Home NFLNFC West Is Doug Baldwin truly worth $46-million?

Is Doug Baldwin truly worth $46-million?

by Jermaine Lockett
Doug Baldwin-Keith Allison-Flickr
Doug Baldwin-Keith Allison-Flickr

Doug Baldwin-Keith Allison-Flickr

Is Doug Baldwin truly worth $46-million?

Doug Baldwin!!?!!! Seriously? One of the highest paid receivers in the NFL? “You have got to be kidding me?” This is just one of the many sentiments being sent around the globe of sports, in response to the Seattle Seahawks’ recent 4-year, $46-million extension on the WR. Others are saying it is well deserved. I was just about to join the hater’s convention of 2016, and say this “Average Joe” receiver wouldn’t even be a #2 on any other squad. However, something said, “Jermaine do the research!” I am glad I did because I am now drinking the Kool-Aid as well. I love Koo-laid, just FYI. Well done Baldwin, you have convinced this Couch Rider that you are in fact truly something special.

 

Proof is more than stats

I went back and viewed a few games. I can’t just stare at a stat chart and make determinations. I needed to know how this player reacted to metal meeting metal. The main game I wanted to focus on from 2015 for the now big-contract player was the one against the Cincinnati Bengals. They had one of the top defenses in 2015. I figure if he could thrive against them, he could clown any secondary. Baldwin had 3-catches for 70-yards. One of those catches was a 46-yard gain in which Russell Wilson saw a weakness in coverage; he and Baldwin capitalized off if it. The now breakout-player managed to slip behind the defender and basket a nice throw from his curly haired signal caller.

 

While the “Angry” Doug Baldwin (nickname) did not have a field day with this stout Cincinnati Bengals’ secondary, he did blow me away with his technique. He was great run-blocking, opening up holes for Thomas Rawls on more than one occasion. Even when the ball was away from him, he still managed to sell his route and come back to the ball when he knew Wilson was in trouble (which was every play, due to him constantly scrambling, playing backyard ball). The ability for this young man to stop on a dime, and come back to the ball is uncanny.

 

He reminds me of…

He plays fast, and even thinks faster. I loved watching him sit down in pockets of coverage like a natural. He reminded me of a faster Hines Ward. Ward may have been a Pittsburgh Steeler and probably the sneakiest, dirtiest, smiling because he know he did something bad, son of a… sorry I got carried away. What I was trying to say is Ward knew the field better than most WRs, and found holes that he could sit in all over the field. Baldwin has that same ability. Chris Wesseling from Around the NFL had this to say:

 

“A sure-handed receiver, sterling route runner and willing run blocker, Baldwin was not only the league’s most efficient slot weapon but also one of the most effective pass-catchers, period. Of the 87 receivers to play at least 25 percent of their teams’ snaps and accrue an average depth of target beyond 10 yards, Baldwin’s completion rate of 79 percent was No. 1. He was also the only wide receiver to score double-digit touchdowns and average at least 10 yards per target.”

Blame it on the “Chip…”

Many have called him average throughout the years. I believe that is the “chip on his shoulder” that makes him grind every day to be great. I’ll be honest. He is not the best receiver in the league, even with 14-TDs (leading all WRs in 2015) and the stats show.

 

21st in receiving yards – 1069

24th in receptions – 78

 

Actually worth his contract, unlike some people…

Nonetheless, he is an extremely diligent hard worker, who hones his craft. Additionally, when it comes to the comes to the contract, if teams are willing to pay hot garbage unproven WRs like Mohammed Sanu and Marvin Jones big time money, the Hawks had to show respect and pay this young man. With Tyler Lockett and Jimmy Graham beside this grinder, this is going to be one of the most dangerous units in football. I’m talking “Michael Jackson” BAD!!!

Comment below and tell us what you think.

Jermaine Lockett is a Writer and CEO for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Facebook or twitter.

 

 

 

 

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