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Lions notes: Kenny Golladay developing into a true No. 1 receiver

Golladay is suddenly Matthew Stafford’s go-to receiver.

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Kansas City Chiefs v Detroit Lions Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images

A general look at Kenny Golladay’s basic statistics reveals nothing too special. He’s currently 40th in the NFL in receiving yards (243) , and he’s even behind his teammate Marvin Jones Jr. (273).

But don’t get it twisted, Gollady is the team’s No. 1 receiver and he’s becoming a big-play threat. First, let’s look at who Matthew Stafford is targeting the most. Golladay has 36 targets this season. The next closest is Jones with 24. That means Golladay is seeing 50 percent more targets than anyone else on the team. In fact, Golladay’s target share percentage is among the highest in the league:

And while there should obviously be some concern that Golladay is getting so many targets but isn’t leading the team in receiving yards, it’s not like Golladay is failing to produce big plays. His four touchdowns is tied for the most among all wide receivers, and he’s Stafford’s favorite downfield target:

  • Speaking of Golladay, he made Nate Burleson’s “Toe Drag Swag” segment this week with his late go-ahead touchdown against the Chiefs:

  • Cardinals owner Bill Bidwill passed away on Wednesday. Lions owner Martha Ford offered this statement in response to the news:

  • Re-live Matthew Stafford’s best throw from Sunday with some fresh commentary via Dan Orlovsky: