Sports
Vikings Territory: Don't Go Too Far With The Dede Westbrook Hype
Westbrook is 6'0, 178 and still only 27-years-old. He was chosen 110th in 2017.
August 3, 2021
Vikings fans, by and large, were clamoring for WR3 help throughout the offseason. I’ve been among the minority who thinks it’s not that important, but I do get the rationale. Many of the league’s top offenses prioritize 11 personnel, so perhaps Minnesota ought to get three receivers on the field more. Being able to do so effectively requires a competent WR3. Alas, most Vikings fans have gotten their wish in Dede Westbrook, a player who has been getting his fair share of training camp hype.
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Westbrook is 6’0, 178 and still only 27-years-old. He was chosen 110th in 2017. Statistically, his best seasons came in 2018 and 2019 when he had a combined 132 receptions, 1377 receiving yards, and 8 TDs. This averages out to 66 catches, 688.5 receiving yards, and 4 TDs over his best two-year stretch. Not bad at all for a team’s WR3, especially since he can contribute as a returner.
With all that said, why am I offering this caution for the Dede Westbrook hype? Glad you asked.
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The greatest asset the NFL has is fan hope. Every team wants to sell their fan base the hope that this year will be different. Part of how teams accomplish this goal is to hype up players, convincing us that these are the individuals who will finally help to get us over the hump.
Third – and most significant to my small football mind – is that Minnesota’s free agent receiver gambles rarely pay off. Last year, it was Tajae Sharpe. Before Sharpe it was Jordan Taylor. Before Taylor it was Michael Floyd. There are others. We might even include Mike Wallace, Greg Jennings, and Jerome Simpson in the list of receivers Minnesota has signed in free agency who really haven’t worked out. What we most often get from these signings is someone who is cut, a non-factor, or an underwhelming option.
Moreover, do we really want Westbrook taking away targets from a player like Irv Smith Jr?
The Dede Westbrook hype is understandable. Perhaps he ends up being a great addition to the offense. 11 personnel isn’t our primary offensive package, but it’s still one that gets used. Who knows, maybe Westbrook will make a difference here. All I’m saying is that fans shouldn’t take leave of their senses and assume that we’re suddenly going to morph into the Rams.
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This press release was produced by Vikings Territory. The views expressed here are the author’s own.
