The title of this article alone raises eyebrows. How can you compare the Miami Dolphins’ Preston Williams to NFL legend Larry Fitzgerald?
On the surface, Williams and Fitzgerald’s only similarities are that they’ll come into their team’s head-to-head matchup as No. 2 wide receivers for their respective teams.
Terms of Conversation Are Bizarre
We wouldn’t even be having this conversation if the Arizona Cardinals hadn’t traded for WR DeAndre Hopkins from the Houston Texans. Hopkins will enter as the outright No. 1 wideout in 2020, pushing every other WR down the depth chart.
Kirk Over Fitzgerald? Try Again.
While the buzz in Arizona in 2019 revolved around new WR Christian Kirk, the 37-year-old Fitzgerald had the better year. It wasn’t by much, but he had more targets (109 to 107), receptions (75 to 68), yards (804 to 709), yards per catch (10.7 to 10.4) and touchdowns (four to three). We also can’t forget that Kirk’s three TDs all came in one game, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
However, his experience combined with how teams’ defensive focus will now shift to Hopkins changes the dynamic of Fitzgerald and Kirk.
Murray Helping Fitzgerald’s Catch Rate
Now, Fitzgerald will mostly see single coverage from the opposition and is in optimal position to win one-on-one battles. His catch rate has been more than 65-percent for almost his entire career and he produced a 69-percent rate last year with quarterback Kyler Murray.
While Fitzgerald’s days of breakout plays are likely over, his usage in short-field situations in the past few years sets him up as the Cardinals’ drive-extender in 2020. Not to mention, in 2019, Fitzgerald had plenty of games without a drop/missed target and even more with missing just one ball that came his way. While he wouldn’t rack up 100-yard games often, he did rack up first downs and chunks of yards here and there in every game.
800-yard Season Not an Outlier in Fitzgerald’s Career
His short yardage usage has been a pattern throughout his career too. That’s not some kind of new plan from Arizona because he’s getting older. Fitzgerald has had nine of his 16 seasons see him surpass the 1,000-yard mark. But, the other seven? Between 700-955 yards. How many did he have last season? 804. Proving he’s on par with where he has been his entire career.
Williams, Fitzgerald More Similar in 2019 Than You’d Think
When talking about entire careers, you’d be a fool to say you know what Williams is capable of. With his rookie season cut short because of a torn ACL there aren’t many statistics or NFL game footage to go off of.
-
Ep 38: Tyreek Hill Traded To The Dolphins
by Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2022 at 12:10 am
Let’s be hypothetical for one moment though.
If Williams played a full 16 games, based on what he did in the first eight, we can estimate his end of season numbers by simply multiplying them by two.
Williams would’ve finished somewhere around 856 yards on 120 targets and had approximately six TDs.
Suddenly, the way these two WRs were used in 2019 are much more similar.
Williams’ Big Plays Accompanied By Short Yardage Snags
The numbers Williams was putting up as No. 2 WR are right in tune with the way Fitzgerald’s numbers have looked for half of his career. While we did see Williams making long, miraculous toe-tapping grabs at the sidelines during games, that only proves that a lot of his grabs were in the short field too to even out his stats.
Miami @ Arizona Will Feature Williams VS Fitzgerald
In Miami and Arizona’s matchup both of these players should be open for not only their short-field drive extenders, but down the sideline for large gains too. Much of the Dolphins’ and Cardinals’ defensive units were left to be desired last season, expect Ryan Fitzpatrick and Murray to have all guns blazing in the game. With DeVante Parker likely seeing extra coverage like Hopkins, Fitzgerald and Williams will be the next man up to make the difference in the game.
Going with the coveted veteran, Fitzgerald has so much more NFL experience, that even though he hasn’t been in this offensive dynamic at any point in his career, his football IQ is through the roof on adjustments. He’ll also have had half the season to feel out how to make adjustments like this game will ask. He could easily find the end zone as well, don’t count that out against a young, rebuilding Miami secondary. But the better day stats-wise between Fitzgerald and Williams will likely come down to who will find the end zone or who will have the long play that racks up a big chunk of yards in one play.
– Kayla Morton is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Miami Dolphins. Like and follow on Follow @northdakayla74 Follow @FPC_Dolphins and Facebook.
-
Ep 116: Former Buccaneers Head Coach Bruce Arians Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 29, 2022 at 3:03 am
Former Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians joins Clark and Ira to discuss […]
-
Ep 115: Gil Brandt Joins The Show To Remember Cowboys RB Don Perkinsby Full Press Coverage on June 22, 2022 at 3:46 pm
Pro Football Hall of Famer Gil Brandt joins Clark and Ira to discuss the […]
-
Ep 114: Former Bengals QB Ken Anderson Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 15, 2022 at 5:12 pm
Former Bengals quarterback and NFL MVP, Ken Anderson, joins Clark and Ira […]
-
Ep 113: HOF Voter Barry Wilner Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 6:04 pm
For AP chief correspondent and current Pro Football Hall of Fame voter, […]
-
Ep 112: Colts Owner Jim Irsay Joins To Talk "The Jim Irsay Collection"by Full Press Coverage on May 31, 2022 at 3:05 pm
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay returns to the show to talk with Calrk […]
-
Ep 111: Joe Horrigan Returns To Remember Vietnam Veteran And Former Bills OT Bob Kalsuby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 9:25 pm
As we approach Memorial Day, Joe Horrigan returns to the show to talk to […]
-
Ep 110: New Playoff Teams In 2022; Best Matchups On NFL Scehduleby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 3:42 am
Clark, Ira, and Ian give their four teams that didn't make the NFL […]
-
Ep 109: Hall of Fame Voter Ed Bouchette Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 12, 2022 at 6:28 pm
Long time Steelers writer and current Hall of Fame voter, Ed Bouchette […]
-
Ep 116: Former Buccaneers Head Coach Bruce Arians Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 29, 2022 at 3:03 am
Former Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians joins Clark and Ira to discuss […]
-
Ep 115: Gil Brandt Joins The Show To Remember Cowboys RB Don Perkinsby Full Press Coverage on June 22, 2022 at 3:46 pm
Pro Football Hall of Famer Gil Brandt joins Clark and Ira to discuss the […]
-
Ep 114: Former Bengals QB Ken Anderson Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 15, 2022 at 5:12 pm
Former Bengals quarterback and NFL MVP, Ken Anderson, joins Clark and Ira […]
-
Ep 113: HOF Voter Barry Wilner Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 6:04 pm
For AP chief correspondent and current Pro Football Hall of Fame voter, […]
-
Ep 112: Colts Owner Jim Irsay Joins To Talk "The Jim Irsay Collection"by Full Press Coverage on May 31, 2022 at 3:05 pm
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay returns to the show to talk with Calrk […]
-
Ep 111: Joe Horrigan Returns To Remember Vietnam Veteran And Former Bills OT Bob Kalsuby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 9:25 pm
As we approach Memorial Day, Joe Horrigan returns to the show to talk to […]
-
Ep 110: New Playoff Teams In 2022; Best Matchups On NFL Scehduleby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 3:42 am
Clark, Ira, and Ian give their four teams that didn't make the NFL […]
-
Ep 109: Hall of Fame Voter Ed Bouchette Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 12, 2022 at 6:28 pm
Long time Steelers writer and current Hall of Fame voter, Ed Bouchette […]
-
Ep 235: Most Rostered Dynasty Players in 2022by Full Press Coverage on June 30, 2022 at 2:03 pm
-
Ep 234: Madman Trade Showby Full Press Coverage on June 23, 2022 at 9:36 pm
-
Ep 233: Rookie Draft Roundupby Full Press Coverage on June 9, 2022 at 2:59 am
-
Ep 232: Philosophy of Fantasy Footballby Full Press Coverage on June 3, 2022 at 10:32 pm
-
Browns Quarterback Drama; Will Deshaun Watson Be Suspended? Will Baker Mayfield be with the Browns?by Full Press Coverage on July 6, 2022 at 1:22 pm
From FPC Radio LIVE, Ian and John discuss the Browns QB situation and give […]
-
Early NHL Offseason Predictionsby Full Press Coverage on June 29, 2022 at 8:00 pm
From Full Press Hockey Weekly, Jim Biringer and Chris Wassel give their […]
-
7/6 - Kevin Durant, NBA Offseason, Browns QB Dramaby Full Press Coverage on July 6, 2022 at 1:19 pm
Ian and John discuss the NBA offseason, Kevin Durant, and the Browns […]
-
7/1 - Kevin Durant Requests Trade; NBA Offseason Begins With a Bangby Full Press Coverage on July 1, 2022 at 6:42 pm
Ian and John react to the Kevin Durant trade request and the wild start to […]
-
6/29 - Avs Win Stanley Cup; NFL News and Notesby Full Press Coverage on June 29, 2022 at 1:56 pm
Ian and John discuss the Avalanche winning the Stanley Cup and the […]
-
6/24 - WSOP; NBA Finals Talk; Stanley Cup Coming To An End; NBA Draftby Full Press Coverage on June 24, 2022 at 2:15 pm
Ian and John are back to discuss the World Series of Poker, the NBA Finals […]
-
6/15 - Celtics Falter In San Fran, Can They Force A Game 7?by Full Press Coverage on June 15, 2022 at 4:23 pm
Ian and John discuss the Celtics loss in Game 5 and what they have to do […]
-
6/13 - Goodfellas; Celtics/Warriors, Stanley Cup Finalby Full Press Coverage on June 13, 2022 at 4:46 pm
Ian and John discuss the Celtics loss in Game 4 and look ahead to Game 5 […]
-
Are The Celtics In The Heads Of The Warriors?by Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 5:50 pm
Ian and John discuss the Celtics Game Two win as well as if they are […]
-
6/10 - Jason Alexander; Tom Brady; Celtics/Warriorsby Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 2:24 pm
Ian and John discuss the Tom Brady non answer, Jason Alexander's weekend, […]
-
Ep 38: Tyreek Hill Traded To The Dolphinsby Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2022 at 12:10 am
Ian and Braden react to the trade of Tyreek Hill from the Chiefs to the […]
-
Ep 37: Matt Ryan Traded To The Colts; Jameis Returns To NOLA; Mariota to ATLby Full Press Coverage on March 23, 2022 at 6:00 pm
Ian and Braden react to the trade of Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts […]
-
Talkamania Episode 227by Talkamania on June 12, 2022 at 3:27 am
-
Talkamania Episode 228by Talkamania on June 12, 2022 at 3:04 am
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 188 "MITB Preview"by Boot 2 The Face on June 26, 2022 at 10:25 pm
Rucker and Marty are back talking the updated Forbidden Door ppv, injuries […]
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 186 "Cody Did What?"by Boot 2 The Face on June 13, 2022 at 12:21 am
Boys are back talking WWE HIAC, and the crazy effort put forth by Cody […]
-
Browns Quarterback Drama; Will Deshaun Watson Be Suspended? Will Baker Mayfield be with the Browns?by Full Press Coverage on July 6, 2022 at 1:22 pm
-
7/6 - Kevin Durant, NBA Offseason, Browns QB Dramaby Full Press Coverage on July 6, 2022 at 1:19 pm
-
Ep.43: The Bright Futureby Full Press Coverage on July 6, 2022 at 2:17 am
-
Ep. 192 - KD Trade Request Dominates NBA Free Agencyby Full Press Coverage on July 5, 2022 at 9:27 pm
-
Ep.5: The FCS Sceneby Full Press Coverage on July 3, 2022 at 5:00 am
-
Ep 120: Sting Part Two - Enter The Crowby Full Press Coverage on July 2, 2022 at 2:00 pm
-
7/1 - Kevin Durant Requests Trade; NBA Offseason Begins With a Bangby Full Press Coverage on July 1, 2022 at 6:42 pm
-
Ep 235: Most Rostered Dynasty Players in 2022by Full Press Coverage on June 30, 2022 at 2:03 pm
-
Early NHL Offseason Predictionsby Full Press Coverage on June 29, 2022 at 8:00 pm
-
Ep 74: Bruce Cassidy Fired; Bergeron Returning?; Bruins Front Office Blameby Full Press Coverage on June 29, 2022 at 5:48 pm
-
7/6 - Kevin Durant, NBA Offseason, Browns QB Dramaby Full Press Coverage on July 6, 2022 at 1:19 pm
-
7/1 - Kevin Durant Requests Trade; NBA Offseason Begins With a Bangby Full Press Coverage on July 1, 2022 at 6:42 pm
-
6/29 - Avs Win Stanley Cup; NFL News and Notesby Full Press Coverage on June 29, 2022 at 1:56 pm
-
6/24 - WSOP; NBA Finals Talk; Stanley Cup Coming To An End; NBA Draftby Full Press Coverage on June 24, 2022 at 2:15 pm
-
6/15 - Celtics Falter In San Fran, Can They Force A Game 7?by Full Press Coverage on June 15, 2022 at 4:23 pm
-
6/13 - Goodfellas; Celtics/Warriors, Stanley Cup Finalby Full Press Coverage on June 13, 2022 at 4:46 pm
-
Are The Celtics In The Heads Of The Warriors?by Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 5:50 pm
-
6/10 - Jason Alexander; Tom Brady; Celtics/Warriorsby Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 2:24 pm
-
6/6 - Josh Allen Overhyped? Celtics/Warriors Game Twoby Full Press Coverage on June 6, 2022 at 2:46 pm
-
6/3 - Celtics Take Game One From Golden Stateby Full Press Coverage on June 3, 2022 at 10:46 pm