Grading the Detroit Lions offensive starters
By Mike Payton
GOLDEN TATE.
Jan 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) runs for a touchdown against Dallas Cowboys free safety J.J. Wilcox (27) in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium. Dallas beat Detroit 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Health: Golden Tate was able to stay on the field all season long. It seemed to me that Tate would take these hits that I thought for sure would sideline him. But he just kept getting back up.
Grade: 5
Big Play: New Orleans. That’s really all you have to say to understand Tate’s big play ability. In a game the Lions are losing, Tate breaks off a 77 yard Touchdown that breaks the seal on an amazing comeback win for the Lions. I honestly can’t think of a time Tate made a play that didn’t tremendously help the Lions.
Grade: 5
Dependability: Tate led the league in 3rd down catches and was top 5 in the league in yards after catch. The Lions definitely depended on those stats this year. The only issue was when Tate was covered well he was taken out of the equation.
Grade: 4
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Smart Play: Like Calvin there were times Tate would try to make a play that he just wasn’t able to make. Otherwise Tate plays a smart game. He never stops moving. He finds a way to break one more tackle and unlike Bush he makes those decisions at an appropriate time.
Grade: 4
Impact: Plain ad simple, without Tate the Lions don’t win 11 games. Without Tate the Lions don’t make the playoffs. Golden Tate was the best free agent move in the offseason for any team. In my opinion Golden Tate is the Lions MVP of the 2014 season.
Grade: 5
Overall Grade: 23