DJ Chark article in the Athletic

[Wes21]

On 8/3/2023 at 2:11 PM, Panthercougar68 said:

I hope what ever ailed him is fixed for sure because he’s a threat catching the ball. I went through his game logs and after his 2021 injury I don’t think he was fully healed when he started out 2022 but once he was back with the 2nd half of the season in Detroit he really picked up where he left off.

I think you nailed it.  Something wasn't right about Chark when he got to Detroit.  He played the first few games and then the coaching staff shut him down for the next 6 weeks, and only played him 11 snaps in his first game back.  He had some issues getting on the same page with Goff but quickly ironed those out.  He has a long interview with the St Brown brothers on youtube if anyone is interested.  As he eluded to on the show, the fact that he has never been able to rely on a single QB in his entire career is what has led to him being able to get on the same page with new QBs quickly.

DJ Chark definitely falls into the category of a guy who just needs to be on the field.  His ability to make plays and stress a defense is without question.  He has a good feel for the game and isn't just a chunk play specialist.  He will do the dirty work if that's what he is tasked with, taking hits over the middle and holding onto the ball.  That last part is something that also adds to Chark's game.  He doesn't have to beat a guy with speed to make a chunk play downfield.  The guy can be stride for stride with DJ and he has a knack for perfectly positioning his body to stack the corner and allow the ball to fall into his hands.

[Wes21]

I am sure everyone has seen JT O'Sullivan's show on youtube by now.  When he covered this particular play for the Lions, he described DJ's route as being so perfect to how a receiver is taught by the coaches that a QB could basically close his eyes and hit him in stride.

 

[Wes21]

Here is what I mean when I say that even when Chark is covered, he can still make the play due to how he handles his business.