The Tennessee Titans and former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Rishard Matthews have agreed to a three year contract. This could potentially be a huge addition. We’ll take a look at how Matthews would be a fit in the Music City.
The Tennessee Titans were able to lure wide receiver Rishard Matthews away from New England and get him inked to a deal. This could prove to be a huge addition to a receiving corps that needs it. Matthews will be looking to make an immediate impact for Marcus Mariota and the Titans.
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Matthews comes in for the Titans as a starting outside receiver opposite of upcoming player Dorial Green-Beckham. That could be a great combination if DGB progresses like he is suppose to. If the Titans get their perfect scenario, Green-Beckham develops into a Plaxico Burress type of player and Matthews comes in as a great compliment.
The Titans were in desperate need for wide receiver help. They over paid Harry Douglas, and former second round pick Justin Hunter will be lucky to be on the roster in 2016. The four-year pro comes in with a better statistical 2015 campaign then any other Tennessee wide receiver while doing so in 5 less games.
Matthews was able to excel in his final year in Miami. He caught 43 balls for 662 yards and got in the end-zone 4 times. The former Dolphins wide receiver showed a great burst after the catch along with great ball skills. A few times this past season, you saw Miami quarterback Ryan Tannehill just throw the ball up toward Matthews, who does a great job of tracking deep balls. He made plays for his quarterback. Something Mariota has yet to have in his young career.
Mariota will take advantage of Matthews’ ability to run after the catch. Marcus Mariota has a great feel for timing routes and is able to put his players in position to make a play after the catch, which is how he accounted for that insane yardage total during his time at Oregon.
He would have showed this last year if Kendall Wright didn’t spend the entire season injured. Matthews will be able to bring the passing total up with his ability to get yards when he gets the ball in his hands
The former Nevada star runs nice, precise routes, something the Titans coaches are making a priority for their pass catchers. Mariota needs to trust his receiver is going to be where he is suppose to, in order to succeed.
The former Heisman winner throws most of his balls based off of anticipation, not just seeing who’s open.
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If Matthews runs the routes he’s suppose to, look for him to become Mariota’s favorite second favorite target behind Pro-Bowl tight end Delanie Walker.
The Titans now possess a formidable offense. At the wide receiver position they have Rishard Matthews and Dorial Green-Beckham on the outside while Kendall Wright roams in the slot. The Titans also have Delanie Walker at tight end while DeMarco Murray is taking carries. The revamped offense could mean a huge leap is in store for Marcus Mariota in 2016.