Is Calvin Johnson still the best wide receiver on the planet?
A second straight year of nagging injuries and human-like production has opened the door for other wideouts to enter the discussion when talking about the NFL's best. Lions fans might want to look away if one were to organize a poll pitting Megatron against Giants phenom Odell Beckham Jr.
The lesson, we suppose, is that fans and media folk alike can grow tired of sustained greatness. Johnson has been so special for so long, it's natural to move on to the next big thing. Bears cornerback Charles Tillman has squared off against Megatron for years and sees no slippage in the All-Pro's game.
"I still think he's a badass," Tillman said at NFL Honors, according to The Detroit News. "Arguably the best receiver in the game today, in my opinion. I go against him twice. We match up well, and you have to bring your big-boy pants when you're going against him."
Johnson will turn 30 next season and has absorbed countless hits over eight seasons in Detroit. Tillman still believes any talk of a decline for the receiver is off-base.
"They're a bunch of dummies," Tillman said. "He's the real deal. Trust me."
With Golden Tate in town, the Lions now possess arguably the best 1-2 punch at wide receiver in football. If Eric Ebron can realize his considerable potential in Year 2, the Lions offense won't need Johnson to put up 2012-like production to thrive.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast breaks down the free-agent quarterback market and discusses Peyton Manning's future. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.
