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Seattle Seahawks: Shaquill Griffin’s 5 toughest matchups in 2019

By Samuel Teets

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 04: Shaquill Griffin #26 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at CenturyLink Field on November 04, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 04: Shaquill Griffin #26 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at CenturyLink Field on November 04, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 14: Julio Jones #11 of the Atlanta Falcons is tackled by Ryan Smith #29 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

1. Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons – Week 8

At this point, Julio Jones is the best wide receiver in the league when it comes to going out and just shredding a defense for 130 yards or more. He can go off on any given week, and that has to terrify defensive backs.

Last season, Jones led the league with 1,677 receiving yards. Hopkins was the next closest player with 1,572 yards. That means Jones didn’t just lead the league, he blew the closest competition away by over 100 yards. Since entering the NFL in 2011, Jones has led the league in receiving yards once and receiving yards per game three times. He has also averaged over 100 yards per game in five of the last six seasons.

Jones also has a strong connection with his quarterback, Matt Ryan. Ryan finished third in passing yards last season, quietly putting up 4,924. Jones also has two of the better running mates in the NFL in second-year man Calvin Ridley and Mohamed Sanu. Both Ridley and Sanu posted over 800 receiving yards last season.

Jones may not be unquestionably the most unguardable player in the game today, but he’s got to be in the conversation. His unique combination of size, strength, and speed has turned him into one of the best receivers of this era. After all, he’s averaging 96.7 receiving yards per game during his entire career.

Next. Potential NFL breakout stars for the 2019 season. dark

If there’s one area where Griffin might be able to succeed against Jones, it’s in keeping him out of the end zone. Jones scored all eight of his touchdowns after Week 8 last season. He also only scored three times in 2017.

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