6 Super Reasons Calvin Johnson Is the Best Receiver in the NFL Today

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Calvin Johnson is the best wide receiver in the NFL right now—PERIOD.

He is an unstoppable force of nature on a record setting pace—just be glad you're not the defender standing in his way. He continues to light up highlight reels and opponents secondaries for nine touchdowns so far this season.

Will he ever slow down?

Here are six reasons which point to "Absolutely Not."

6. His Nickname Is Megatron

Yep, that’s pretty much all that needs to be said about that.

5. He Has Matthew Stafford Throwing Him the Ball

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Stafford is among the top QBs in the league this year in terms of the numbers he’s putting up in Detroit. All the haters can keep on hating, but Stafford keeps producing, averaging just under 300 yards and three touchdowns per game.

His incredible arm strength helps him to hit Johnson far down field, and the two have linked up for nine of his 13 touchdowns this year.

4. He Is Surrounded by Talented Offensive Role Players

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On a similar note to No. 6, the other members of the Lions offense are no joke.

With the likes of Jahvid Best, Matthew Stafford and Brandon Pettigrew (and eventually Mikel Leshoure) lining up next to him, they take some of the pressure off of Johnson.

The Lions have a multi-dimensional, explosive offense with a number of weapons in its arsenal; that kind of versatility frees everyone up.

3. He Is Tall

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At 6’5” Johnson is one of the taller receivers in the league. This height advantage, combined with a vertical of almost four feet, allows him to dominate cornerbacks, most of whom are about half a foot shorter than him.

More often than not, Johnson’s highlights (he has at least one a week in the top 10) consist of him going up and over those attempting to cover him.

Towering over the defense, Johnson appears almost superhuman.

2. He Is Consistent

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Week in and week out, Johnson shows up to play. Short of quadruple coverage, you will not stop him from getting into the end zone— period, end of story.

Don’t believe me?

Take a look at his highlights. It is that consistency that has put him on pace to break the record for touchdown receptions in a season, with nine already in only five games. Johnson even put up numbers while Stafford was hurt, catching TDs from multiple sub-par passers in his absence. 

1. He Always Comes Down with the Ball

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Unlike world-renowned choke artist Jeremy Maclin, Johnson always comes through in the clutch.

In the red zone, in need of a first down, or just in need of a big play, Stafford is looking at No. 81. Whether he has to go around you, over you or through you, Calvin Johnson will get to and catch the ball when it matters.

The true mark of a great wide receiver is how they play under pressure, and Johnson is one of the best.