via images.chron.com

There have been discussions in the past when Daniels was upset about his contract that OD could just be a product of our favorable passing offense, and that if he left he wouldnt have as much success and our Offense could replace him. Owen was having a fantastic year in his play for a better contract this year before getting hurt in the 1st quarter against Buffalo in week 8. After he was lost for the season, though it was thought to be a blow, alot of us though it was a chance to see a combination of the gifted Casey and Dressen fill the production of Daniels at the position. So here we sit, 5 games after Daniels got injured. Has the system filled the production of Owen Daniels? As Im sure your own eyes have shown you, the numbers also say NO. Not even close.

Through 7 games Owen Daniels had 39 catches for 497 yards and 5 TDs. Thats 12.7 YPC and averaging almost 6 catches a game and 71 yards.

Through the next 5 games the Casey and Dressen have COMBINED for 11 catches for 124 yards and 0 TDs. Thats averaging 11.2 YPC and 2.2 catches a game for 24.8 yards per game.

Thats a pretty big drop off. So maybe OD is alot more talented than we give him credit for and is worth the money he wants. While the knee injury leaves some risk, I think we need to pay da man. If next year is an uncapped year, then OD would be a RFA again. So I say pay him the highest tender again, if he comes back strong, extend him for a top 5 deal DURING the season. Dont wait until the end of the year, send a message.