Receivers like Justin Jefferson are a crucial element to the success of a team’s offense in today's game. One big catch can change the trajectory of the whole game.
When looking at some of the key indicators for receivers performance, Jefferson has secured his dominance in one particular area. Jefferson led receivers last season in late down catches, turning six into touchdowns and 21 into first downs, catching an impressive 31 of his 46 late-down targets (15 of which he was able to gain at least 15 yards).
Racking up a total of 513 yards on third and fourth down, Jefferson came close to Davante Adams’ astounding 548 yards.
Christian McCaffrey's impressive performance as a receiver on late downs comes as no surprise, as he ranked second with a remarkable receiving grade of 91.2. The San Francisco 49ers also showcased their prowess with an impressive team grade of 80.7 on late downs, placing them third in the league. McCaffrey, known for his versatility, caught an impressive 26 out of his 30 targets on late downs, accumulating 179 yards, with 122 of those yards gained after the catch.
Amari Cooper emerged as a key target for the Dallas Cowboys on critical third and fourth downs, as he led the league with an astounding 53 targets in such situations. Cooper capitalized on these opportunities, securing 29 receptions for 494 yards, three touchdowns, and 23 first downs. Despite a middling team grade of 73.5, the Cleveland Browns fared decently on late downs, ranking 14th in the league.
Travis Kelce emerged as the league leader in red-zone targets, with an impressive tally of 31. Despite his notable success, he faced challenges, as he caught 19 of those targets for 102 yards, securing 10 touchdowns and two additional first downs. However, Kelce's performance was marred by four dropped passes and a single reception out of his five contested targets, which had a negative impact on his grade within this crucial situation.
On the other hand, George Kittle excelled in the red zone, leading the league in receiving grade. He capitalized on his opportunities, converting nine out of his 16 targets into five touchdowns and two more first downs. Additionally, Kittle showcased his skills in contested situations, going 3-for-5. As a team, the San Francisco 49ers earned a respectable seventh-place ranking in red-zone receiving grade, registering a grade of 68.3 for the previous season.
With Jefferson's exceptional performance on late downs and the prowess of Kelce and Kittle in the red zone, the league boasts an impressive array of receiving talent that promises thrilling and captivating games in the upcoming season. The combination of these skilled players is set to elevate the excitement and intensity of upcoming matches.
