Could this post have been a tweet? Probably. “Delanie Walker proving to be the MVP of the Titans in 2018 LOLOLOLOLOL.” But, leave it to your boy to turn a 140-character joke into 300 words of content. Nonetheless, considering the way this season has taken a turn, and considering how this offense looks without the stud tight end, I’m positive that this has proven Walker’s status as the 2018 Titans MVP.
At least to this point in the season.
In 2017, Walker accounted for 24% of the team’s receptions. TWENTY FOUR PERCENT! 12 other guys made up the remaining 76% – that’s like….6.3% per dude! Also, last season 27% of the first downs the Titans converted went to Walker. Similar numbers in 2016, too, though Rishard Matthews had a comparable season. Walker wasn’t as dominantly “the guy” that year, but still the heart and soul of the offense. But, in 2015, Walker recorded 27% of the Titans catches – 17 other players tallied a reception that year, including Dorial Green-Beckham in 2nd place, 62 catches behind Walker. Walker was the team leader in receptions…by sixty….two….catches…
But, it’s more than the stats – it’s about what he means to Marcus Mariota. Not only is he incredibly productive, but he’s a security blanket for Ocho. When you need a catch, you go to #82 – plain and simple. Now, I will say I have been impressed by Tajae Sharpe and his ability to come in the clutch with 16 receptions on the season, all of which have converted a first down. But, he’s still only catching 66.7% of the passes thrown his way. His 30 YAC on the season indicates that he’s pretty decent at the point of the catch, especially under pressure, but he’s not going to be the play-maker this offense lost when Walker went down for the season.
Walker is that play-maker and he is that security blanket for Mariota. But, as I mentioned before, he’s also the heart and soul of the offense. How the fuck do you replace a guy like that? That’s the very essence of ‘valuable.’ And, by that measure and by his absence, he’s proven just how valuable he is to this team.
So, take that, Twitter – y’all thought this was just going to be a joke post, didn’t you? NAH! I GOT FIGURES AND SHIT!
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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