New York Jets tight end believes this is his year and is confident that he will make the Pro Bowl this season. Dustin Keller told Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News his feelings on the subject, and made it clear that he has high expectations for himself heading into the final year of his contract.
Dustin Keller has been the leading receiver for the New York Jets the past two seasons. That's quite a feat for a player who many have accused of disappearing over stretches of each season. Whether because of gameplan, his own doing, or some other combination of factors, Dustin Keller has seemed to have a multiple-game stretch each season during which he has no impact. Given the ability he has shown, it's unacceptable at this point.
Expect Tony Sparano to make Dustin Keller one of the focal points of the offense. Anthony Fasano caught 16 touchdowns over the last four season with the Miami Dolphins, and Dustin Keller is more talented as a receiver. With the Jets lacking experience behind Santonio Holmes at wide receiver, Dustin Keller should be right near the top of the list when Mark Sanchez is weighing his options.
Plus, the Jets are looking to get back to the ground and pound. That means more play action passes and bootlegs, giving Dustin Keller an opportunity to shine. Mark Sanchez has regularly targeted him on rollouts in the past and play action passes should create enough separation between the linebackers and safeties to get Dustin Keller some open looks over the middle.
Dustin Keller certainly thinks he will have a major impact this season. As he told the New York Daily News:
"“This is going to be my best year yet… I will be a huge part of this offense.”
This is the final season of Dustin Keller's rookie contract. That should be added motivation for him to have a great season and cash in during free agency. When the Jets drafted Dustin Keller they were hopeful that he would grow into a Pro Bowl tight end. There is plenty of stiff competition around the AFC, but is this the year he gets there?
Also…
- Check out the latest episode of The Jets Zone!
- Be sure to follow Jets 101 on Twitter and like Jets 101 on Facebook. Plus, check out Jets 101 on Google+
- Text "oneteam" to 20222 to donate $10 to the One Team for the Lights charity initiative.
- Be sure to “like” Sports Media 101 on Facebook and to follow Sports Media 101 on Twitter
Related Videos
Returning Soon!!!!No related posts.
Short URL: http://sport-ne.ws/isn
Man, I sure hope this is his season. It has been thoroughly frustrating to watch him be wasted every week. I suspect that as long as the coaching staff has doubts about Sanchez, Keller will be used primarily as a blocking TE instead of the versatile receiver that he is. Hopefully, Sparano can get them back on track. If he did it with Fasano and the QB-less Dolphins offense, he most certainly should be able to work wonders here.