Thanks to Touré we know what Michael Vick would be if he were white, but what if Wes Welker was black? Lions receiver Nate Burleson might be just that.
Burleson is fine with Calvin getting all of the attention.
Talking to NFL Network, Burleson said, “This year I’m going to try to be the black Wes Welker. I’m going to get as many catches in that slot or on the outside opposite Calvin because he’s going to attract a lot of attention all year.”
So far Burleson has done just that. While Calvin Johnson has four touchdowns to Burleson’s zero, Burleson is getting receptions and moving the chains. In fact, Burleson prefers it that way. Having played with Randy Moss in 2003 and 2004, he knows the benefits with an outside threat.
“One of the biggest factors with me signing with Detroit was Calvin Johnson, hands down,” Burleson said. “Playing with Randy Moss, I know first hand the benefits of playing with a guy who is going to attract a lot of attention. Calvin, by far, in my opinion is the best wide receiver in the league. If you haven’t been paying attention, four touchdowns in two games: The guy is pretty much showing everybody that he is.”
As The Cover Two’s Brett Hammon pointed out in his waiver wire pickups for week three, Burleson had nine targets in last Sunday’s win against the Chiefs. The Lions are definitely going to look his way for catches, and Calvin’s way for touchdowns.