Three Robert Woods stats that bode well for Titans' offense in 2022
The addition of WR Robert Woods was a move made in hopes of restoring versatility within the Tennessee Titans’ offense. Woods has a unique skillset that, once he is healthy, can be capable of adding some spice to OC Todd Downing’s offense, which last season was often described with adjectives such as predictable, bland, and […]
The addition of WR Robert Woods was a move made in hopes of restoring versatility within the Tennessee Titans’ offense. Woods has a unique skillset that, once he is healthy, can be capable of adding some spice to OC Todd Downing’s offense, which last season was often described with adjectives such as predictable, bland, and boring.
The soon to be 30-year-old wideout is recovering from a torn ACL Woods suffered in November. While jokes drawing connections to Robinson and his adoration for bringing in injured players have been popular on the internet, there are three statistics that prove Woods is the perfect fit for what the Titans’ will aspire to do on offense in 2022.
Sure-Handed
Trust and reliability are two unquantifiable attributes that are at the top of any quarterback’s wish list when it comes to his receivers. Over the course of Woods’ nine-year career, his play has demonstrated that he is one of the most sure-handed pass catchers in the NFL.
In his last five seasons, Woods has been targeted 552 times in the passing game. Of his targets, he has hauled in 367 catches while maintaining just a 1.3% drop rate, per ESPN Stats and Information.
Drop issues have popped up on occasion for Titans WR A.J. Brown in his three seasons with the team. Brown had five drops in 13 games last year which ranked t-16th in the NFL. While Brown certainly has some room to grow in that category, perhaps Woods can impart some of his techniques on his new teammate.
YAC Machine
Like Brown, one of Woods’ most impressive traits is his ability after the catch. ESPN Stats and Information reports that Woods has recorded 1,981 YAC in the last five years, which ranks fifth in the league.
In 2020, both Woods (4th) and Brown (10th) finished in the top 10 amongst receivers in YAC. Woods’ physical presence stands to only further frustrate defenses who already have to worry about bringing down Brown and Derrick Henry.
Dual Threat
Not only is Woods a force in the passing game, but Rams head coach Sean McVay utilized his speed during his five years in Los Angeles. In 2020, Woods finished second in the NFL in rush attempts by wide receivers with 24.
His 2020 season was not a one-off year for Bobby Trees, either. Woods combined for 36 carries, most coming in the form of end arounds, in 2018 and 2019. Downing faced plenty of scrutiny last season for his lack of creativity, but Woods is the type of player who can allow play callers to open up the playbook.
There is no question that there will be an adjustment period for Woods after being thrust into a new offense on top of rehabbing his ACL injury. However, Robinson understood that the reward far outweighs the risk with the Titans' newest weapon. After watching the Rams win the Super Bowl from the sidelines last season, Woods hopes to collect his second ring on the field with the Titans this go around.
Featured image via Robert Hanashiro – USA TODAY Sports
