Redefining success in the NFL

Calvin Johnson

In life, there are certain benchmarks that indicate accomplishment. These indicators are tangible symbols of success.

Numbers often times provide the road map of a success for a given field.

But, what happens when those numbers are no longer as indicative as they once were? When benchmarks become outdated, when they no longer reliably reflect success, progress and perception?

AJ Green

In sports, attaining a 1000-yard receiving season in the NFL is considered upper-echelon.

Dig deeper and recent trends suggest that these numbers are not as trustworthy as once believed.

The gold standard of 1000-yard seasons for pass catchers no long indicates elite talent. Twenty pass catchers reached this mark last season. 19 players reached it the year before. 

The NFL is rapidly shifting towards aerial based offenses. As a result, the league has become saturated with pass catchers. The plethora of options closes the gap between talent classes.

Wes Welker

No box score can truly convince me that players such as Michael Crabtree and Jordy Nelson are among the elite WRs of the NFL. Guys like them may have some talent, but they are far from being considered the best at their positions. It’s like the mirage of stardom American Idol casts over its contestants. Sure, they’ve all got amazing skill. But, the majority of winners eventually fade away after their lone victorious season.

Offenses can no longer be judged by whether or not they contain a true No. 1 WR who consistently tops 1000 yards. The game has changed and it’s time the way we view it changes as well.

The Miami Heat mean business

Miami HeatThe Miami Heat have now won 16 straight games with their victory over the Orlando Magic. During that span, LeBron James has been the model of efficiency (64% from the field in the month of February), Dwayne Wade has averaged nearly 25 points, and the entire teams has gelled together.

If this winning streak doesn’t cement that as the favorite to win it all then I don’t know what will. There are no other truly elite teams in the field.

The Oklahoma City Thunder couldn’t get the job done last year after taking a 1-0 series lead. They’ve subsequently gotten slightly worse after trading James Harden. The San Antonio Spurs just lost Tony Parker for four weeks. There is no way to tell how game ready he will be come playoff time. The Los Angeles Clippers are still a notch below elite. Their fantastic bench will matter less in the playoffs as starters play more minutes.

Durant and WestbrookThere isn’t a single team in the Eastern Conference that poses a true threat to the Heat over a seven game series. Indiana has the league’s top defense but as we witnessed last year, that is merely an inconvenience for James, Wade, Bosh and co. It isn’t a stopping point.

Don’t be surprised when Miami hoists their second consecutive championship trophy. No other team in the NBA can stop them.