Why has Vernon Davis struggled?
December, 11, 2014
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider
Last season, Vernon Davis ranked second among fantasy tight ends with 156 points generated by catching 52 passes for 850 yards and 13 touchdowns. After 14 weeks have been put in the books this season, Davis ranks 34th with just 31 fantasy points, 25 receptions, 236 yards and 2 TDs.
For whatever reason, Davis has been used rarely as a pass-catcher in offensive coordinator Greg Roman's system this season, especially near the end zone.
"Consider: A year ago, Davis had 13 touchdown receptions. This year, he has only been targeted in the red zone once, in the season opener at Dallas," noted ESPN San Francisco 49ers reporter Paul Gutierrez. "And yes, he scored a TD."
Not surprisingly, Davis would like to get back to his previously productive role.
“Not just as someone who’s blocking,” David said. “I enjoy it. I would love to be involved a little bit more. I would love that. That would be amazing. But like I said, it’s out of my control. All I can do is come here, show up and take care of my responsibilities.”
“For me, it’s all about coming here, showing up and doing what I have to do to contribute,” Davis added. “As far as not getting the ball, (I) leave it up to the offensive coordinator. It’s his call.”
Some of his struggles fall on his shoulders, too, as he has underperformed in most facets of the game in 2014.
"Davis has dropped 6 of 31 catchable passes this season and his 19.4 percent drop rate is the second-highest among NFL tight ends, according to Pro Football Focus," wrote Eric Branch of SFGate.com. "In addition, his blocking, which has been a strength, has declined. According to PFF’s grading system, his run-blocking grade ranks 56th of 65 tight ends."
Two of the final three teams the Niners play this season (Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Arizona Cardinals in Week 17) have been vulnerable to opposing tight ends this sesaon, so Davis may have the chance to make a mark down the stretch. Whether that will happen largely is up to Roman, though.