Crowton's offense in 2004 was more vertical and Todd was used more frequently as a deep threat. He averaged 20 ypc and had over 1000 yds receiving. In 2005 Anae brought a shorter passing attack and the way Todd was used changed as well. His TD catches rose from 6 to 9 (some of that can be attributed to not having Austin Collie in the WR mix) but Todd's productivity fell sharply (679 yds receiving and 49 catches and 13.8 ypc) despite not having a WR the caliber of Collie competing with him for catches.

Trying to fit Todd into a role he wasn't best suited for (precision route running and being a sure-handed, possession type receiver) didn't bring out the best in his abilities. If there are questions about Blackmon's ability to run routes and make catches there are plays we can run for him to take advantage of his abilities (speed) just like we did for Todd Watkins in 2004.

Case in point, I'd MUCH rather see us throw WR screens or quick slants to Blackmon than to a bigger, slower, long-legged WR like Mitch Mathews (last year MM had quite a few of these type plays run for him which makes little sense, especially the WR screens). We saw one play last year earlier in the season where Blackmon caught a short pass and turned on the jets and took it to the house (too bad he was lined up off the LOS and had it brought back on a penalty). I'd also like to see us send Blackmon deep several times a game, he can help stretch a defense and keep their DB's from crowding the short routes.