DREAM SEASON
New Jets WR Perriman expects to have breakout year, but it all depends on Gase
Breshad Perriman’s crystal ball is blinding, brimming with positivity after a white-hot December. His breakout season is on the horizon, five years in the making for a pedigree player who hasn’t found his footing in the NFL yet.
“I believe it’s going to happen now,” Perriman said on a Friday conference call introducing his arrival to the
Jets. “I have no doubt in my mind that it’s definitely going to be a season to remember for me… productionwise. I’m just really excited for the opportunities that I will get and [having] a bigger role.”
Perriman could shine if used properly, but here’s a word of caution: Adam Gase has rarely received big-time production from his “X” receiver on any offense that wasn’t captained by Peyton Manning. The split end receiver, typically the easiest to learn, has had a production cap for the most part for Gase through the years.
No “X” has reached the 1,000-yard plateau for Gase in the five seasons since he left Manning, who made a cottage industry out of turning virtually every pass catcher into a Pro Bowler.
Alshon Jeffery had nine games during an injury-marred 2015 season in Chicago: 54 catches for 807 yards and four touchdowns. However, Gase didn’t maximize that spot in his next four seasons.
DeVante Parker, who turned into a bona fide No. 1 wideout in Miami after Gase was fired, averaged just 44 yards in 39 games over three seasons with the coach. Robby Anderson had 52 catches for 779 yards and five touchdowns as the “X” last season. The 6-2, 215-pound Perriman does have undeniable speed to provide a vertical dimension that was lost by Anderson’s departure. Perriman, who maintained that “I don’t really think I lost a step at all” after recording a sub-4.3 40-yard dash at his Pro Day five years ago, should threaten defenses if he can pick up where he left off last season.
However, the coronavirus restrictions that will almost certainly wipe out spring workouts at the team facility will make it more challenging for Perriman to develop on-field chemistry with Sam Darnold before the season.
“I bring a lot of speed and a lot big playmaking ability… I got nothing but respect for Robby (Anderson)…. But I know what I bring to the table is going to be great as well. I’m really eager to get to work and prove to the ones that have any doubt in their mind wrong.”
Perriman turned into a fantasy football star with a statistical December to remember, racking up 25 catches for 506 yards and five touchdowns in the final five games. Although Perriman says he “has no doubt” that the torrid stretch wasn’t a fluke, there’s a reason why the Jets waited nine days for Anderson to make a decision before only giving him a 1-year, $6 million deal.
“That was just a sneak peak of what’s to come this season and many other seasons…” said Perriman, who is among a few free-agent signings that have not taken their physicals yet. “That was just a tiny glimpse. I’m looking forward to building on that little run I had from last season.”