New York Jets wide receiver Robby Anderson (AP Photo/Brad Penner)
Robby Anderson is no longer a question mark for the New York Jets, he’s become their answer.
He’s not the answer to all of their questions, but his play has given fans a vision for their team’s future.
Anderson has gone from undrafted free agent out of Temple to an emerging NFL wide receiver. He’s become the home run hitter the Jets need in their passing game.
Every team needs a playmaker, the rebuilding Jets are no different. Their playmaker was supposed to be Quincy Enunwa, but he was lost for the season with a neck injury.
Before week 1 kicked off, the Jets traded for Jermaine Kearse, a veteran receiver with a credible NFL resume. His presence has helped create opportunities for the rest of the offense, specifically Anderson.
Anderson, flying below the radar, has combined with Kearse to give the Jets a formidable passing attack.
In his second NFL season, 12 weeks in, Anderson’s 41 catches are second only to Kearse’s 42. He hauled in six catches for 146 yards with two touchdowns in the Jets’ 35-27 loss to the Carolina Panthers.
Anderson’s 714 receiving yards with seven touchdowns leads the team. He’s scored a touchdown each of the last five games and has become Josh McCown’s go-to option when the Jets dial up a big play for the offense.
“Hats off to Robby,” said McCown. “He’s a stud man. He’s worked his tail off since the offseason began and even from what they tell me going back to last year. He came in as an undrafted guy, put his head down and just worked. And he has a lot of belief and confidence in himself and what he can do as a player and you feel that.”
The Jets may have been hoping to just find a receiver capable of running the correct routes and catching the football when thrown his way – regardless of who the quarterback was this season. Anderson has met all of those requirements and is exceeding expectations along the way.
Anderson’s route-running improves every week. He’s racking up touchdowns from the deep pass, but also getting better at making the big catch that moves the chains. He’s turning into an well-rounded receiver, who’s confidence grows with every game.
The Jets have plenty more questions which require answers as their team rebuild progresses. But they can scratch off young wide receiver with play-making potential, Anderson is making sure of that.
