5 Wide Receivers With Huge Increases in Production During the 2016 Season
Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers
The biggest surprise when it comes to increased wide receiver production in 2016 was none other than Davante Adams -- the same Davante Adams that, just a year prior, had a historically bad season.
In the Green Bay Packers' Week 10 loss to the Detroit Lions in 2015, Adams turned 21 targets into just 10 catches for 79 yards and no touchdowns. He was unable to fill the void in the offense as the Packers were bounced from the playoffs in the divisional round by the Arizona Cardinals.
Adams' poor performance over the entire 2015 season led to many hoping for a speedy recovery for teammate Jordy Nelson, but in 2016, the third-year wide-out's play was a totally different story.
| Statistics | 2015 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Receptions | 50 | 75 |
| Reception NEP per Target (Rank) | 0.34 (73rd) | 0.74 (13th) |
| Catch Rate | 53.19% | 61.98% |
| Touchdowns | 1 | 12 |
Adams was still able to make his mark and then some, even with Nelson back and contributing at a high rate.
Due to the lack of options at running back for Green Bay, quarterback Aaron Rodgers set career highs in attempts, completed passes, and touchdowns -- all of which positively contributed to Adams' increased production in 2016.
Adams' Reception NEP per target ranked him 73rd out of 74 wide receivers who saw at least 60 targets in 2015. In a revitalized pass-happy offense a year later, he skyrocketed to 13th in the league.
What a difference a year makes.
