Huston Posted March 19, 2019 Report Share Posted March 19, 2019 When the New England Patriots’ Julian Edelman hoisted the Super Bowl MVP Trophy above his head in February, it marked another big step for the NFL’s little guys — slot receivers. Increasing in both production and value over the past several years, slot receivers totaled more catches and more yards last season than in any of the past four, which is as far back as the position has been specifically tracked by the league. The Titans haven’t had a consistent slot threat in more than half a decade, dating back to some of Kendall Wright’s early seasons. But they should join the growing trend in 2019. With last week’s addition of Adam Humphries, the Titans have one of the top slot receivers in the game. He’s no game-breaker, of course. Very few slot receivers are, which is why they sometimes can be overlooked by fans. But the most important traits Humphries brings to the table — the ability to quickly gain separation, produce first downs and serve as Marcus Mariota’s security blanket of sorts — are ones that have been missing from the Titans’ wide receiver group for years. SLOT RECEIVERS: PICKING UP THE PRODUCTION Year* Catches* Yards* YAC* TD 2018 2,467 30,284 12.319 5 2017 2,177 26,797 12.317 2 2016 2,406 28,629 11.919 1 2015 2,283 28,015 12.319 6 NFL *slot receivers over the past four seasons, per the NFL’s Next Gen Stats That’s why Titans general manager Jon Robinson dropped a four-year, $36 million contract on Humphries, a figure in line with slot receivers’ growing worth in the NFL. This offseason alone, four of the league’s top five wide-receiver contracts have gone to slot guys, per Spotrac: In addition to Humphries, there was Golden Tate (four years, $37.5 million with the Giants), Cole Beasley (four years, $29 million with Buffalo) and Jamison Crowder (three years, $28.5 million with the Jets). “I think by the monetary resources allocated to the (slot receiver) position, I think the importance of it has shown, if you look at just that side of it,” Robinson said. “But I think it’s an important position (otherwise) … It’s your win guy. When you’ve got to have 4 yards or you’ve got to have 7 yards, he’s got to be able to win. I think that’s an important piece of your football team, and I feel like we’ve got a good one now.” A toughness element In Tampa Bay, Humphries became more and more a part of the Buccaneers’ offense in each of his four seasons there, culminating in his career-best year of 2018 — 76 catches, 816 yards and five touchdowns. One of the reasons for his growing significance was the relationship he built with Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston, a strategy he hopes to emulate with Mariota in Music City. “Me and Jameis stayed after practice the majority of our days, just working,” Humphries said. “Jameis is a guy that held me accountable for everything. We’d meet in the room together and go over film, just have player-led meetings, you know, trusting each other, really — just knowing I was going to be in the right spot at the right time. “That’s something I’m looking forward to, creating a relationship with (Mariota). Getting a lot of good work in this offseason, and hopefully translate that into Sundays.” As good as his relationship with Winston was, the Bucs’ quarterbacks wouldn’t have targeted him 311 times in four years had he not consistently found a way to get open. Creating that separation has become a specialty of Humphries, who’s finished among the league leaders in that category over the past three years. He averaged 3.6 yards of separation per catch last year, sixth-best among all slot receivers, per NFL Next Gen Stats. Humphries finished eighth in the league in 2017 and 2016, averaging 3.4 yards of separation per catch. What’s the secret of shaking defensive backs so quickly? “It’s short-area quickness, understanding you’re just not much of a vertical threat, so you have to have short-area quickness,” Humphries said. “You have to have change of direction, and just be able to separate from a smaller, quicker guy covering you. So it’s not easy. There are some great nickels in this league. Obviously, I take a lot of pride in creating separation and getting yards after catch.” A good slot receiver doesn’t have the option of being a diva, either, as short-yardage catches in tight quarters often lead to taking wicked thumps from linebackers or safeties. “I’ve taken some hits in my career,” Humphries said. “It’s not fun, but it is fun moving the sticks and it’s something I take pride in.” Proximity to the line of scrimmage also necessitates being a good run-blocker, a characteristic the 5-11, 195-pound Humphries knows is important. Pro Football Focus gave him a 67.3 run-blocking grade last season, which was tops on the Bucs but ranked behind the Titans’ Taywan Taylor (81.6) and Corey Davis (72.4). “Those are intimidating blocks,” Humphries said of his aggressive style on crack-back blocks. “I just know everything shows up on film. Those things are just little things that stand out, that can propel you to being a great player.” Added Robinson: “There’s got to be a toughness element with that player because you’re closer to the core, the formation, so you’re going to be involved in the run game.” But there’s also an intangible element to being a good slot receiver, one that Humphries — who finished first among slot receivers in receiving first downs (42) and tied for second in receptions (59) — seems to have mastered. “I just think it’s a feel for the game, a feel for coverages,” Humphries said. “Obviously, you have to be on the same page with the quarterback, with hot (routes) and blitzes. Just being a security blanket for him sometimes.” Back in the game The kind of numbers Humphries’ put up strictly from the slot last season — 59 catches and 666 yards — haven’t been recorded in Nashville since 2013, when Wright posted 63 receptions and 694 yards from the slot in his second season. In fact, the Titans haven’t had a receiver in the slot catch as many as 30 passes — or gain as many as 350 yards — over the past four seasons. TITANS’ SLOT LEADERS Year Player* Catches* Yards* Average* TD 2018 Adam Humphries 59 666 11.3 3 Year Player* Catches* Yards* Average* TD 2018 Corey Davis 27 301 11.2 3 2017 Eric Decker 27 256 9.5 1 2016 Kendall Wright 24 333 13.9 2 2015 Kendall Wright 22 255 11.6 2 2014 Kendall Wright 44 556 12.6 5 2013 Kendall Wright 63 694 11.0 2 Per Pro Football Focus / * Designates catches from the slot The league, meanwhile, seemed to be moving in the other direction. In 2018, for instance, four of the NFL’s top seven pass-catchers — Eagles tight end Zach Ertz, Vikings receiver Adam Thielen, Packers receiver Davante Adams and Steelers receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster — all operated primarily out of the slot. Expect the Titans to jump on board that league trend next season, when the addition of Humphries should help an offense that recorded the fourth-fewest passing first downs in the league. A team that’s gone too long without production from the slot, the Titans now have one of the league’s best at the position. “It’s a role that I love,” Humphries said. “It’s coveted around this league, and it can help take offenses to the next level. So I take a lot of pride in that, take a lot of pride in getting first downs, making clutch third-down catches. I’m going to continue to do that here.” OILERMAN, and Somedude 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SleepingTitan Posted March 19, 2019 Report Share Posted March 19, 2019 I expect Tanniota to fall in love with him. big2033 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NashvilleNinja Posted March 19, 2019 Report Share Posted March 19, 2019 The notion that we haven't had anything this good "since Kendall Wright" is depressing as fuck. Couldn't whoever wrote that found an historical figure who was actually good and made a considerable difference to the team's fortunes? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huston Posted March 19, 2019 Author Report Share Posted March 19, 2019 1 minute ago, NashvilleNinja said: The notion that we haven't had anything this good "since Kendall Wright" is depressing as fuck. Couldn't whoever wrote that found an historical figure who was actually good and made a considerable difference to the team's fortunes? Then dont read this then: Every NFL team seems to have a cursed position somewhere on the roster that they just can’t get right no matter how many different approaches they try. For the Bears, that position has been quarterback. For the Buccaneers, it’s kicker. The Lions can’t ever find a good running back (post-Barry Sanders obviously). For the Titans, that position is wide receiver. Since the team became the Titans in 1999, they’ve had exactly seven 1,000-yard receiving seasons. Four of those came from the same player and just two of them have happened in the past 15 years. 2003 Derrick Mason (1,303 yards) 2004 Drew Bennett (1,247 yards) 2004 Derrick Mason (1,168 yards) 2001 Derrick Mason (1,128 yards) 2013 Kendall Wright (1,079 yards) 2011 Nate Washington (1,023 yards) 2002 Derrick Mason (1,012 yards) To give some context, there are eight individual wide receivers that have more 1,000 yard receiving seasons over that same time span than the Titans do as a team. Larry Fitzgerald (9) Randy Moss (9) Marvin Harrison (8) Torry Holt (8) Brandon Marshall (8) Terrell Owens (8) Steve Smith (8) Reggie Wayne (8) It’s just a position that has consistently eluded the franchise. Heading into 2019, receiver is once again a hotly debated position among Titans fans. Former 5th overall pick Corey Davis has shown some real promise, and probably would be more highly thought of if the team simply passed the ball more often in 2018. Davis accumulated 891 yards — good for 21st among all NFL receivers — despite playing on a team that attempted just 437 passes (2nd fewest in the league). If the Titans had passed the ball at a league average volume, Davis would have ended up near 1,125 yards receiving (14th among receivers) assuming he maintained a similar rate of production. It would be a disappointment if Davis didn’t become the fifth player since the team moved to Nashville to top 1,000 yards next season, but he needs help https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2019/3/19/18271280/what-should-the-titans-do-at-wide-receiver-beyond-the-top-two-of-corey-davis-and-adam-humphries titanruss, and NashvilleNinja 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kgsTitan Posted March 19, 2019 Report Share Posted March 19, 2019 6 minutes ago, NashvilleNinja said: The notion that we haven't had anything this good "since Kendall Wright" is depressing as fuck. Couldn't whoever wrote that found an historical figure who was actually good and made a considerable difference to the team's fortunes? Ernest Givins? Omar 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NashvilleNinja Posted March 19, 2019 Report Share Posted March 19, 2019 3 minutes ago, Huston said: Then dont read this then: Every NFL team seems to have a cursed position somewhere on the roster that they just can’t get right no matter how many different approaches they try. For the Bears, that position has been quarterback. For the Buccaneers, it’s kicker. The Lions can’t ever find a good running back (post-Barry Sanders obviously). For the Titans, that position is wide receiver. Since the team became the Titans in 1999, they’ve had exactly seven 1,000-yard receiving seasons. Four of those came from the same player and just two of them have happened in the past 15 years. 2003 Derrick Mason (1,303 yards) 2004 Drew Bennett (1,247 yards) 2004 Derrick Mason (1,168 yards) 2001 Derrick Mason (1,128 yards) 2013 Kendall Wright (1,079 yards) 2011 Nate Washington (1,023 yards) 2002 Derrick Mason (1,012 yards) To give some context, there are eight individual wide receivers that have more 1,000 yard receiving seasons over that same time span than the Titans do as a team. Larry Fitzgerald (9) Randy Moss (9) Marvin Harrison (8) Torry Holt (8) Brandon Marshall (8) Terrell Owens (8) Steve Smith (8) Reggie Wayne (8) It’s just a position that has consistently eluded the franchise. Heading into 2019, receiver is once again a hotly debated position among Titans fans. Former 5th overall pick Corey Davis has shown some real promise, and probably would be more highly thought of if the team simply passed the ball more often in 2018. Davis accumulated 891 yards — good for 21st among all NFL receivers — despite playing on a team that attempted just 437 passes (2nd fewest in the league). If the Titans had passed the ball at a league average volume, Davis would have ended up near 1,125 yards receiving (14th among receivers) assuming he maintained a similar rate of production. It would be a disappointment if Davis didn’t become the fifth player since the team moved to Nashville to top 1,000 yards next season, but he needs help https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2019/3/19/18271280/what-should-the-titans-do-at-wide-receiver-beyond-the-top-two-of-corey-davis-and-adam-humphries Huston 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BudsOilers Posted March 19, 2019 Report Share Posted March 19, 2019 It was a huge need and he should be a big upgrade. It better be given the contract. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starkiller Posted March 19, 2019 Report Share Posted March 19, 2019 59 minutes ago, NashvilleNinja said: The notion that we haven't had anything this good "since Kendall Wright" is depressing as fuck. Couldn't whoever wrote that found an historical figure who was actually good and made a considerable difference to the team's fortunes? Our last really good slot receiver was Mason back early in his career. Probably our only good slot WR in my memory. freakingeek 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MIKE75 Posted March 19, 2019 Report Share Posted March 19, 2019 (edited) We are cursed at WR and we have yet to find a QB besides McNair that got past their rookie deal not to mention that out of the Titans first 20 seasons they only had a starting QB for all 16 games in 2002 and 2011 BUT somehow despite this the team managed to win 170 games from '99 to '18 regular/postseason good for 11th in wins of 32 teams just a win shy of breaking in the top ten in wins overall as Dallas was 10th with 171 wins. The facts don't lie the Titans had a rough patch the first part of the decade but overcame it to have 3 straight winning seasons and a recent playoff win. With our 170 wins and 11th in wins other teams didn't fare near as well Jaguars were 29th with 139 total wins,Browns were 32nd with 95 wins,Miami were 19th with 155 wins,Bills were 28th with 138 wins,Chiefs were literally 165-165 and were 17th,49ers were 25th with 145 wins. The Titans diehards are hard on the team and want a winner each year. Looking at the last 20 years they did really well the first dozen years '99-'11 the rough patch was 4 straight losing years from '12 thru '15 literally due to a bad GM/QB combo of Webster/Locker. They overcame those 4 bad years with a GM/QB change. With a new GM Robinson and QB Mariota the teams fortunes are much better 3 straight winning years and a recent playoff win. Say what you want this team isn't the very best in the Patriots,Steelers,Eagles,Packers realm yet but we are right in the next tier with Cowboys,Vikings,Chargers,Falcons. One thing we are not in is the realm with Jags,Browns,Bills,Raiders and never will be. Edited March 19, 2019 by MIKE75 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
OILERMAN Posted March 19, 2019 Report Share Posted March 19, 2019 Mason started out playing slot before he started in the two WRs and he was great. He still played inside even after he broke out. japan 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starkiller Posted March 19, 2019 Report Share Posted March 19, 2019 8 minutes ago, OILERMAN said: Mason started out playing slot before he started in the two WRs and he was great. He still played inside even after he broke out. That’s true, though between the lack of other good WRs and how little they played 3WR sets he spent way more time outside back then. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MIKE75 Posted March 19, 2019 Report Share Posted March 19, 2019 8 minutes ago, OILERMAN said: Mason started out playing slot before he started in the two WRs and he was great. He still played inside even after he broke out. Derrick Mason and Nate Washington were the 2 best WR we ever had. Washington ended up being really good considering he wasn't used much in Pitt. Same with Delanie who was barely used in Frisco has been our best TE ever along with Frank Wycheck. I really think Humphries will be Mariota/Tanny's security blanket/go to guy when things get too hectic and they have to throw the ball quickly. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MIKE75 Posted March 19, 2019 Report Share Posted March 19, 2019 I am interested in seeing if a team change might light a fire under Tannehill enough to wear he improves a good bit. One team who got really lucky in a situation similar to this was Rich Gannon after playing in Minnesota and K.C. then all of a sudden in Oakland with Gruden it was like BOOM the guy was awesome. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starkiller Posted March 19, 2019 Report Share Posted March 19, 2019 7 minutes ago, MIKE75 said: Derrick Mason and Nate Washington were the 2 best WR we ever had. Washington ended up being really good considering he wasn't used much in Pitt. I’d rank Drew Bennett slightly ahead of Nate, but I do think Washington was largely underrated here. Justafan, and MIKE75 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huston Posted March 19, 2019 Author Report Share Posted March 19, 2019 I'ma have to go with Nate the skate. . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.