Several very real reasons why Seahawks should stay away from Antonio Brown
By Geoff Shull
AB a problem?
Antonio Brown has been one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. He has also been one of the most targeted wide receivers in the NFL, could this cause an issue for the Seahawks?
If Brown comes in and demands the targets he was receiving in Pittsburgh, it could hurt the chemistry of the group and take valuable snaps away from Metcalf. To put into contrast, check out the chart below to see the most targeted players each year under Pete Carroll:
Year: 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Player: Doug B Rice Tate Doug B Doug B Doug B Doug B Doug B Lockett
Targets: 85 82 99 98 103 125 116 73 110
Yards: 788 748 898 825 1069 1128 991 618 1057
TD’s: 4 7 5 3 14 7 8 5 8
The highest amount of targets was in 2016, Doug Baldwin received 116 targets. The most yards any receiver has had would be 2016 as well at 1128. The most touchdowns by a Seahawks wide receiver would be 14 in 2015. The average for a number 1 receiver on the Seahawks is 99 targets, 902 yards and 7 touchdowns.
To further hit the point, let’s look at the top 3 receivers under Coach Carroll to see how Brown, Lockett and Metcalf could fit together. Since 2011 (averaged), the combined targets of the top 3 receivers come out at roughly 240. The total yardage for the top 3 receivers comes in at 2075. The total touchdowns come in at 16. This total for the top 3 almost reads like what Brown accomplished in 2015, by himself.
WR3, which would presumably be Metcalf’s new role. This role has a median of just 58 targets, 396 yards and 4 touchdowns. This is nearly half of what he had last year (100 targets, 900 yards and 7 TD’s). This could really stunt his growth.
Some will say, well WR3 should be Brown. It’s very hard to see Brown being content (not causing internal drama in the locker room) with such low usage. Unless Seattle changes their scheme and becomes a pass reliant offense, it’s hard to see Brown coexisting with Lockett and Metcalf in Seattle.
Next. Worst-case scenarios for Seahawks in 2020. dark
If the Seahawks decide they want to invest in a talented, yet troubled wide receiver, it should be Josh Gordon. If he is reinstated, and that is a big if, he would have no issue sliding in as the WR3. He has vocally expressed his happiness in Seattle. He also already has somewhat of a report with Russell Wilson. Given the current roster, it would make far more sense to go after Gordon and leave Brown for another team to test their luck.