Seahawks report card: Doug Baldwin
By David Stobbe
Doug Baldwin had an unbelievable season for the Seattle Seahawks and proved to the rest of the NFL that he is one of the top wide receivers in the league.
Doug Baldwin has come a long way since going undrafted in the 2011 NFL Draft, and it was amazing to watch him showcase his talents this season. Baldwin finished the year with 78 receptions, 1,069 yards and 14 touchdowns and was unstoppable during the final stretch of the season. He truly established himself as one of the elite wide receivers in the NFL, and his connection with Russell Wilson was fun to watch.
Baldwin was 21st in the NFL in receiving yards, but that doesn’t tell the entire story of his successful season. In what had been a run-first offense until Marshawn Lynch suffered an abdominal injury, Baldwin wasn’t getting the ball nearly as much as other top wide receivers in the league. When he did get the ball, though, he made sure to take advantage of the opportunity.
Doug Baldwin led the NFL in touchdown receptions with 14 (tied with Brandon Marshall and Allen Robinson). In the last 6 games of the regular season he had 11 touchdowns, which is an absolutely remarkable stat. Once the offense turned to Russell Wilson to carry them to the playoffs, Baldwin showed how dangerous he really is.
The best part about Doug Baldwin is his leadership and attitude towards the team. His approach has always been team first, even if that meant limited targets. He has never complained about not getting the ball enough. Instead, he makes sure he blocks for his teammates and when the ball does come his way, he makes a big play.
This year he really matured into the leader that the Seahawks needed and was able to contain his previous “angry” energy and use it for better ways to help the team. One of the ways he used his positive energy was being a mentor for rookie receiver Tyler Lockett, helping him become one of the top rookies in the NFL. Baldwin became a wise veteran on the Seahawks this season and helped carry the offense to new heights.
Next year I would expect Baldwin to enter the season on the same hot streak that he finished with last season. I am confident that he will be named to the Pro Bowl and will make any remaining doubters eat their words. Baldwin is gearing up to have an even better season in 2016 and help lead the Seahawks back to their Super Bowl form.