FAST FORWARD
Speedy Anderson out to prove he’s a No. 1 WR
It came earlier than expected, and rather suddenly, but Robby Anderson’s time has arrived.
The 24-year-old is the Jets’ No. 1 wide receiver, and will be treated as such by opposing defenses.
The previous top target, Quincy Enunwa, was ruled out for the season with a bulging disk in his neck a few weeks ago. It was a crushing development for an offense with so few weapons as it was.
But once the shock subsided, the remaining receivers regrouped, with Anderson emerging as the new face of the unit.
As a rookie last year, the undrafted Temple product had 42 receptions for 587 yards and two touchdowns. He showed flashes of promise, especially in his ability to make big plays. Of his 42 catches, 10 went for 20 or more yards (the same amount as former teammate Brandon Marshall, and other notable receivers such as DeAndre Hopkins, Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas).
It’s Anderson’s speed that makes him a dangerous threat down the field. At his pro day in 2016, he ran the 40-yard dash in an impressive 4.34 seconds. Odell Beckham Jr. of the Giants posted a 4.43.
“He can really go,” quarterback Christian Hackenberg said of Anderson. “He’s getting a lot more confident the more we’re putting him in situations to be able to use that speed and run. He’s definitely a big factor in our offense.”
Figuring out where Anderson stands to improve isn’t difficult. At just 190 pounds, his thin frame is obvious and could cause problems when lined up against physical defensive backs. Wide receiver coach Karl Dorrell insisted Anderson has gotten stronger this offseason, even if it is hard to tell.
Of all the young receivers, Dorrell pegged Anderson as the one who has stuck out the most in training camp.
“Robby has been that guy really,” he said. “From Year 1 to Year 2, he’s made a good jump.”
However unfair, the Jets are counting on that jump to be massive.
Anderson has been solid in the preseason. He connected with Josh McCown on a 53-yard reception in their opener against the Titans at MetLife — a play that led to the only Jets touchdown in their first two preseason games.
Saturday’s game will be Anderson’s biggest test yet, not only because of the likely uptick in playing time, but also because of the matchup. The Giants have one of the best secondaries in the NFL, headlined by lockdown corner Janoris Jenkins and safety Landon Collins. Both made the Pro Bowl last season.
There may be bumps along the road, but Anderson will look to thrive against teams’ best defenders all year long.
“He is excited [about the challenge],” Dorrell said. “No question.”