Kenny Stills maturation from year 1 to year 2

[Nawledge]

As a rookie, Stills made his living running go-routes. Of the 46 times he was targeted, 10 of those came when he ran straight down the field, according to numbers provided to The Advocate by Pro Football Focus. His next three most popular routes were crossing (eight targets), hitches (seven) and in-routes (six). He was targeted five or less times on all other routes.

In 2014, Stills made his living in a completely different fashion. He no longer ran straight down the field, and he used his athleticism as his primary weapon. He was asked to be more of a tactician and use his route-running ability to get open.

A perfect example of Stills’ maturation came during a Dec. 21 game against the Atlanta Falcons when Drew Brees went to him twice on third down and again on a fourth down. All three plays resulted in first downs. The routes: out, in, hitch.

This variety shows up the numbers. Stills’ preferred routes as a rookie were used far less during his second season. He was targeted on eight go-routes (10 percent of his total targets) and four crossing routes (five percent).

Instead, his most popular and effective routes were hitches. He was targeted on 23 of these (29 percent) and caught 21 of the passes for 222 yards. These were followed by out-routes (10 catches on 15 targets), go-routes, and quick outs (five catches on seven targets). Stills was also targeted five times each on in-routes (five catches), comebacks (four catches), and post routes (two catches).

But even with the increased variety, Stills remained deadly on go-routes last season. He made eight catches on 10 targets for 254 yards and scored three touchdowns on these plays. Brees’ 156.3 quarterback rating when throwing to Stills on go-routes was his highest rating on any route by any receiver or tight end on the roster.

Brees’ 112 rating when throwing to Stills was his highest rating with any wide receiver. Brees posted a 136.7 rating when throwing to tight end Josh Hill

http://theadvocate.com/sports/saints/11747674-123/the-maturation-of-kenny-stills

 

[xXwarXx]

But even with the increased variety, Stills remained deadly on go-routes last season. He made eight catches on 10 targets for 254 yards and scored three touchdowns on these plays. Brees’ 156.3 quarterback rating when throwing to Stills on go-routes was his highest rating on any route by any receiver or tight end on the roster.

Big boy numbers right there, and not a fluke either, similar stats as a rookie.

 

[ITS!MATEO]

This guy will produce.

 

[Sons Of Shula]

Instead, his most popular and effective routes were hitches.

There ya go folks. Tannehill's favorite pass.



*Not to mention, something that Wallace was butt-****ing awful at.

 

[j-off-her-doll]

Cool article. I like the move for Stills. Good player, and if he and Tannehill can form chemistry on the deep ball (just wasn't happening with Wallace), he'll be a nice upgrade. If they don't form that chemistry deep, I think Stills is a better underneath receiver than Wallace.

 

[Carne Asada]

The trend also shows two other things, The Saints didn't need two deep threats when Colston's not as productive as the #2 any more AND Brees's arm is starting to lose juice and can't throw deep as much any more. Let alone how good he's at it, the stress it brings to his throwing shoulder. The Saints are trying to extend Brees's shelf life.

 

[Avigatorx]

But even with the increased variety, Stills remained deadly on go-routes last season. He made eight catches on 10 targets for 254 yards and scored three touchdowns on these plays. Brees’ 156.3 quarterback rating when throwing to Stills on go-routes was his highest rating on any route by any receiver or tight end on the roster.

Too bad the go route isn't in our playbook.

:err: