Lions Game Ball Of The Week: Calvin Johnson

by Sean Yuille on Jan 3, 2012 11:22 AM EST in Detroit Lions Opinion

GREEN BAY, WI - JANUARY 01: Calvin Johnson #81 of the Detroit Lions breaks away from Tramon Williams #38 of the Green Bay Packers after catching a pass at Lambeau Field on January 1, 2012 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Lions 45-41. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

The final game ball of the regular season is once again a two-part post. This is because, once again, Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson both played well enough to be deserving of a game ball. This week we will start with Johnson.

Johnson was seemingly able to get open on every other play despite, you know, being considered the best receiver in the game. Stafford went to him quite a bit, and by day's end at Lambeau Field, Johnson had 11 catches for 244 yards and one touchdown. That was good for an average of 22.2 yards per catch. As pointed out by Elfuego51 in the comments, Johnson had more receiving yards in this game alone than 17 teams had passing yards in Week 17. That is flat out ridiculous.

On the season, Johnson finished first in the NFL in receiving yards with 1,681. He had 96 catches and 16 touchdowns. He averaged one touchdown and 105 yards a game. Not too shabby.

Tweet Comment 10 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I am hoping that you hand out a bunch of game balls to those two in 2012.

Calvin turned it up a notch or five in the last three games. Best WR in the NFL in 2011. Period.

"I’m sorry for all the people who want us to run the ball 40 times a game, but we’re going to put the ball in No. 9’s hands and he’s going to make plays for us like he did today," Lions coach Jim Schwartz said. Amen to that Jim!

by NorthLeft12 on Jan 3, 2012 11:55 AM EST reply actions

FuckCrisCarter!

Fan of the Detroit Tigers ~ Detroit Lions ~ Detroit Red Wings! - No Town Better to be a fan of!
Fantasy: PoD Bench League (PackMules (5-12) 7th Place) / WIIM Mursak League (Wingedmule (76-73-32))
Restoring the Roar - The 2011 Detroit Lions! (10-5) PLAYOFFS!? You betcha!

by MuleRules on Jan 3, 2012 1:21 PM EST up reply actions

Most people won't argue that Calvin is the best WR

Why doesn’t Staff get the praise he deserves. In his first full season at 23 years old he just completed a season with more yards and TD’s than all but one QB in the Hall of Fame and only behind two future Hall of Famers with four Superbowl rings and I think three NFL MVP’s.

Follow @Crino22
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "Natecalvintitus"

by Bret Crino on Jan 3, 2012 12:14 PM EST reply actions

From what I understand...

There’s generally a one year lag time on things like media exposure and ProBowl recognition. Staff’ll get his due next year, guarenteed.

by D-Lion on Jan 3, 2012 12:22 PM EST up reply actions

That's what my friend was saying.

Unless your a rookie with a great season, if your in your 2nd or 3rd year the media is not drawn to you. But oh boy next year, the media will be all over Stafford and Johnson. Kind of scares me though…..I hate the media

"You simply cannot escape it. It's everywhere. There is a feeling the likes of which we haven't seen in decades. Emotions are high. Morale is climbing. People, once again, have something to talk about other than how disastrous our financial situation is and the collapsing of modern society." - Yahoo sports blogger.

by Lionsfan8 on Jan 3, 2012 4:59 PM EST up reply actions

Thats what Cam said

by John Matkin on Jan 4, 2012 1:06 AM EST up reply actions

To clarify

Welcome to the media driven world, reality isn’t welcome

by John Matkin on Jan 4, 2012 1:07 AM EST up reply actions

Staff and Calvin

Will be talked about just behind Montana and Rice when it is all said and done

"My Mama once told me don't argue with fools, cause people from a distance can't tell who is who" - Jay Z

by Spider1 on Jan 3, 2012 12:17 PM EST reply actions

Anyone remember

There was an article(s) posted about how Stafford and Johnson had a disagreement over something earlier in the season and the media tried to make it look like a big deal. Pretty sure those two will never argue, Stafford is the clear cut leader and Johnson is Sanders at WR.

by Lionsfan012 on Jan 3, 2012 12:39 PM EST reply actions