Kenny Golladay just wrapped up a Pro Bowl season in which he led the NFL in touchdowns. After the young gap has generated consecutive seasons of over 1,000 yards, the Lions want to see Golladay reach another level.
Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, entering his sophomore year at Detroit, noted that the Lions needed Golladay to be a DeAndre Hopkins or Michael Thomas type playmaker for offense.
“He had a really great year last year for us and we hope he continues to have many more like that,” Bevell said on a Zoom call with reporters on Saturday, via the official website. of the team. “There are specific things that we talk to him about so that he can take his game to the next level. Really, you want it to be thought of with the Hopkins and Thomas and those type of players, where he really dictates the defense. how they should cover it.
“Sometimes that’s where this guy is dubbed, he worries all the time, and you help your teammates. But when you’re in that opportunity, and that’s him, and it’s like everyone knew Kenny Golladay had the ball. and everyone knows he’s going to make the game again. That’s really where we’re trying to get him, to be that dominant level player. “
Much of Golladay’s production last season took place in the first eight games before Matthew Stafford fell with a back injury. After four games over 100 yards in the first eight inclines, he’s only played one game in the century in the past eight weeks with saves. Seven of his top 11 touchdowns in the league came with Stafford in the lineup.
Golladay is not at the level of Hopkins or Thomas in that he can consistently beat defenders out of the line under any circumstances. Even if he doesn’t reach that All-World level, there is still room for improvement for a talented broad.
As we entered the final year of his rookie contract, we heard no whispers about an ongoing extension. If Golladay reaches heights Bevell believes he can achieve, this deal will only get more expensive.
Detroit has a strong broad trio with Golladay, Marvin Jones and Danny Amendola. The key to taking the group to the next level is for Golladay to go from a young stud player to a star who can win every snap.
