If Adam Thielen wished to make the playoffs in his last season, he most likely ought to have chosen a special crew to play for.
On Tuesday, at some point after requesting his launch from the Minnesota Vikings (4-8) to pursue a chance with a playoff contender, the 12-year veteran wideout, 35, agreed to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-6).
Signing Adam Thielen could not have supposed impact Pittsburgh Steelers are hoping
Whereas the Steelers are actually higher than the Vikings, they’re slipping within the AFC playoff race. Thielen most likely will not make an enormous distinction.
According to NFL Pro data, Thielen’s catch price is 20.4 proportion factors decrease than anticipated this season, and he has contributed simply 0.6 anticipated factors added per reception, each profession lows. In 11 video games, together with 4 begins, the two-time Professional Bowl choice has eight receptions on 18 targets for 69 yards.
The Vikings could have the NFL’s worst quarterback scenario, and whereas enjoying alongside Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers may give Thielen a greater probability to contribute, he is unlikely to be the game-changer Pittsburgh must win the AFC North. NFL Professional insights notes that Rodgers’ 196.9 passing yards per recreation are his fewest as a starter. The Steelers rank final within the league in supposed air yards, and Thielen is not notably dynamic with the ball in his fingers. In every of the previous 4 seasons, he is gained fewer yards after the catch than anticipated, together with simply 14 yards after the catch this season. (h/t NFL Professional)
Pittsburgh faces the Baltimore Ravens (6-6) in Week 14, with first place within the division at stake. Its lack of playmakers might make it troublesome to return away with a win within the AFC North showdown, and Thielen’s addition would not do a lot to vary that.
!function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)
{if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod?
n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};
if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version=’2.0′;
n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;
t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];
s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, document,’script’,
‘https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js’);
fbq(‘init’, ‘1324276914788316’);
fbq(‘track’, ‘PageView’);
