Detroit Lions 2014 Mid-Season Report Card: Offense

Oct 26, 2014; London, UNITED KINGDOM; Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) runs in for a touchdown during the second half of the game between the Detroit Lions and the Atlanta Falcons at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports

Wide Receivers (Golden Tate and Everyone Else)

What an addition Golden Tate has been to the Detroit Lions offense! In a season that has had considerable offensive woes and inconsistent production, one thing has remained the same — the phenomenal play of Tate.

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Many thought that the absence of Calvin Johnson in the Detroit Lions line-up would prove to be too much to over come for Matthew Stafford and company and that may have even been true, last year.

This year however, it’s no longer a one man show in Detroit.

“Best free agent signing in the NFL right there, huh?” – Center, Dominic Raiola

Tate’s presence on the field in the absence of the future Hall of Famer has been the Lions offensive lifeline. He sparked both of the teams recent comebacks and now has 55 catches for 800 yards on the season. He is ranked third in the NFL in receptions behind only the Indianapolis Colts T.Y. Hilton and the Pittsburgh Steelers Antonio Brown. He is also just the second receiver in Detroit Lions history to reach 50 catches in the first half of the season.

Tate now has four 100-yard games in the past five weeks, after posting just three in his first four seasons combined.

When the Lions return from their bye in week 10, they expect to have Johnson back healthy. With Tate also rested this season could get even more entertaining for Lions fans.

Wide Receivers Grade: B+