Will Less Targets For Landry Be A Good Thing?

Landry was the most important component of the offense in 2015.

Landry put the offense on his back and carried it, but at what point is it too much?

Jarvis Landry is entering only his 3rd year in the league. He is arguably the best slot receiver in the league as well as one of the top overall receivers. Statistics support this evaluation. Jarvis has set the NFL record for the most receptions by a receiver in their first two seasons with 195 catches while compiling 1,915 receiving yards, 9 receiving touchdowns, 113 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown, and 1 punt returned for a touchdown. He was also ranked as 8th best in the entire NFL in 2015 in punt return average of 9.9 yards.

Landry is a fierce competitor who will likely play even better in the future. However, what does better mean for the Dolphins? Considering that Jarvis had a 165 targets last year (6th most targets for any receiver in the league) it’s unlikely that he get the same amount of opportunities in Adam Gase’s offense. And beyond the “spreading of the ball”, Gase’s love of the running game should also shift the “O” towards a more prolific run game. But, would a “diminished role” be better for both Jarvis and the organization?

I hope Landry doesn’t get the same volume of targets this season. This isn’t a slight. I think greatness lurks on his horizon. But, a well balanced offense that spreads the ball around to each of their play makers is a much more dangerous and explosive offense verses one that consistently forces the ball to one player.

Last year, the next closest player in terms of targets on the team was Jordan Cameron with 70 targets. Landry had more than double the second most targeted player on the team. As great as Landry played last season, any football gambling fan knows that there isn’t much success in a one man offense. In 2015’s passing game, Landry was Tannehill’s first and second option. This doesn’t mean giving Landry less targets will have his potency be reduced. In reality, it should help him produce an even better statistical season.

Less use of Landry will create a fresher player and an even more potent Playmaker.

The single area that Landry can improve on is his yards per catch. There are two ways to achieve more yards per catch: catching longer passes, or gain more yards after the reception. Landry forced the second most missed tackles at 28, which clearly shows he is doing a very good job of creating YAC. But both YAC and the expanding of his route tree for deeper receptions would be enhanced if he recieves less attention, more space is present and the play-action becomes more effective.

With such a bright future, Miami fans should hope he isn’t a shooting star who burns so bright, but who brilliance is so short. He is tough as nails, but I prefer that his toughness give him a 10 plus year career that has statistical, as well as team, success. Go Fins!!!