Detroit Lions: Golden Tate, 5 players who must come up big vs. Seahawks

Sep 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) catches a pass against the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 26-16. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

WR Golden Tate

The Lions are undoubtedly pleased that they were able to sign a top-15 receiver at a discount price in the 2014 offseason, but Golden Tate’s encore season hasn’t gone as planned. He’s put up five receptions for 53.7 yards per game through the first three weeks, and while those are respectable numbers, I’m sure Tate expected to have more than 10.7 yards per reception and a catch rate above 60.0%.

It’s interesting to note that Tate is actually averaging more yards per reception than Megatron, who has become something of a possession receiver due to the Lions sieve of an offensive line. Johnson has the talent to get some yardage against the Seahawks defense, but Tate will be the key to the Lions passing attack this week.

We’ve all seen how Julian Edelman and Randall Cobb were able to find space against the Seahawks, and while nickel corner Marcus Burley has quietly played well against Cobb in Week 2, it’s hard to see the ‘Hawks having a guy who can match-up with their former teammate.

This is Tate’s time to shine, and it will be especially interesting to see if he can make something happen with the ball in his hands.

Next: The Youngster Who Can Do It All