Golden Tate: ‘Jets had a chance to get me’

The Detroit Lions improved to a solid 3-1 Sunday in a 24-17 victory over the New York Jets. Stand out wide receiver Calvin Johnon sat on the sidelines for the majority of the game with a bad ankle, so someone else needed to step up in order to guide the pass-heavy Detroit offense.

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That was Lions’ receiver Golden Tate, who Detroit claimed in free agency after the Seattle Seahawks weren’t willing to pay what Tate thought he deserved. Tate stood out for Detroit, matching his career high with eight catches for 116 yards.

After the game, Tate said he thought it was funny he had the game he did against the Jets according to the Detroit Free Press.

"“Excited to be a part of this,” Tate said. “I’m glad that Detroit decided to take a chance. Funny thing is that the Jets had a chance to get me also. They were deciding between me and (Eric) Decker and they went with Decker, a heck of a player also. But thankful for the opportunity to be here and help contribute, help win games and bring that championship mentality.”"

Decker played well in the game with four catches, 48 yards and a touchdown. But, he’s struggled for the Jets mainly due to their weakness at the quarterback position. Through four games, Decker has just 204 receiving yards compared to Tate’s 317 playing behind Calvin Johnson.

Tate needed to step up and be the No. 1 receiver Sunday with Johnson injured and he did just that, showing great skill and maturity.

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