Quote:
Originally Posted by Couch-Potato
They're both 3rd option speed guys that specialize in running deep routes to stretch the defense. Stat lines over the years are nearly identical. No?
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They're not similar players at all.
Hardman has more twitch and immediate burst than MVS, who's more of a build up guy. MVS is physical at the catch point but for a guy with his speed isn't a very good YAC guy.
Those underneath routes and bubble screens aren't going to be nearly as effective with MVS as they are with Hardman.
And for all the 'well he needs gimmicks to get yards' stuff - who gives a shit? Between the 20s, yards are yards. And those 'gimmicks' present something else opposing DCs have to think about and prepare for. Moreover, Hardman is a guy who's extremely dangerous on drag routes and even seam routes when give the opportunity.
Duncan said it well - they're both deep threats, but they're complementary deep threats. They don't get there in the same way. Being a 'deep threat' WR isn't just about being a guy that can run a 9 route; that's just way too basic.
And again, Hardman's value is as much about depth as anything. This team doesn't have the bodies it needs to run a full playbook without Hardman. Any drive that isn't over in 5 snaps will require you to basically scrap your 11 personnel by the time you get to the other half of the field because you don't have the WR rotation you need to keep sending them.
I think folks REALLY underestimate the physical toll that simply running routes takes on guys who aren't Tyreek Hill. It's goddamn exhausting. And if it isn't, then you're running at 85-90% and are less effective for it.
If you want to be able to have 3 guys you can send out there at top speed snap after snap after snap, you've gotta have 4 guys you can rotate. If you don't, you're going to struggle.