A Very Falcoholic Discussion: Projecting Roddy White

by Dave Choate on Feb 11, 2009 8:00 AM EST in Editorial

Please don't slow me down, if I'm projecting too fast. Roddy White's in a strange part of this blog.

We've done this for Michael Turner and Matt Ryan with a handful of serious responses and several more that have Turner eating the Georgia Dome and Ryan throwing touchdowns with a ball made of molten lava. I'm hoping we can get a few more projections that are on the level, but you are reading The Falcoholic, so I'm probably tilting at windmills here.

Will Roddy White continue his ascension to the upper echelon of NFL receivers, or will he slide back to the rabble that makes up the middle class of pass catchers? Can he break a few more Falcons records this year? Will I ever stop asking questions to start these discussions?

Go to town, guys and gals.

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Rowdy Roddy

I don’t know about ascending into the upper echelons, but I don’t see him declining much either unless Matty Ice takes a step back next year. 70-80 catches, 1,000+ yds, 7-10 TDs are not unrealstic expectations, I don’t think. It would help if Jenkins would step it up a bit.

by johnnybacardi on Feb 11, 2009 11:06 AM EST reply actions

With Roddy Slide?

I predict that the Falcons will improve offensively, and that White will continue to improve with it. I wouldn’t necessarily expect to see that reflected in his stats, however. I think Ryan will get a bit better at distributing the ball to the other backs and receivers, and that White will (hopefully) catch a few more balls that he dropped last year (in other words, we’ll see an improvement in his concentration).

And JohnnyBacardi, I would say it would help if Jenkins would step it up a bit MORE — I thought he played pretty well last year, and he is the type of big possession receiver that compliments White on the other side. If Douglass, Robinson, or someone else will continue to improve, or if we draft a big TE like Dave is suggesting, White might find his numbers shrink a bit, but would still be providing serious value to the offense with his reputation.

My prediction:

92 catches for 1,400 yards for a 15.22 YPC, with 12 TDs, as he becomes the receiving focal point of the Falcons Red Zone offense.

by OkieFalcon on Feb 11, 2009 11:41 AM EST reply actions

Dang

I didn’t read your post before I posted … but I agree completely, especially about Jenkins. Last year was Mike’s best (in terms of yardage). He slumped a little in weeks 15-17, but I think he’ll continue to improve.

Heck, I love Roddy, and I think he’s a complete player, but at least Jenkins doesn’t drop as many passes as he does.

Roddy was 5th in the league in dropped passes last year, yet some people go up in arms when I refer to him as Slippery Hands McGee. Prove me wrong Roddy and I’ll drop the nickname.

"He's getting better, but he's not there yet ..."
- Bobby Cox (talking about Boyer)

by FrankyWren on Feb 11, 2009 5:15 PM EST up reply actions

Just to throw my hat in the ring

70 catches for 1,050 yards with 8 TDs.

by Dave Choate on Feb 11, 2009 12:35 PM EST reply actions

I'm not a numbers guy but...

I don’t see any reason why Roddy wouldn’t improve his game. He’s gotten better 2 years in a row (1 with rehashed, warmed over QBs, 1 with a rookie) after a slow start in his career.

I expect Ryan to get better but I also expect the schedule to be tougher and defenses to key more on stopping Roddy. I also thought Jenkins came around this past year after I had essentially given up on him. Roddy is for real but Jenkins I’m still skeptical about. Lets hope Jenkins proves legit plus that elusive double threat TE comes our way.

"When I played pro football, I never set out to hurt anyone deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something"

-Dick Butkus

by zooker on Feb 11, 2009 1:46 PM EST reply actions

I don't see any new records being established

but I do see a solid year. 82 catches, 1256 yards, 11 TDs

I’m going to project Harry Douglas now.

54 catches, 860 yards, 5 TDs. 44 PRs, 13yrd PRA, 1 PRTD. 12 rush attempts, 95 yards, 2 TDs

"If the Falcons ever manage to win a Super Bowl in my lifetime, I'll french kiss a toilet." - a friend.

by Adam Schultz on Feb 11, 2009 2:35 PM EST reply actions

Roddy's numbers will decrease ...

But that won’t be a bad thing (i.e., not Roddy’s fault). I think Jenkins will continue to emerge as a reliable no. 2/Douglas will get more touches. Also, if the Birds pick up Pettigrew (which I really really really hope they do), some of Roddy’s touches might go to him.

"He's getting better, but he's not there yet ..."
- Bobby Cox (talking about Boyer)

by FrankyWren on Feb 11, 2009 4:02 PM EST reply actions

Projection

Roddy White
Catches: 80 – 90
Yards: 1,300 – 1400
TDs: 8 – 10

I expect Turner’s numbers to drop somewhat and White’s to remain about the same. We will undoubtedly continue to be a run heavy team in ’09, but I expect Turner to get 40 to 80 fewer carries. Half of those carries will be converted to passing plays. And most of those passes will be distributed to players not named Roddy White.

Falcon Fans UNITE!

by Blue Falcon on Feb 11, 2009 8:12 PM EST reply actions