Going Deep: Is Breshad Perriman a Viable Option, Both for this Week & Beyond?

by Ray Kuhn

Potential. Breshad Perriman certainly has a great deal of it. Why else would he have been drafted in the first round of last year’s draft?

After a knee injury claimed his rookie season, Perriman has gotten off to a slow start this season. However, it is clear that we have yet to see the best Perriman has to offer. The question then, is when will we see it?

The quick answer, is that it will come at some point this season. Perhaps sooner rather later, and potentially this week against the Giants, Perriman will have his breakthrough game. And with that being said, it is better to be a week ahead of the curve than a week too late.

So far this season, Perriman has 10 receptions for 124 with no more than three receptions in a game, but at least one each week. Perriman has yet to find the end zone, but last week against the Redskins and Josh Norman he came close and was just not able to get his second foot down.

Joe Flacco has the ability to throw down field, and a weapon like Perriman is perfect for him. And now with the departure of offensive coordinator Mark Trestman, Baltimore figures to open up their offense. That will likely lead to downfield opportunities for Perriman.

Steve Smith is no longer the downfield threat he used to be, and he is sidelined for this week’s game. For starters, that is 9.3 targets per game that need to go somewhere, and after receiving five targets last week, Perriman appears to be willing and able.

Last week, Mike Wallace was the biggest beneficiary once Smith left the game as he was targeted 11 times and has been a downfield threat in the past, but he also been known to be inconsistent at times. With Kamar Aiken having just six receptions for 28 yards so far this season, and none on three targets last week, Perriman should be considered Baltimore’s number two receiver while Smith is sidelined; likely just for this week though.

If you need help for this week, there are certainly better, more dependable options than Perriman. But if it is potential you are after, Perriman might be your guy. The better scenario, is using an expendable roster spot to take a flier on Perriman.