Congratulations are in order
The Miami Dolphins now have two representatives that will head to the 2018 Pro Bowl in Orlando, Florida. Wide receiver Jarvis Landry joins safety Reshad Jones for the annual exhibition game featuring the league’s top talent.
Landry has been selected as an alternate for Houston wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who had to withdraw due to an injury. This makes the third time in Landry’s four-year career that he will participate in the Pro Bowl as an alternate.
This may come as a relief to Landry as well as Dolphins fans, as many felt as though he was snubbed in the voting. Landry led the league in receptions with 112. That mark is his new personal record, eclipsing the 110 receptions that he was able to haul in during the 2015 campaign (another Pro Bowl year for Landry).
2017 Landry by the numbers
Statistically speaking, Landry regressed over the last few seasons in terms of yards gained as he eclipsed the 1,100 mark in 2015 and 2016, respectively. In 2017 he had 987 receiving yards. However, Landry more than made up for that slight regression with a standout season in the touchdown receptions category as he hauled in nine this year.
With that said, Landry definitely made his presence felt in the redzone this season. He was the go-to target that everyone expected wide receiver DeVante Parker to be. The Dolphins struggled all year in terms of rushing touchdown production, so someone had to pick up the slack.
Miami threw 24 touchdowns through the air to only four touchdowns on the ground during the 2017 campaign. However, Landry offered a consistent solution for the lack of rushing touchdown production. Often times when the offense needed to cap off a drive Landry was able to finish the job.
Landry passes the eyeball test
This observation, along with the number of receptions and yardage give a good idea of the type of player that Landry is. His production is consistent, he is reliable, and he isn’t afraid to run routes in short-yardage situations.
Although the incentive to catch touchdown passes is obvious for skill position players, not everyone would be willing to go across the middle in heavy traffic for a tough grab. However, Landry is no ordinary slot receiver. He is not afraid of contact and fights for every yard. New England head coach Bill Belichick has praised Landry’s ability to make plays after the catch.
Aside from the statistics, Landry brings serious fire and passion with the way he plays the game. Whether he is blocking, running or receiving, Landry does not take plays off. Expect Landry’s camp to point out traits like these, along with the consistent production, and the spike in touchdown receptions this season when negotiating a new contract with the Miami Dolphins organization.
Whether these points will work in Landry’s favor to receive the pay that he desires remains to be seen. If the two decide to part ways it won’t be for lack of effort. Landry has definitely been able to win over the fans over the years with his style of play, passion and production. Hopefully the 2017 season is not the last time that he dons the aqua and orange.
- Be on the lookout for more to come from Full Press Coverage Dolphins as we will be breaking down the 2017 season statistically on offense and defense next!