Early Return On Eric Decker Looks Promising

It really is no surprise to hear that Eric Decker is the best receiver in camp, mainly because the competition isn't much to write home about. However the $36.25 million man looks to comfortable in the Jets system, and has constantly made plays throughout camp.

At the time of the signing, I was very outspoken on how I don't place a receivers worth in if they are perceived as a #1 or #2 guy. I don't agree with the normal evaluation process. To me a #1 guy is a reliable target who gains separation and makes plays for his quarterback.

The problem is, we expect Decker to be great. We are paying for greatness, so we don't think anything of it. However if you have been following camp closely, you will know just how well Decker is playing early. Rex Ryan is full or praise, but unlike a lot of the praise received in camp, this seems very genuine from camp reports

:"He seems to be getting a lot of action. So the ball's finding him, and that's a good thing. That happens because you get open.

He presents a big target. Gets open, gets separation. Even though ... he's not the fastest guy."

With the success he has had over in Denver, Decker knows what it takes to get to the big game. A hall of fame QB is a good start, but it's up to the receivers to make the QB's life easier. When quarterbacks are facing 700lb's of defensive lineman chasing them down, they need to know the receiver is going to be where he is supposed to be. That's something that Geno didn't have last year, but he'll certainly have that this year.

"I've got to be able to run my routes and be in the right spot so he doesn't have to worry about me making mistakes," Decker said. "Everyone takes that upon themselves, they have to be dependable."

Speaking from my rookie year to now, I've grown so much as a receiver," Decker said. "I feel like I understand the game better, I understand releases better and how DBs play, and he's on that path of figuring out how to play certain guys."

I was a massive fan of the Decker signing at the time. He's not a blazer but he gets open, he gets separation and he makes the difficult catches, evidenced by his one handed juggling catch in practice yesterday. If Decker plays to his full potential, we have hope that Geno can make that next step. The early signs are good, and I can't wait to see him out there on Thursday night, even if it is for a series or two.