Would You Believe That Marquez Valdes-Scantling Was Actually Unlucky Last Year?
Marques Valdez-Scantling is a lightning rod for Packers fans. You could hole up at any bar in Wisconsin this afternoon and start talking about MVS and it would lead to a 10-minute conversation at least. Some people give him the benefit of the doubt (Sup?), and some cannot stand him. I tell people this is what Davante Adams had early in his career. Same for James Jones. People do not listen, and that’s okay. What’s fascinating about MVS’ sneaky good season last year is that it was actually unlucky. 22% of throws from Aaron Rodgers were uncatchable for the speed demon wide receiver. That ranks in the top five of all NFL players. Here’s the list from Pro Football Focus.
A better way of measuring which receivers were more unlucky than others is what percentage of their targets were deemed to be the QB’s fault. Only six WRs had at least 20% of their targets wind up incomplete because of their signal-caller:
Jeudy (24%)
Gallup (23%)
N’Keal Harry (22%)
Marquez Valdes-Scantling (22%)
Jalen Reagor (21%)
Darius Slayton (20%)
What’s interesting is all of these receivers heard the haters last year. Jerry Jeudy ‘disappointed’ as a rookie. Michael Gallup didn’t live up to the preseason hype. N’Keal Harry had more haters than anyone. Their quarterbacks did not do them any favors. The same can be said for Rodgers and MVS. Despite an MVP year, Rodgers missed Valdes-Scantling on basically once every five attempts. While MVS had his drops, Rodgers also did not always allow him to make something happen.
I’m buying stock in a big year from MVS next season. It is a contract year for him plus the focus and the between the ears shit is only going to get better. Feel free to use these stats in those bar conversations.
Charlie.