Through the first five weeks of the NFL season, Denzel Boston looked nearly untouchable to begin his rookie campaign, finding himself at the top of the Offensive Rookie of the Year race. Now, despite the Cleveland Browns having two walk-off wins in as many weeks, the young playmaker has seen some regression in his last two outings.
Entering last week, the former Washington standout led all rookies in receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, as well as all players in the NFL in yards per catch. After posting just a combined 4 catches for 42 yards in the past two games, the deep-ball threat has lost his lead in two of the respective categories; still leading all first-year wideouts in touchdowns.
The main culprit in the pair of quiet showings has
been a loaded receiving corps, as Boston is joined by fellow rookie KC Concepcion, veteran Jerry Jeudy, and tight end Harold Fannin Jr. Together, the explosive group has helped quarterback Deshaun Watson and become a glimpse of his former self, as the Browns are riding a 5-2 record to start the year.
On Sunday in Nashville, it was Concepcion who had his breakout day, as the first-round pick out of Texas A&M hauled in a career-high 8 receptions for 129 yards. As for Boston, it was a much quieter day than what was anticipated against the flimsy Tennessee Titans defense, hauling in just 3 catches on eight targets for 27 yards.
While the numbers haven't jumped off the chart recently, there is something to be said for opposing secondaries having to gameplan around the deep-ball threat. The second-round pick now ranks third in the NFL in yards per catch at 20.3 yards, trailing only Isaac TeSlaa and Jahan Dotson.
Now that there is real tape demonstrating Boston's ability to beat teams over the top, defenses have made an adjustment in recent weeks to try and contain him.
As the halfway point in the season draws near, things will continue to get more difficult for the young pass catcher as defensive coordinators around the league gameplan for his dynamic skill set. With a trip to Pittsburgh next up to take on the Steelers, head coach Todd Monken will look to help his rookie receiver get back to the level of play that he's shown for the majority of the season.
This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Denzel Boston Has Second-Straight Quiet Week in Cleveland Browns Win
