Tyler Johnson & “Incredible” YAC
July 14th, 2021
It’s actually encouraging to know the Bucs didn’t have one long and unexpected catch-and-run play last year that resulted in a big touchdown or massive gain in a huge regular-season game.
Why is that encouraging? Because it means the Bucs have plenty of room for more explosiveness in their offense.
The NFL tracks those kinds of plays via technology, aka NextGen Stats. Receiver speed, separation, defender location and more are calculated in real-time when a guy catches a pass. And that data determines “expected YAC” for every NFL play.
Under those yards-after-catch (YAC) guidelines, the Bucs had just one play that made the top-20 last year. Tyler Johnson’s meaningless 35-yard catch from Blaine Gabbert in the Week 16 blowout in Detroit ranked 20th in the league last year among the pass plays with the most unexpected YAC, aka “incredible YAC.”
The NFL computers determined Johnson should have had just three yards of YAC on the play but he ended up with 33.
Good for Johnson, but overall it’s damn exciting to know the Bucs weren’t buoyed by a bunch of freakish YAC plays that will be hard to duplicate in 2021.
July 14th, 2021 at 9:20 am
Speaking of YAC, I thought AB was very good at getting the most yards after a catch. You can almost see his brain wheels instantly turning as he decides the best move for maximum gain. Don’t know if that is just a talent or is learned. But he has it.
July 14th, 2021 at 11:53 am
Why Scotty Miller needs to be traded in his contract year coming up next year and strike while the iron is hot. When AB leaves the Bucs or gets injured, it’s either gonna be Johnson or Darden that’s going to step in. We saw Tyler Johnson showing off the type of Godwin strength for getting YAC and blocking downfield. From what I’ve heard/seen, Darden could be the next boss Bucs WR in the slot. These guys can make plays all over the field. I watch Scotty highlights and it’s nothing but downfield grabs (beautiful downfield grabs), but he is unable to make connections that are at least within 20 yards. He’s short we get it, but when it comes to YAC, he’s not Hump, he’s not Edleman, and I can’t tell you he’s not Darden yet but we shall see. Pick up some picks for Jason.
July 14th, 2021 at 11:56 am
I think he gets his chance next year. I don’t see how the Bucs can pay Godwin 19 million a year. If you keep Mike E. Godwin is worth it but the WR depth and cap you can’t pay 50 million a year out to your WRs.
July 14th, 2021 at 12:39 pm
Rojo had a long catch and run TD against the Chiefs. But maybe they’re just looking at receivers and not running backs for the category?
Great play, but it wasn’t that long when it comes to the expected YAC, RoJo had about 25 yards to run untouched and then beat one guy with a hurdle.–Joe
July 14th, 2021 at 3:01 pm
SOEbuc, not sure I understand your reasoning for trading Scooter. He’s really fast and probably one of our best receivers for taking the top off a defense. AB is really good at making moves after the catch, but Miller can get behind defenders. By doing so, he also opens up things underneath for the slot receiver and TE.
July 14th, 2021 at 4:04 pm
Casual Observer Says:
I totally agree. AB is really nimble at getting YAC.
July 14th, 2021 at 4:47 pm
We paid Evans and Jackson We can pay Evans and Godwin. We save money on TB, 25 million a year when a top end QBs are making 32-35 million. We sign Godwin now, we can get him around 17 million a year. wait to 2022 then he will cost 22 million.
July 14th, 2021 at 6:08 pm
19 million a year is the lowest he’ll play for. Golladay money 4 year 72. You think Godwin signing for less?
July 14th, 2021 at 9:33 pm
Yes. He is playing for 16 million. There is a risk of injury, There is nothing so far in the 4 years with the Bucs that shows he is a diva. Chris would play for 5 yr 90 million 40 guaranteed. 1.8 average
July 15th, 2021 at 9:26 am
I like Scotty but agree he seems to be a one trick pony. Can he improve his route running to include quick cuts over the middle or to the side lines? His runs after catch screen plays were not very productive. I tend to see him as a luxury with limitations. Trade bait?