NFL: 8 players who would benefit from a change in scenery
1. Golden Tate (WR, Detroit Lions)
Golden Tate doesn’t think that Detroit Lions fans appreciate him or the team enough.
Golden Tate on fans: "I felt like at times our fan base turned their back on us. We expect them to be w/ us better next week. We need them."
— Mike Sullivan (@MikeSullivan) October 12, 2015
I think the bigger problem might be that the Lions offensive line is turning their backs on who they need to block. It could also be Greg from Flint, MI who turned off the TV in the third quarter.
Golden Tate enjoyed his first Pro Bowl season last year, catching 99 passes for 1,331 yards. It was his first season as a Lion after leaving the defending champion Seattle Seahawks. The question for Tate entering 2015 was how Calvin Johnson’s healthy return would affect his production, if it would free him up for more single coverage or eat away at his targets.
That has gone out the window with the Lions 0-5 start. The team can barely block, and as a result, are getting stuffed in the running game (last at 49 ypg) and with turnovers in the passing game (first with 9 interceptions). So, let’s have the Lions not turn their backs on Golden Tate. Do the humane thing and trade him.
Possible but Not Probable Destination: Carolina Panthers
Cam Newton and the Panthers have found success in the absence of Kelvin Benjamin (out with a knee injury). However, this team will need more than Ted Ginn and Philadelphia Philly Brown at receiver. Outside of TE Greg Olsen, the team lacks a go-to possession receiver.
In an offense with a bonafide running game, Tate should be able to thrive on one-on-one matchups. The Panthers get their number one receiver, Tate gets a fan base that cares and Detroit fans are no longer judged for showing disappointment in something that once made them proud.