The <a href="https://www.archysport.com/2022/01/nfl-10-stories-to-watch-in-the-first-round-of-the-playoffs/" title="NFL: 10 stories to watch in the first round of the playoffs”>Detroit Lions have developed from a gray mouse into one of the top teams in the NFL in recent years. Of course, Amon-Ra St. Brown also played a big part in this. The German-American came to the Motor City in 2021 and developed into a superstar there. After a weak start to the new season, Amon-Ra has also improved this season.
A season in which the wide receiver goes into his pockets bulging. This offseason, St. Brown signed a four-year contract extension worth over $30 million per year.
Money that the passport recipient has worked hard to earn with good performance over the last few years. After missing the infamous 1,000-yard mark by 88 yards in his first year, he put up 1,161 receiving yards in 2022. In the preseason, St. Brown, like the Lions, had an outstanding season. In the regular season he had 1,515 yards and ten touchdowns.
But how is the soon-to-be 25-year-old doing so far this season, which for the Lions follows last week’s bye week with the duel against the Dallas Cowboys (10:25 p.m. live on RTL) continues?
This is how the NFL season has gone for Amon-Ra St. Brown so far
Week 1 vs. Los Angeles Rams
In the Lions’ opening match, Amon-Ra St. Brown had no share in his team’s narrow overtime victory (26:20). The German-American was searched for by quarterback Jared Goff six times, and he only caught the ball three times. In the end, these three receptions were only enough for 13 receiving yards.
Not enough for the demands and quality of the receiver, who could certainly live with it given his team’s narrow success.
Week 2 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
In the second game, Amon-Ra St. Brown had a much more prominent role. It almost seemed as if they wanted to give him back the missed targets and catches after the first week.
Jared Goff looked for his favorite receiver a total of 18 times, catching 11 balls for a total of 119 receiving yards. In the end, however, it remained a pattern without value. There was no touchdown and the Lions lost the game against the Bucs 20:16.
Week 3 @ Arizona Cardinals
After two games, the Lions had one overtime win and one loss. Accordingly, the pressure was a little higher before the game against the Cardinals. Especially since we started this game as clear favorites, a win was almost mandatory.
But the Lions once again struggled offensively and in the end “only” won again 20:13. However, this time Amon-Ra St. Brown helped his team with an important touchdown and also achieved 75 receiving yards on seven catches.
At the end of the game, however, the German-American caused worry lines because he had to end the game early due to an injury. However, the all-clear was quickly given: it was just a bruise and cramps and long-term failure was not an issue.
Woche 4 vs. Seattle Seahawks
Amon-Ra was fit again for the upcoming game against the Seattle Seahawks and it was a memorable game for the wide receiver, who didn’t just do his usual job as a pass receiver that day. On a trick play, he became the first German in the NFL to score a touchdown pass. He found Jared Goff for a short pass into the end zone. He had also previously set up a touchdown for him.
Otherwise, St. Brown was solidly protected by the defense and only got a total of six targets, all of which were successful. In the end there were 45 receiving yards for St. Brown, who was able to enjoy the first spectacle with his team, ultimately winning 42:29 against the Seahawks.
At home in the middle of the field
Amon-Ra St. Brown came into the NFL in 2021 as a classic slot receiver. The Lions used him as such in the first year. The now 24-year-old was positioned in the slot on 77 percent of the passing plays.
Early on, however, people seem to have taken a liking to using St. Brown more variably or at least setting it up. In the last two years he was only in the slot on 59.9 and 55.3 percent of passing plays
However, that didn’t change the fact that the Lions played to Amon-Ra’s strengths and they were clearly in the middle of the field. St. Brown received 26 of his 38 targets “between the numbers,” most of them with a target depth of less than ten yards.
The goal is clear: St. Brown is not responsible for long big plays, but rather for constant gain of space and first downs. He has already scored 14 of them this season, almost a third of all the first downs the Lions achieved through the air (46).
It will be important for the Lions to move the ball again this weekend. If they succeed, the Cowboys will have a difficult time against Detroit. In any case, Amon-Ra St. Brown will once again be an important factor for the guests. Because he is (almost) always.
