Vernon Davis’s Production Proves His Worth

Vernon Davis is an eleven year veteran, and a Washington D.C. area native. After there was some speculation based on his play with the Denver Broncos that he had lost a step, he has seen a rebirth of sorts since he came on the scene as a quality second option behind Jordan Reed.

Vernon Davis was a Maryland Terrapin from 2003-2006 and had these career numbers as a part of the team when they were still in the ACC: He started 17 of 35 games he played at Maryland. For his career, these were his numbers: 83 catches, 1,371 yards (16.5 yards per catch) and nine touchdowns.

As a junior Terp, he was chosen as a finalist for the Mackey Award. An award given to college football’s best tight end. In addition to that accolade, he was a consensus All-American and ACC selection as well. Recorded 51 catches for 871 yards (17.1 avg.) with six touchdowns that season.

He came in to the league with the San Francisco 49ers and spent the bulk of his career with that franchise. He put up some of his best numbers yardage wise (six seasons of 500+ yards) there.

Now where does that leave him in his first season with the Washington Redskins?

His best years aren’t behind him. He can provide that veteran leadership on the offense that the Washington Redskins need beyond a Pierre Garcon, DeSean Jackson, Jordan Reed etc.

Right now, he has 23 receptions, 316 yards (13.7 yards per catch) and a touchdown. With eight games left in the regular season. I’m going to make a bold prediction of 50+ catches and 500+ yards. Are those numbers that a major cog in an offense to get? Yes, they are.

However, Davis is in a unique position. When Jordan is Reed is off at tight end, Davis can be the security blanket that Kirk Cousins needs late in the season. After the bye, it’s going to be very interesting to see how Jay Gruden, Sean McVay and company use him.

Frankly, even though his numbers aren’t blockbuster in terms of catches and yards through eight games and he came to Washington later in his career, what would the Redskins offense have been like if they drafted him in 2006 and the DMV connection was made earlier?

That’s only a what if and nothing more. The Redskins can only worry about the now and the production and plays he’s making for them now.