn't much of a downfield threat. Boldin caught a <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-emmanuel-lamur-jersey-c-2_49.html">http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-emmanuel-lamur-jersey-c-2_49.html team-high eight touchdown passes, but this late in his career, he's more of a possession receiver because of his diminished speed -- and there's no guarantee he's even back next year, given that he's still mulling whether he wants to play another season, and he's eligible to hit free agency in March if he does return.
"I'm a huge fan of Anquan Boldin," Carter said. "Truly one of the true ambassadors of the National Football League. How to be a wide receiver. How to take it real, real slow and work at your craft. Be a technician. Run routes. Be physical. Be a professional. Golden Tate had an outstanding year too -- he and Matthew Stafford have a tremendous chemistry. He's underrated as a wide receiver.
"But besides that, do they have anyone else? They have Marvin Jones, but I'm not sure what he is."
