Expectations are high for Eric Decker entering the 2014 season. The wide receiver is coming off a big year with the Denver Broncos where Peyton Manning helped him emerge as a star. The result was a high-paying free agent contract with the New York Jets where he is expected to lead the receiving group for Geno Smith. With a lot of questions surrounding the remaining wide receivers for the New York Jets, many speculate whether or not Decker can handle the pressure of being the No. 1 guy.
Decker is expected to be Smith's right-hand man. He is certainly getting paid as such after inking a five-year, $36 million contract. However, Peyton Manning is no longer the quarterback throwing Decker the ball. Smith does not yet have that type of arm and the receiver must learn to adjust as the Jets need him to be a deep threat and red zone target. The issue for Decker will be the attention from opposing defenses.
Coming from Denver, Decker had a lot of talent on either side of the field to attract defenders. With Wes Welker and Demaryius Thomas also on the field, Decker could stand out. The Jets might have that, but right now everyone is relatively unproven. After releasing Stephen Hill, the New York Post reports the Jets receiving corps is ready to stop being the punchline of jokes and prove they can be successful. That will come at the hands of Jeremy Kerley and David Nelson who return to the team. Rookies Shaquelle Evans and Jalen Saunders will also have to step up.
In Week 1, Decker is poised to be a star. The Jets are going up against the Oakland Raiders and a struggling secondary unit. While with the Broncos, Decker had four touchdowns in his past five games. It might be Smith throwing the ball this time, but it is still the same weak secondary. Over the course of the season, Decker might not rack up the fantasy points like some owners want. Fans can expect the wide receiver to see double coverage from most defenses, knowing that Smith will be looking for his 6'3 frame down the field.
Former Broncos star Mark Schlereth said on ESPN that he does not believe Decker has the talent to be the top guy in New York. He stated that in Denver, the wide receiver was the fourth look at best and has the talent level of a No. 2 guy, not No. 1. Decker told the media as reported by the New York Post that he would simply let his playing do the talking and was not interested in a war of words. Time will tell who is right.
