3. Downs is an excellent route runner with a proven track record in man-to-man separation coverage.
Downs’ calling card is his ability to win against man coverage. An excellent route runner with a natural sense of space, the shifty Downs has demonstrated the ability to consistently separate against defenders 1-on-1.
The folks at Fantasy Points Data, for example, gave Downs the third-best “split score” of any wide receiver in the NFL this season, behind only Garrett Wilson and Zay Flowers.
Additionally, according to Pro Football Focus, Downs was targeted against a man 19 times this season – the seventh most of any player – and on those plays he caught 11 passes for 126 yards and nine first downs while totaling 63 yards after the catch.
This coverage of man-fighting prowess showed up on third down as well. Downs’ first 10 receptions that put the Chains third-most are 12th in the NFL, although they came as part of a Colts offense that has struggled to throw the football in recent weeks. Now in Kansas City, that skill set will help open things up for fellow receivers Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy and others.
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