Dell showcased some of that baby DJackson/T Hill/Moss dangerous big play game changing ability, going forward that should open up the middle for the TE and Woods/Collins and for screens with Pierce Speed kills and puts fear in defense coordinators game plans
So....every 10 years? 2003 Andre Johnson First 3 games 18 Rec, 249 Yds, 2 TD 2013 DeAndre Hopkins First 3 games 18 Rec, 243 Yds, 1 TD 2023 Tank Dell First 3 games 15 Rec, 251 Yds, 2 TD
He might be the biggest outlier I’ve ever seen in the NFL. Dude is 5’8 165, runs a 4.5 and somehow can win on the outside with elite route running and shiftiness to get separation. Reminds me a ton of Antonio Brown.
Not fast in terms of long speed maybe, but he does have elite short speed/burst . He has a faster 10yd split than Tyreke Hill for example, and is even on par with someone like John Ross. Which paired with his change of direction is a lethal combo. I Still have some questions about his viability as a consistent true vertical threat but early returns are very positive.
Jerry RIce was like that. Ran the 40 like in 30 seconds but could always get separation on the best CBs.
It's crazy how well he utilizes his quickness/shiftiness too. I was super worried that with his size he would just get jammed at the LOS and never be able to effectively get into his routes on time, but we haven't really seen that. I'm assuming because he's just too quick for guys to jam him.
CJ Stroud gave all his wiggle and athleticism to Tank so he’d have someone to link up with all over the field.
"Elite route running goes a long way towards a WR ability to gain separation, even without top end speed." - Steve Largent
I just saw a great end zone replay of Tank's first long reception. There was actually a little bobble when he came down with it. First of all, whew! Second of all should it not have been ruled a TD? Judge for yourselves at the 2:15 mark:
No it wasnt a TD, his knee already in the ground, and the ball is at the 1 yard line, it was a correct call.
