Preparation goes beyond the rankings. In a year of social distancing, fantasy football continues to be the tie that binds. It binds old friends and new acquaintances alike. And while our friends reap the rewards of our preparation, we analysts argue over the next breakout. This year, there has been no more hotly-contested topic than the late round tight end. But while everyone is clamoring to be first to the next big thing (I’m looking at you Blake Jarwin), I want to talk about someone who has done it before, and might very well do it again: Jack Doyle.
Trading in his powder blue for something a little more dark, quarterback Philip Rivers packed his bags and headed east. Gone with him are his trademark bolo tie and, most importantly, his affinity for throwing to the tight end. From 2004 to 2019, Rivers targeted his tight end an average of 123 times a season, including a spike of 141 while Frank Reich helmed the offense. If that’s not enough, there have been SIX different times a tight end led the Chargers in targets.
Enter Jack Doyle. While sounding like a hero from the latest Tom Clancy novel, Jack Doyle has already rescued his quarterback in the past with an 80-690-4 line. A line that he parlayed into a Pro Bowl invitation. And while he’s not a flashy player, his knowledge of the position and general football acumen provide him a safe floor.
It’s clear that Doyle knows how to set routes up and beat defenders with their own leverage. Passes to him the previous two seasons have generated a 94.95 QB rating. His pre-snap understanding of coverage is apparent in the way he’s able to find soft spots in zones. And although he’s not known for his YAC ability, the Western Kentucky product is productive after the catch. 32 of his 43 receptions went for either a touchdown or a first down.
With T.Y. Hilton already on the mend, and a depth chart littered with young wide receivers, Doyle, who led the team in targets, could provide a nice familiar feeling for his new quarterback. That might be enough for Doyle to rule in 2020, not unlike the O’Doyles ruled Billy Madison’s hometown back in 1995.
You can follow Randal Kennedy on Twitter, @FF_Terminator.
