It’s not just about paying attention to your stats. It’s about doing what it takes to help your team win.
The Saints-Vikings game on Sunday showed me that underrated players are often better than the so-called ‘flashy stars.’ Late in the 1st quarter, Adam Thielen reached around a defender (who was covering him perfectly) to make a catch. What a difference from so many big name guys who won’t make a catch unless it’s placed EXACTLY in their mitts.
I enjoy seeing offenses play and there’s something to be said about a receiver who can get his QB out of a potentially bad situation. Take Seattle, for example. Russell Wilson threw a few questionable passes on Sunday against Detroit, but his receivers had his back, turning almost-disasters into gains.
In my opinion, an ‘elite’ wide receiver can’t be called elite unless they can haul in seemingly uncatchable balls. So I don’t buy it when people say it’s all about speed and good hands. While those skills are important, I vote for keeping your eye on the QB, adjusting your route, and going after those nearly impossible catches.
It’s not just about paying attention to your stats. It’s about doing what it takes to help your team win.
Underrated players are often quite humble. They may not realize how great they are. And that makes them so likable. What welcome relief from listening to someone like Odell Beckham Jr’s during his post-game interviews. I’ll take Doug Baldwin instead.
…or Todd Gurley. He brings his usually great, but underrated, self to the field. With less than a minute to play on Sunday, Gurley broke free for a likely TD, only to pause near the goal line, allowing himself to be tackled at the 4-yard line. He did it to keep the clock moving so that the Packers wouldn’t get the ball again.
Gurley couldn’t care less about individual stats. He just wants to win games. That game. And that’s what makes him great.
