Minnesota Vikings: Stefon Diggs, Laquon Treadwell Can Become Dynamic Duo
By John Laird
Here, we see why this new duo of Viking pass catchers are set to put on a show in 2016.
When the front office of the Minnesota Vikings decided to take Stefon Diggs in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, one word immediately came to my head, steal. Diggs regularly carved up Big Ten defenses but was still over looked by every team in the league, multiple times.
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Although the former Terrapin’s career didn’t start until week four of the regular season, Stefon Diggs made his presence felt early and often, being the first rookie wide receiver to accumulate at least 87 yards in each of his first four games in the history of the league. From then on he became a key target for Vikings’ quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, as Diggs went on to snag 52 receptions for 720 yards and four touchdowns. I expect those numbers to only go up in 2016.
Now add into the mix Laquon Treadwell, an aggressive, smart receiver who dominated in college footballs toughest division, the SEC, ever since he joined Ole Miss. His freshman year, Treadwell caught 72 balls for 608 yards while seeing the end zone five times. For a freshman going up against vaunting defenses like Alabama, that’s pretty impressive production.
His numbers dropped sophomore year due to playing in less games, but were still impressive nonetheless. He put up more yards (632) on less catches (48) in only nine games. His last year playing collegiately, Treadwell put up career highs in receptions (82), yards (1,153), and touchdowns (11).
Yet those numbers are quickly forgotten because of the doubts that Treadwell doesn’t have the top-end speed that fans want to see out of their pass catchers. The former Rebel may not win with gifted athletic ability, but wins with intelligence, great hands, and precise route running. With out that sexy speed, the 6’2″ pass catcher still had great production in a division that produces first round defenders on an annual basis.
So, Minnesota has two receivers with two completely different play styles. Stefon Diggs is the shifty, explosive play-maker who can turn a five yard out route into a 80 yard score, every quarterback’s dream. While on the other hand you have a hard-nose, reliable player who wins with body position, awareness, and catches everything thrown his way in Laquon Treadwell. Sounds great, doesn’t it? Well with Bridgewater throwing the ball, things are really looking up in the Twin City.
Teddy Bridgewater isn’t the quarterback to sling the rock 50+ yards multiple times every week, but at the same time isn’t as weak armed as some may think. According to Pro Football Focus, Bridgewater broke even on his passing grade on throws of 20+ yards, and had his best grades on throws of 10-19 yards. The former Louisville signal caller also finished as the most accurate passer too according to the site, finishing with an accuracy rating of 79.3 percent.
Why bring up those numbers? Because in an offense based around handing the ball off to one of the greatest runners of all time in Adrian Peterson, most of the throws will be quick and most likely off the play-action. Meaning, most of the throws that Bridgewater will have this year will be in the short to intermediate category, which fits well for both Diggs and Treadwell, especially when defenses are stacking the box in an effort to at least maintain Peterson.
You saw a lot in 2015 a quick screen or out route to Diggs, who would make defenders look flat out lost in open space. This alone racked up a ton of yards for the Minnesota Offense, and should only go up as Diggs will now have Treadwell blocking for him in open space on those types of plays, and if you watched Laquon Treadwell during his time at Ole Miss, you know he never liked to take a play off, even on running downs.
Those short to intermediate routes will also be an area for Treadwell to come in and open the game up. Winning off of foot work on routes, it only takes one step to get open. The rookie route runner has the skills to get that one step on defensive backs, and has the overall body strength to shield defenders off the ball when he has to make contested catches. Those two traits will show up a lot in Treadwell’s rookie year, which is a perfect match for the accurate arm of Bridgewater.
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Even though they are two completely different players with different skill sets, I’m firmly confident that they can compliment each other almost perfectly, especially with Teddy Bridgewater running the show. I am excited to see the Vikings offense come out and dominate in 2016.