The Side Kicks

Everyone Expects 1000 yard campaigns from the household names of Andre Johnson, Roddy White, Larry Fitzgerald, Reggie Wayne ect. Here’s a look at forgotten or overlooked pass catchers with shots to eclipse 1000 yards


2011 1000 yard Darkhorse Candidates

Andre Roberts ARI - With Larry Fitzgerald demanding consistent double and even triple teams Roberts will be left with numerous opportunities to exploit coverage’s given to him. Arizona’s weak O-line, mediocrity on Defense will likely result in a very pass happy system, Using more 3 and 4 receiver sets along with quick passes as a substitute for a Running game. Roberts is favorably comparable to the Jags Mike Thomas who exceeded 800 yds last season with an Inferior QB and much more conservative offense. If things fall into place this season and with a bit of luck Roberts just might find himself in the 1000 yard club.

Nate Burleson DET - motivated by the drafting of Titus Young Burleson worked especially hard this offseason. Its shown with two highlight TDs in the first half of preseason.  Playing Robin to Calvin Johnsons Batman this year Burleson too will receive many favorable matchups on perhaps the team that will lead the league in pass attempts. In the two games Stafford returned to play midseason He and Burleson hooked up 14 times for 160 yards and a score. Couple that with the rapport the two seem to have this preseason and you have the makings of not one but two 1000 yard receivers in Motown this year.

Lee Evans BAL- Evans has spent the last two seasons wasting away in Buffalo. Not really being considered a threat since his days with JP Losman of all people. If Losman had good enough attributes to make Evans a thousand yard man then why not Joe Flacco? Evans has spent his career as a premier deep threat who has been handicapped by weak armed and lackluster QBs. Enter Joe Flacco. No not a perenial probowler by any means but flacco is one of the best in the biz at one thing. The deep ball. The Flacco-Evans combo is a match made in heaven as these two compliment each other to perfection. Yes the ravens will be run heavy and yes he will be the second option behind Anquan Boldin. Boldin, however is getting up their in football years seems to have his explosiveness that made him so feared - deteriorating. Boldin will do most of his work this season underneath and over the middle. As for the run game I believe it only helps Lee Evans as he helps it. As the run game goes so does he. Defenses will be forced to bring more men in the box leaving themselves vulnerable to plays deep. If Evans can just haul in 60-65 passes this year there is no reason he shouldn’t eclipse the 1000 yard plateau.

Johnny Knox CHI - With the addition of Roy Williams and camp reports of Hester "being the best wr in camp" Knox has fallen off the radar. Many seem to forget that despite being on the team with a league low in pass attempts Knox posted 960 yards. Year two in the Martz system should consist of utilizing more pages in the mad geniuses Harry Potter sized playbook. If you still believe in Roy Williams all I can say is.... don't. Having any kind of expectations for the former cowboy will only lead to disappointment. Hester seemingly always draws buzz during camp and maybe this is the year he finally breaks out and morphs into an actual WR as opposed to just an athlete. My money however is on Knox to rise to the top as Cutlers number one option yet again. We all know what being the number 1 WR in a mike martz system can lead too. Lots and lots of big plays.

Greg Little CLE - That’s right. A Browns WR. The young Browns Offense is one on the rise and one to watch in the future. It appears as though the coaching that none other than Brett Favre did with Colt McCoy has molded the young gun into quite the leader of the West Coast offense as shown with his 3 td outburst in last weeks preseason game. For McCoy and the browns to have any kind of chance at something more than mediocrity this year the talents of Greg Little will need to be relied on heavily for explosive plays. Little has been labeled the "perfect fit for Pat Shurmers Offense". His physicality and supreme athleticism should provide many big plays over the middle. Even on simple drag patterns. Little may be a highly inexperienced WR (only one collegiate season as a pass catcher) but don’t count this guy out. He’s definitley one to watch in 2011.

Mike Sims-Walker STL - playing in a Josh McDaniel offense with a competent QB is a good start. Reports are Sims-Walker has Built a nice rapport with Bradford and is "catching everything". Someone will have to step up and make plays downfield for this offense to roll. Perhaps its Brandon Gibson, or maybe its Danario Alexander. Alexander would be on this list if not for him being a serious knee injury waiting to happen. Someone has to step up and demand a heavy load of Targets. Sims-Walker is the most likely candidate. When Healthy the Hyphen man has proved to be a very reliable target. Hauling in 7tds in consecutive seasons. His in a favorable situation. Time will tell if he will truly thrive in his new home.

Jared Cook TEN - Expected to be the Focal point of the passing attack this season for the titans. With all the uncertainty with the Titans two best players (britt and Johnson) Cook stands rock solid. Not your everyday TE, Cook is a physical Freak who catches everything thrown his way. As if quoted by preacher man himself Cook is fast.. He’s Big.. He’s Fast.. and he’s Big. Cook Compares to Jermichael Finley and has even drawn comparisons by Steve Spurrier to a Mr. Calvin Johnson. Whether or not teammate Kenny Britt gets slapped with a suspension Cook is an uncoverable Target who will have a very productive season. In all Likelihood he’s headed for an 800ish yard season, but the sky is the limit for Cook and If Britt misses extensive time due to suspension and or injury look for Cook to take full advantage of the added receiving load.

Honorable Mentions

Robert Meachem

Jacoby Ford

Michael Crabtree

Mike Thomas (Only the possibility of Blaine Gabbert Under center knocks Thomas off the main list)