Too Early for Predictions: Roddy White
November 25, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (84) runs after catching a pass during the second half of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
Roddy White is one of the very few players left on the roster that was around from the last generation of the Falcons. Only a handful of players have survived the Mike Vick era, and in my opinion, rightfully so. Back then, Atlanta had a fast-paced and flashy team. They were unpredictable and inconsistent. They could beat the best team and lose to the worst the very next week. With so much talent, it was hard to watch them get to the NFC championship one year and go 8-8 the next year. Roddy White didn’t even look like someone who would survive the transition. He may have been the best receiver on the team, but I watched him drop some real easy catches. A lot of times he seemed pedestrian. I don’t think that is a word anyone would use for him now. Roddy White really honed in his skills after the transition. Just a couple of years ago, he was the leading receiver in the entire league. He became a leader on the team and is now training the leagues next great receiver.
As he ages, I expect to see him turn into the second option for Matt Ryan soon in place of the growing Julio Jones. But this is not that year. He is so productive and so talented; I don’t think he becomes the number two guy for another year or so. I do believe he gives some more of his production to Julio however.
Last year Roddy White had 92 receptions and 1,351 yards and 7 touchdowns.
This guy is an extremely precise rout runner. He’s blazing and he can catch anything thrown to him. On top of that he’s strong, determined, and very smart.
I can’t say that his numbers will be much better, and I can’t say they will be any worse. With Julio Jones on the other side constantly getting better, Roddy will get less and less passes thrown to him. Roddy may get the majority of the passes, but just barely. In fact, I think Julio and Roddy have near identical years. I’m very glad to see a guy like Roddy still on the team after going through so much. He will go down as one of the best wide receivers to ever put on a Falcons uniform.
I expect a year like this: 90 receptions for 1300 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Overall he gets targeted slightly more than Julio and gets just barely more yards. His decreased stats would not be a reflection of him slowing down. I think most fans would already understand that you cannot slow down Roddy White. He’ll get well over 100 yards and two touchdowns in a game he didn’t practice for all week. He’s a machine and a leader. He’s a Falcon for life and I’m very glad he’s a survivor of a tainted past to lead a new Falcons team into uncharted territory. He’ll be here for years to come and I’m very optimistic that he’ll retire with a ring or two. What do you think?
This concludes my early predictions for the offense. It’s so far away from the regular season, yet only 15 Sundays away. I love thinking about how the offense may be like although some say I’m optimistic. I don’t think these predictions are too far out from the realm of possibility. I actually fully believe these predictions are very possible. Soon, I may predict some defensive stats for a few players, but before I do that, I’d like to know who you would like me to look at.
Have a great Memorial Day!