Is Pierre Garcon a True Number One?

This debate has been going on since we signed Garcon as a free agent from the Indianapolis Colts two season ago. The Redskins were without a true top receiving target, and Garcon was paid a hefty contract to come to DC and take on the role of our go-to receiver. Still, there were many who felt that Garcon was not a true number one type receiver.

It was tough to gauge his performance last season due to injury, but when he was on the field, he produced at a very high level. This season, Garcon has been healthy, and he has put up career best numbers.

Garcon is second in the NFL in targets at 145. He stands at third in the league in receptions with 89. His 1017 receiving yards rank him 14th in the NFL. Where he is lacking is his average per catch, and touchdowns. His 11.4 average, and just three touchdowns rank amongst the lowest in the league for perceived number one pass catchers.

Garcon's previous season high totals were in 2011 with the Colts, where he gathered in 70 receptions, for 947 yards and six touchdowns.

It certainly doesn't help that Garcon has no one to take any pressure off of him in the passing game. The next closest receiver on the Redskins, Leonard Hankerson, has just 30 receptions for 375 yards and three touchdowns. Hankerson has since been shut down for the season. Rookie tight end Jordan Reed in second on the team in receptions(45), and yards(499), but he too has most likely seen his last snap of 2013.

Another weapon opposite Garcon would make life much easier for this offense, and could make Jordan Reed even more dangerous than he already is. Despite this, Garcon has still put up career best numbers on an offense with many problems.

For the 2013 Washington Redskins, Pierre Garcon is one player who has not disappointed.