Critic makes a u-turn about Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson - NFL News
Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson was at his absolute best last season putting up brilliant results as he combined with quarterback Matthew Stafford to push the Lions into the playoffs.
Johnson put up incomparable figures last year as he notched up 1,681 receiving yards from just 96 receptions while scoring 16 touchdowns to put it beyond doubt that he is the best receiver in the National Football League (NFL).
The Detroit Lions agreed as they handed Johnson a new mega deal for eight years worth a total of $ 132 million with $ 60 million in guarantees that made him the highest paid receiver in the league.
In addition to that his brilliant season also led fans to vote him to the cover of EA Sports upcoming game Madden NFL 13.
There is no doubt about the talent and value of Johnson now and one critic who had dismissed the wide receiver as being only good in video games last year also was forced to make u-turn.
Cris Carter an analyst at ESPN and former player of the Minnesota Vikings had last August criticised Johnson.
However, now he has made a complete u-turn and in an interview on Tuesday with
ESPN lavished praise on the wide receiver.
Carter said:
"When you have a young quarterback, under the age of 25, coming off a 5,000-yard season, and you have the most dangerous weapon in the National Football League in Calvin Johnson, that's why, this duo, to me, is the absolute best."
He went on to add:
"Franchise quarterback with the No. 1 big-play wide receiver in the NFL."
Both Stafford and Johnson were brilliant individually as they helped Detroit end a playoff drought that began in 1999.
Stafford himself passed for 5,038 yards and 41 touchdowns after finally overcoming his long running injury problems.
The Lions were knocked out at the wildcard round by the New Orleans Saints but their achievement provided a great platform for the franchise to push forward in 2012.
This year Detroit is looking to return back to the playoffs and become a consistent playoff team.
They will need both Johnson and Stafford to once again continue their brilliant partnership and help the franchise achieve their new lofty goals.
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