Sturphy Posted August 8, 2007 Share Posted August 8, 2007 (edited) I've been firmly on the "rookie" side of things when handling Calvin Johnson. But, I'm just reading soooo much...that I'm leaning the other way now. Here's a bit from profootballtalk.com: "JOHNSON A "MAN AMONG BOYS" Though Lions coach Rod Marinelli has said that receiver Calvin Johnson needs to get in shape, a league source tells us that the rookie for Georgia Tech looks like a "man among boys" in training camp. Johnson possesses every desirable attribute that a receiver can possess, and none of the attitude. He's fast, he's tall, he runs great routes, and his hands are softer than Warren Sapp's bosoms (not that we have any personal experience in that regard). As we see it, Johnson's impact in 2007 will be determined by the extent to which opposing defenses opt to use two men to cover him. If they don't, he'll make them pay. If they do, Roy Williams and/or Mike Furrey will run wild. Maybe Jon Kitna isn't so crazy after all for predicting 10 or more wins." Is he the 2nd coming of Randy? It's like he's being anointed the greatest of all time before he takes a snap. How much will preseason show us? Most importantly: Can Charles Woodson cover him? Edited August 8, 2007 by Sturphy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeeR Posted August 8, 2007 Share Posted August 8, 2007 ooooooh, a "league source." Meaningless. Sure he has great talent, but remember Moss didn't have not just 1 but 2 other top WRs taking touches away from him. He was the show. Johnson may eke out 1000 yds and a handful of TDs at most, but likely less. The only way it might be more is if Wms gets hurt (granted not exactly unheard of). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sturphy Posted August 8, 2007 Author Share Posted August 8, 2007 ooooooh, a "league source." Meaningless. Sure he has great talent, but remember Moss didn't have not just 1 but 2 other top WRs taking touches away from him. He was the show. Johnson may eke out 1000 yds and a handful of TDs at most, but likely less. The only way it might be more is if Wms gets hurt (granted not exactly unheard of). Any Lions homers been at TC? Where the heck is Lions TC anyhow? The plot thickens.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whomper Posted August 8, 2007 Share Posted August 8, 2007 Any Lions homers been at TC? Where the heck is Lions TC anyhow? The plot thickens.... Purgatory Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Puddy Posted August 8, 2007 Share Posted August 8, 2007 ooooooh, a "league source." Meaningless. Sure he has great talent, but remember Moss didn't have not just 1 but 2 other top WRs taking touches away from him. He was the show. Johnson may eke out 1000 yds and a handful of TDs at most, but likely less. The only way it might be more is if Wms gets hurt (granted not exactly unheard of). So Cris Carter was a nobody then Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brentastic Posted August 8, 2007 Share Posted August 8, 2007 So Cris Carter was a nobody then That's what I was thinking - Carter was the stuff back then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RussMan Posted August 8, 2007 Share Posted August 8, 2007 (edited) Any Lions homers been at TC? Where the heck is Lions TC anyhow? The plot thickens.... I've been by training camp. Couple things that stood out to me the days I went. Granted its only practice but.... Martz throws the ball all over the place. I arrived 1/2 hour before practice was supposed to start and Martz was already on the field and had his offense throwing the ball. After practice officially started (warmups and stretches) the players broke out into groups..... Martz was at mid field with the TE and RB and ran pass play after pass play. Later he got with the WR and again lots of passes, all over the place. Then they brought the offense and defense together.... more passing plays a couple token runs. If practice and history are any indication Martz may set another NFL low in rusing attempts as he tries to wear our Kitnas arm. Roy Williams is a big reciever 6'3" 215 and stands out when on the field. Calvin Johnson is even bigger 6'5" 239 and really stands out on the field. The typica 5'9" - 6'0" CB are going to have a hard time covering these guys.. big, fast, and good hands. In fact WR McDonald and Walters also looked very smooth and I didnt see them drop a pass all practice and should make the team as #4 #5 WR behind Furrey. CJ looks like the real deal. And I cant see Furrey duplicating the numbers he had last year, CJ has got to cut into his numbers if not right away, soon enough. CJ willl be on the field he isnt some skinny pot head like Charles Rogers and hes not fat lazy late for meetings Mike Williams. The guy looks like all business, big, fast, good hands. CJ was running with the first team, then on another day the second team but he got a ton of work both days. Today Martz said he will get a lot of work in preseason too. Martz didnt spend much time on the running game so I dont really have any feedback on the RBs, except to say the TJ Duckett looks like he is in great shape. KJ didnt practice but I was told he is bugging the coaches to get back on the field he feels he is ready to go but they are taking it slow with him. He is starting to do some running and cutting so who knows how close he really is, but he is confident he is the man/not Bell and has said so publically.... Whoever the RB is he probably wont get a lot of carries but should be much involved in the passing game I think. The OL looks better than last year with the addition of Foster from Den.. couldnt look much worse. QB JT Osullivan got almost all the reps with Kitna while Orlovsky got very few.. same thing both days I attended. Osullivan looked good, nice passes and on target. Kitna is kitna.. he looks confident out there and said he is ready to play now. Some pictures from practice.. in the one Roy and CJ are standing next to each other.. big WR's. http://www.lionsredzone.com/showthread.php?t=27594 Edited August 8, 2007 by RussMan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
piratesownninjas Posted August 8, 2007 Share Posted August 8, 2007 He disappeared in games at Georgia Tech... Why would he come in and dominate from the start. I still think Larry Fitzgerald was a better prospect as a rookie, and I think Calvin Johnson may get close to Fitz's rookie stats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
piratesownninjas Posted August 8, 2007 Share Posted August 8, 2007 You are not logged in or you do not have permission to access this page. This could be due to one of several reasons: 1. You are not logged in. Fill in the form at the bottom of this page and try again. 2. You may not have sufficient privileges to access this page. Are you trying to edit someone else's post, access administrative features or some other privileged system? 3. If you are trying to post, the administrator may have disabled your account, or it may be awaiting activation. Log in Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RussMan Posted August 8, 2007 Share Posted August 8, 2007 (edited) He disappeared in games at Georgia Tech... Why would he come in and dominate from the start. I still think Larry Fitzgerald was a better prospect as a rookie, and I think Calvin Johnson may get close to Fitz's rookie stats. Was he in an offens that threw the ball almost every down? I dont know about his disappearing act in college and didnt say he would come in and dominate from the start but he should have plenty of opportunities in this offense once he gets up to speed should produce... Furrey did and he looks better than Furrey to me. I think Roy Willliams is the guy to get this season... but next year or toward the end of this season it could be a differnt story... CJ could take over the #1 spot. Try this link for pictures, I tried to use the boards img tag but it doesnt seem to work. http://info.detnews.com/pix/sports/2007/li...camp-am0065.jpg http://www.detroitlions.com/photos/Photo1_070803.jpg http://info.detnews.com/pix/sports/2007/li...camp-am0192.jpg Edited August 8, 2007 by RussMan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BS Miscreant Posted August 8, 2007 Share Posted August 8, 2007 He disappeared in games at Georgia Tech... Why would he come in and dominate from the start. I still think Larry Fitzgerald was a better prospect as a rookie, and I think Calvin Johnson may get close to Fitz's rookie stats. He "disappeared" in games at GT becuase he had one of the worst passing QBs in Div I attempting to throw the "Ball" to him and no other real help in the offense. I think he'll surpass Fitz's rookie numbers but even if he merely matches them I'll take that from my #3 WR. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Holy Roller Posted August 8, 2007 Share Posted August 8, 2007 Thanks for the pics. i had no idea how big he really was but for a WR he looks physically gigantic. And wearing "81"? Hmmm. I loves WRs wearing "81". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FishFreak Posted August 8, 2007 Share Posted August 8, 2007 Kitna will throw for 4,000+ yards so do the math- CJ will get his and cut into Furrey's share and a touch into Williams share. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rebdog Posted August 8, 2007 Share Posted August 8, 2007 (edited) beware the rookie WR! beware the Detroit WR! don't believe the hype. you gotta see it with your own eyes on the field. Edited August 8, 2007 by rebdog Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Savage Beatings Posted August 8, 2007 Share Posted August 8, 2007 (edited) I think he'll probably have a very good rookie season... although I've read recently that he actually needs to get into better football shape. I don't think he will be worthy of a WR1 spot on any FF roster or anything like that, but he might do well enough to make some noise as a WR2 later in the season. But something to note... everyone keeps saying that the Lions have a pretty good schedule for CJ to take advantage of in his debut season... I however think that all 3 of their Division rivals are going to have stellar defenses this season... stellar! Edited August 8, 2007 by Savage Beatings Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sturphy Posted August 8, 2007 Author Share Posted August 8, 2007 I've been by training camp. Couple things that stood out to me the days I went. Granted its only practice but.... Martz throws the ball all over the place. I arrived 1/2 hour before practice was supposed to start and Martz was already on the field and had his offense throwing the ball. After practice officially started (warmups and stretches) the players broke out into groups..... Martz was at mid field with the TE and RB and ran pass play after pass play. Later he got with the WR and again lots of passes, all over the place. Then they brought the offense and defense together.... more passing plays a couple token runs. If practice and history are any indication Martz may set another NFL low in rusing attempts as he tries to wear our Kitnas arm. Roy Williams is a big reciever 6'3" 215 and stands out when on the field. Calvin Johnson is even bigger 6'5" 239 and really stands out on the field. The typica 5'9" - 6'0" CB are going to have a hard time covering these guys.. big, fast, and good hands. In fact WR McDonald and Walters also looked very smooth and I didnt see them drop a pass all practice and should make the team as #4 #5 WR behind Furrey. CJ looks like the real deal. And I cant see Furrey duplicating the numbers he had last year, CJ has got to cut into his numbers if not right away, soon enough. CJ willl be on the field he isnt some skinny pot head like Charles Rogers and hes not fat lazy late for meetings Mike Williams. The guy looks like all business, big, fast, good hands. CJ was running with the first team, then on another day the second team but he got a ton of work both days. Today Martz said he will get a lot of work in preseason too. Martz didnt spend much time on the running game so I dont really have any feedback on the RBs, except to say the TJ Duckett looks like he is in great shape. KJ didnt practice but I was told he is bugging the coaches to get back on the field he feels he is ready to go but they are taking it slow with him. He is starting to do some running and cutting so who knows how close he really is, but he is confident he is the man/not Bell and has said so publically.... Whoever the RB is he probably wont get a lot of carries but should be much involved in the passing game I think. The OL looks better than last year with the addition of Foster from Den.. couldnt look much worse. QB JT Osullivan got almost all the reps with Kitna while Orlovsky got very few.. same thing both days I attended. Osullivan looked good, nice passes and on target. Kitna is kitna.. he looks confident out there and said he is ready to play now. Some pictures from practice.. in the one Roy and CJ are standing next to each other.. big WR's. http://www.lionsredzone.com/showthread.php?t=27594 Thanks RussMan, I'm much obliged. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sturphy Posted August 8, 2007 Author Share Posted August 8, 2007 beware the rookie WR! beware the Detroit WR! don't believe the hype. you gotta see it with your own eyes on the field. Yeah, gotta see it on the field, I agree. But, you can't deny that he looks like the best WR prospect since.... .... Fitz? I guess? They do have very a very similar demeanor, being self-deprecating and respectful and all. I feel like CJ is a better prospect than Fitz. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sturphy Posted August 8, 2007 Author Share Posted August 8, 2007 Thanks for the pics. i had no idea how big he really was but for a WR he looks physically gigantic. And wearing "81"? Hmmm. I loves WRs wearing "81". I thought Roy was physically imposing. CJ looks like a monster next to him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingfish247 Posted August 8, 2007 Share Posted August 8, 2007 (edited) Is he the 2nd coming of Randy? 69/1313/17TDs ??? With Kitna as his QB ??? Edited August 8, 2007 by kingfish247 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sturphy Posted August 8, 2007 Author Share Posted August 8, 2007 69/1313/17TDs ??? With Kitna as his QB ??? Randy had Daunte. Not sure how much better he is. I think we were all fooled by him a little. They were playing sand-lot ball. Daunte: Ok...now...you run straight down field as fast as you can... Randy: Uh huh Daunte: And I'll throw it as hard as I can... Randy: Ok Daunte: And it'll probably be just a little underthrown.... Randy: Right Daunte: So.... well.... no matter where it is, just jump up and grab it. Randy: So...what was the middle part again? Cris: Hey...um... Daunte Daunte: Yeah? Cris: I'm a pro bowler and I run routes...that's r-o-u-t-e-s, routes. Find mine and pass to me too, ok? Daunte: Right...ok. Ready? BREAK! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roo Posted August 8, 2007 Share Posted August 8, 2007 (edited) I am personally going with the hype. I draft him as a great #3 WR, possible #2. A major reason for this is because of the "attitude" element. This guy seems to have his sh!t together - and I think that plays a big part. With Roy on the other side, this monster is going to be put up againt the lesser of the covers (I assume until deemed otherwise). You combine that with the skill, potential for the big play, and the redzone targeting, and he should definately get his share. And then you have the Detroit offense which is unquestionably a throw-big and throw-many mentality. Edited August 8, 2007 by Roo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hat Trick Posted August 8, 2007 Share Posted August 8, 2007 Randy had Daunte. Not sure how much better he is. I think we were all fooled by him a little. They were playing sand-lot ball. Daunte: Ok...now...you run straight down field as fast as you can... Randy: Uh huh Daunte: And I'll throw it as hard as I can... Randy: Ok Daunte: And it'll probably be just a little underthrown.... Randy: Right Daunte: So.... well.... no matter where it is, just jump up and grab it. Randy: So...what was the middle part again? Cris: Hey...um... Daunte Daunte: Yeah? Cris: I'm a pro bowler and I run routes...that's r-o-u-t-e-s, routes. Find mine and pass to me too, ok? Daunte: Right...ok. Ready? BREAK! What's funny is this what I think of that huddle too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sturphy Posted August 8, 2007 Author Share Posted August 8, 2007 This guy seems to have his sh!t together - and I think that plays a big part. I'd say that was probably a big factor in the success Fitz had in his rookie season as well. Less baggage off the field as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingfish247 Posted August 8, 2007 Share Posted August 8, 2007 (edited) Randy had Daunte. Randy had Cunningham in his rookie season. Cunningham had mobility. While he lags Kitna in overall career completion %, Cunningham had a far better TD:INT ratio. The '98 Vikings were just a better overall team. Edited August 8, 2007 by kingfish247 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sturphy Posted August 8, 2007 Author Share Posted August 8, 2007 Randy had Cunningham in his rookie season. Cunningham had mobility. While he lags Kitna in overall career completion %, Cunningham had a far better TD:INT ratio. The '98 Vikings were just a better overall team. Meh. I stand corrected. It was the same rules with regards to heaving it up to Randy though. You could ALMOST plug him into my script. Quote Link to comment 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.