Laquon Treadwell Struggles In Seattle
Adam Warwas
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At about this time, one year ago, many Vikings fans and analysts were concerned that Trae Waynes was destined to be a bust due to his preseason struggles. I’ve consistently written about my belief in Waynes’ athletic abilities and pointed out that coach Mike Zimmer comes from an era when it was normal for a cornerback to sit and learn for a year or two before coming into his own as an NFL player. Now, with the slow start of first round pick Laquon Treadwell, I’m asking myself if the same benefit of the doubt applies.
In Cincinnati, during the first preseason game, Treadwell gained 41 yards on four catches in our first glimpse of him in a game setting. Treadwell hauled in those four passes on five targets. If someone were to try and wholly define a player off of that limited sample size, then Treadwell would likely be labeled as an unspectacular but dependable possession receiver.
In Seattle, however, things were a little different.
The Seattle defensive backs were considerably more physical than Cincinnati’s had been, perhaps even getting away with holding and interference at times, but the broadcast booth made much ado of Treadwell’s inability to counter the physicality by getting over top of them.
Treadwell was targeted four times in Seattle and each fell incomplete. He was shut out.
One of those targets was clearly the result of an off-target pass from quarterback Joel Stave. In fact, we have yet to really see him perform with starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater under center, and that could certainly make a difference. It certainly seemed to make a difference for fellow receiver Charles Johnson who was also held catch-less without Bridgewater in the game.
Still, Treadwell needs to find ways to get open and separate from defenders. While the ability to haul in a contested pass is certainly a great attribute to have, it is far more ideal to avoid contested pass situations outright.
There is no reason, after only two preseason contests, not to give Treadwell some benefit of the doubt as he adapts to life as an NFL wide out. The skills that made him a prolific college player still exist and only time will prove him worthy, or unworthy, of the draft selection spent on him. He is certainly putting in the work necessary to succeed, consistently staying late after practice to work on pass catching.
Luckily, the Vikings currently have an intriguing amount of talent and depth at the receiver position. It would be ideal if Treadwell comes out of the gate without struggling, but the good news is that the Vikings are not in a position where they have to rely on that.
Just like you, we’ll be keeping a watchful eye on Minnesota’s first-round selection throughout the remaining two preseason contests, as well as the seemingly unpredictable battles within the receiver depth chart as they play out.