Roddy White came into the league back in 2005 out of the University of Alabama-Birmingham, a much smaller school in the college ranks. He was a first round pick, but White disappointed in his first two seasons. Those seasons were full of drops more than highlights. His totals for those two years: 59 catches, 952 yards and only three touchdowns. Going into his third season, White was in danger of losing favor with his coaches. He knew he needed to turn things around.
When the 2007 season began, White was ready to show he had taken another step. He produced, big time. His totals that year: 83 catches, 1,202 yards and six touchdowns. That easily surpassed his career totals and put White in a new category with the other top receivers in the NFL. Ever since then, White has had five seasons of 1,000 receiving yards or more, two seasons of ten or more touchdowns and in the past two years, he has caught 100 passes or more each season. Oh, did I mention he is the leader of the Falcons receiving core?
White is one of quarterback Matt Ryan's favorite targets obviously, and they have teamed together to lead the Falcons to some special moments and wins. For example, this past Sunday, without Ryan's 59 yard pass to White in the final minute, the Falcons would have lost. Or without White's two touchdown catches, the Falcons would have lost. He has definitely showed he is one of the best in the league and honestly, with the way he handles himself as a professional, he doesn't get much notice.
Roddy White is one of the biggest reasons the Falcons have been so good the last few years, but they haven't quite taken it to the next level as they haven't won a playoff game in their last three trips. But, if the Falcons include him more in their plans late in the season, White could possibly lead them to the next round, and beyond.
Roddy White has been one of Matt Ryan's (2) favorite targets over the past four years.
Photo Courtesy of sports.yahoo.com
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