Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Thursday night’s performance by Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Donnie Avery is definitely going to make him one of the hot waiver-wire claims for week 3. The speedy wideout grabbed seven receptions on seven targets for 141 yards against the Philadelphia Eagles.
In his first two games, Avery combined for just 49 yards on four catches, so some GMs may be concerned that he’s a one-week-wonder. Rest assured, Avery is at the very least worth a bench spot in all formats.
QB Alex Smith was already singing Avery’s praises before the game, and after his week 3 performance, Smith’s trust in him has to be at an all-time high. Avery made tremendous plays in several clutch situations including a 23-yard catch on 2nd-and-14, a 51-yard grab on 3rd-and-5, a 26-yard catch on 3rd-and-19, a 15-yard gain on 3rd-and-10, and another 15-yarder on 3rd-and-15.
All of his big gains came from tremendous runs after the catch which should make him an extremely attractive target to a quarterback like Smith. The former San Francisco 49er doesn’t like to take many chances down the field, and with Avery’s catch-and-run ability, the Chiefs can still get their big plays with safe underneath routes.
Since being the first wide receiver selected in the 2008 draft, progress in Avery’s career has been slowed down by injuries, including a torn ACL in 2010. Now at full strength, and playing under Andy Reid who loves to use his speedsters, his ceiling is higher than it’s ever been.
Aaron Charles is a Kansas City Chiefs writer for www.rantsports.com. Follow him on twitter @aaroncharleskc or add him to your network on Google
