Seattle Seahawks: 3 Big takeaways from win vs. Panthers in Week 12
By Samuel Teets
Tyler Lockett is the best wide receiver on the Seahawks
For years Doug Baldwin was hands down the best receiver on the Seahawks. He’s been to the last two Pro Bowls and has averaged over 1,000 receiving yards in the last three seasons. But I’m beginning to feel that the 30-year old undrafted Stanford star, who has been dealing with injuries all season, might have lost the title to Lockett.
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Let me explain; Baldwin is still obviously the better route runner and, if healthy, he’d still probably be the best receiver on the team. However, a prime Lockett is better than an injured Baldwin. Even if his route tree is more limited, his speed and big play ability more than make up for it. Teams know he’s going to try and break a few big plays every game and they routinely still give up those plays to Lockett.
On an offense that has not produced an explosive air attack, Lockett shines even brighter. Believe it or not, Sunday’s performance was Russell Wilson‘s first 30- yard passing game of the season. Lockett caught all five of the balls Wilson threw his way for 107 yards and a touchdown. Baldwin, by comparison, also had five receptions, but for only 39 yards.
Lockett is having a career year and is on pace to set career single-season highs in every major receiving category. While who the better player is might be a heated debate in the future, the prospects of Lockett and a healthy Baldwin must be frightening for opposing teams. The dynamic duo will hopefully wreak havoc for years to come.