The 'ish on Michael Clayton
By Adam Lewis, FantasyFootballCafe.com
Clayton had a rookie campaign unlike any other Wide Receiver in recent history; 1193 yards, 14.9 YPC average, and 7 touchdowns. Most of Clayton’s touchdowns came in the last few games when he became more and more comfortable. With this late surge and huge year, much was expected from Clayton; he was now the number 2 Wide Receiver and had another year of Jon Gruden’s complex offense under his belt. Clayton was usually drafted in the top 20 WR in 12 man leagues. Clayton proceeded to grab 0 touchdowns and get 372 yards. There was anger and hatred, but I am here to tell you to give him a second chance.
What most people did not know going into the year, was that Clayton had off-season knee surgery. He started in Gruden’s doghouse for not being in shape and missed all of training camp. Then, Griese went down against the Dolphins. The chemistry that Clayton had worked so hard for last year was now gone. Simms and Galloway, who are known to hang out together, combined for long touchdowns. With the emergence of Alex Smith as a pass catching TE, and Cadillac Williams as a workhorse RB, there was no use for Clayton. Clayton has vowed to come back and show everyone that he is not a fluke. The man has worked hard in the off-season and will be ready to be the go-to guy for Simms. He will still be number two behind Galloway in the depth chart, but expect him to get a lot of looks and make the plays. He will make you forget about that nasty taste in your mouth and help bring you to that championship you missed last year.
