The Detroit Lions signed former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Golden Tate this past offseason, and he has already been an impressive addition for them. Calvin Johnson has been struggling with injury issues this season, and Tate has stepped up and has helped keep the offense running at a high level. Detroit is currently sitting at 3-2, and has the lead in the NFC North due to defeating the Green Bay Packers head-to-head.
More from Detroit Lions
- Dan Campbell lets Lions fans breathe sigh of relief with C.J. Gardner-Johnson update
- Former Eagles safety, Lions star C.J. Gardner-Johnson suffers scary injury
- C.J. Gardner-Johnson sounds off on Eagles fans in NSFW rant
- Lions trade for risky potential Jameson Williams replacement
- NFL Power Rankings: Who is the best quarterback in each division?
Lions’ offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi talked about the impact that Tate has made so far this season.
“We had high expectations, obviously, with how we recruited him and signed him. And you really don’t feel it until you get into 22-man football with pads and you’re playing tackle, that’s when he really shines.”
Tate has played in all five regular season games with the Lions this season, and has put up impressive numbers. He has caught 31 passes for 451 yards and a touchdown. Through the first five games of the season, he already has over half of the production that he put up last season with the Seahawks.
He hasn’t dropped a single pass so far this season, and Matthew Stafford has developed great chemistry with him. Needless to say, the Lions have been pleasantly surprised by the production that they have gotten from Tate. They expected him to play a big role with the offense, and he has lived up to the expectations that they set for him.
It will be intriguing to see what type of numbers he continues putting up for the rest of the season. The Lions are going to rely on him even more if Johnson continues to be plagued by injuries, and especially if he misses any type of time. Tate is in a much better situation for himself than he was in with the Seahawks, and he is able to play his game.
More from FanSided
- MLB Trade Grades: Dodgers land Amed Rosario from Guardians
- Colorado gives Pac-12 a possible death knell with move to Big 12
- NFL rumors: Dalvin Cook suitor maintaining very ‘real’ interest
- Braves get dose of bad news on Max Fried as ace nears return
- LA Galaxy vs. Club Leon Leagues Cup match rescheduled for July 26
Add us as a preferred source on Google