Robert Woods Should Have A Big Sophomore Season
By Eric Roberts
Sep 29, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver
Robert Woods(10) catches a pass as Baltimore Ravens cornerback
Lardarius Webb(21) defends during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Many see next season as the Buffalo Bills’ first real shot at making the playoffs in a long time. The Bills finished last season at 6-10, but could have easily made that 9-7, if they didn’t come out on the wrong side of two overtime loses and a two point lose to the New England Patriots.
Moving towards next season the majority of the focus has been on quarterback EJ Manuel, who is coming off a rookie season that was cut short due to a sprained LCL. However, people may want to switch their focus away from the guy throwing the ball and look at the guy who will be catching it.
No we are not talking about Sammy Watkins who was selected number four overall at this year’s draft. We are talking about Robert Woods.
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Woods is coming out of a rookie season that saw him play in 14 games where he caught 40-catches for 587 yards and three touchdowns. All very solid numbers for a rookie, he ranked in the top five in total yards among rookies, but also numbers that will have to improve going into his second year in the league.
With some recent developments it seems that, will those numbers increase, will not be too much of a question.
Last season, Woods lined up with Steve Johnson. That is no longer the situation. Now with Johnson being moved to San Francisco during the offseason, Woods should see a noticeable increase in balls thrown his way.
Along with Johnson’s departure, having Watkins could prove to be a lethal combination for the Bills’ offense. Depending on the performance of the two, defenses may be forced with a pick your poison scenario deciding on who to double up on and take a risk on with a one-on-one.
Until we see how Watkins performs in the big leagues, Woods should be looked at as the go to guy for Manuel, or who ever is throwing the ball. Even if Watkins does hit the ground running Woods is no longer a rookie and should continue his progress towards one of the league’s top targets.