What is going on regarding Jahan Dotson?
The second-year wide receiver flashed some clutch catches in his rookie 2022 season. He got off to a great start, you recall, with four touchdown receptions in his initial four NFL games, including the game-winner against the Jaguars in the opener at FedEx Field.
However, in 2023, Dotson is far below meeting expectations, and on Sunday, he was only targeted once and dropped that deep pass that Sam Howell put right on the money that would have been an explosive play for the Commanders.
Monday with the press, Commanders head coach Ron Rivera was asked regarding Dotson’s low productivity thus far. “Obviously, you know everybody can’t get all the catches every game, but obviously, his production has been off from last year. What are you seeing with him right now?”
Rivera provided a very lengthy response.
“I think it’s just a matter of time,” replied Rivera. As we continue to work and try to distribute the ball to all the players, it’ll happen. It’s just one of those things that sometimes guys will be targeted more.”
Thus far, through the six games of this season, Dotson has been targeted 31 times, and he has obtained 17 receptions for 140 yards (8.24 per reception) and one touchdown. The one touchdown was on the final down of regulation against the Eagles when Sam Howell went to Dotson for the needed touchdown. Dotson made the catch, sending the game into overtime.
Rivera continued, “I promise you back in the day when Gary Clark, Art Monk and Ricky Sanders were out there for Coach Gibbs, you guys were probably wondering, ‘How come he only got three balls when everybody else got six or seven’? It’s going to happen. So when a guy is not getting the ball now, it’s just a matter of time. I think that is the thing we have to be patient with. This is a good group of receivers. I’m not saying they are that group. But they are a good group. And we’re going to distribute the ball based on game plans and who our opponents are. Again, it starts with the quarterback’s decision-making, too.”
Interesting that Rivera added the last portion, alluding to Sam Howell’s choices to whom he passes the ball. After the crucial drop by Dotson on the deep ball, Howell chose not to target Dotson again on Sunday.