The Drive: On Rashaad Penny, Receiver

Steven Bisig-USA TODAY SportsRussell Wilson threw three passes to Rashaad Penny in Seattle’s loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. He would not be targeted again for the rest of the season. Today I look at those receptions—Penny converted all three targets into a reception—attempt to deduce why Penny was not targeted again, and project his performance as a receiver in 2019.

The era of the rush-only back is effectively dead. Great backs receive, and the greatest backs can produce more intrinsic value through their receptions than through rushing. Brian Schottenheimer’s scheme in particular has and should emphasize receiving backs. Run fakes, deep routes, and heavy use of additional blockers…