Not a single double digit fantasy game this season in standard scoring leagues. Not even a single yard last week against the Dallas Cowboys.
Life has not been fun for Percy Harvin's fantasy owner.
In Week 1, Harvin looked like the all-purpose fantasy stud we expect after racking up 99 total yards on seven receptions and four rushing attempts. Since then it's been a steady stream of underwhelming performances.
So what is up with Harvin?
"Harvin says defenses are now coming after him at the snap rather than trying to catch him after it," Gregg Bell of the New Tribune wrote. "Expect the St. Louis Rams (1-4) to do the same Sunday when Seattle (3-2) visits the Edward Jones Dome. St. Louis has a defensive coordinator, Gregg Williams, renowned for constant attacking."
Harven noted that Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick stayed up against bubble screens, giving him little room to work with.
"But what if [offensive coordinator] Bevell starts sending Harvin more downfield? STATS, Inc. says Harvin is, on average, catching the ball just 1.1 yards from the line of scrimmage. So really, he's essentially been a running back when he's split out," Bell added.
"The Seahawks have 93 pass completions this season. Only 13 of those, 14 percent, have gone for at least 20 yards. Only 0-5 Oakland and 2-3 Miami have fewer such downfield connections."
Bell makes a good point. Seattle has focused too much on getting Harvin in open space and has not utilized the speedy receiver enough in their downfield passing game. During Harvin's four seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, he averaged nearly 12 yards per reception. This year? A measly six.
Another problem is Seattle's struggles on third down. The Seahawks rank just 23rd in the league in third down conversions. Sustaining drives would help open up the field for Harvin and give him more opportunities to touch the ball.
For Harvin owners out there, I still think he is too talented and this team is too good for his lack of production to continue. The Seahawks have said they want to run more which will hopefully result in a few more carries for Harvin. With some improved offensive line play and a few more targets downfield, Harvin can easily turn this season around. Until then, however, I would not feel comfortable starting him in my lineup.
