Lions report: Calvin Johnson targets up, production way down
- Calvin Johnson isn’t putting up the same type of otherworldly numbers he did last year when he led the NFL in receiving yards, set a Lions record for touchdowns and earned the biggest contract ever given to a non-quarterback this spring—and it’s not from a lack of effort on the Lions’ part.
Johnson has been targeted more in the first seven games this year (75 times) then he was at the same time last year (67 targets), and has the same number of receptions (41), but he hasn’t been nearly the red-zone threat or as sure-handed.
Calvin Johnson hasn't been his usual Megatron-like self through the first half of the 2012 NFL season, though he's been targeted plenty by Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford.
In Sunday’s 28-24 win over the Seahawks, Johnson dropped two passes and let the potential go-ahead touchdown glance off his fingers in the end zone with just under a minute to play. He’s dropped more touchdowns (two) this year than he’s caught (one) after snagging 16, some of the circus variety, last season.
Johnson still draws bracket coverage almost every play, and he’s dealt with an assortment of minor injuries this year to his knee, ankle and finger.
He’s still affecting games in largely positive ways. He had two of his three catches on the Lions’ final drive Sunday and drew enough extra attention to free up Titus Young for the game-winning score.
But the Lions won’t make the playoffs if Johnson’s a high-priced decoy. They need him to get back to being the game’s best receiver.
i didn't knooooowwwww. 
stop it slime
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