5 Reasons Why Calvin Johnson Will Be the NFL's Best Wide Receiver in 2012

A wide receiver has never won the NFL MVP award, and that’s not likely to change come the 2012 season.

However, Calvin Johnson has the potential to put himself in the conversation—and maybe even in contention—for offensive player of the year.

Johnson has the skill set and athleticism to put together the best season by a wide receiver since Randy Moss in 2007. For those who believe in the Madden curse, let's hope that Cam Newton is the player on the cover.  

With that being said, here are five reasons why Calvin Johnson will be by far the best wide receiver in the 2012 NFL season.

Matthew Stafford

Stafford proved a point to many fans last season by remaining healthy and starting in all 16 games. In doing so, he became only the fourth quarterback to reach 5,000 yards passing in a season.

Along with a passing yards record, Stafford set two other Lions single season records. Most passing touchdowns in a season, with 41 and highest complication percentage, at 63.5 percent.

Stafford has shown he’s willing to throw the ball in Calvin’s direction in almost any situation. Whether he’s throwing off his back foot, across his body or into double coverage, Stafford will give Calvin a chance to make a play.

There is no reason why Stafford, the Comeback Player of the Year, won’t continue to air it out, especially given the Lions suspect running game.

Lions Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

The Lions have a strong supporting cast of wide receivers and tight ends who offer experience, speed and size. They should help limit the number of double teams Calvin will face in the 2012 season.

A second round pick in the 2011 draft, Titus Young is only 22 years old and has shown great potential. In his rookie season Young caught 48 balls for 607 yards and six touchdowns as the Lions' third receiver.

The No. 2 receiver, veteran Nate Burleson, brings experience and leadership to the Lions' offense.  Burleson made a career high 73 catches last season and added 85 yards rushing on only 11 attempts.

Tight ends Brandon Pettigrew and Tony Scheffler offer size and strength over the middle, especially in short yardage situations. Pettigrew was great statistically in 2011, finishing with 83 receptions, 777 yards and five touchdowns. He just needs to work on limiting the number of penalties and drops in 2012. 

Schedule

The NFC North featured 2011's worst pass defense in the Green Bay Packers. The Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings didn’t fare much better, finishing 28th and 26th in pass yards allowed. Expect some improvement from these teams, but not enough to slow down the Lions pass attack.

Outside their division, the Lions face two great defenses in the Houston Texans and San Francisco 49ers. However, they also face a number of defenses which Stafford and Johnson should be able to have their way with, including the Titans, Colts and Cardinals.

The Lions play nine games indoors, while many of their outdoor games are played early in the season, likely in favorable conditions.

Speed, Size and Strength

Calvin Johnson is truly the whole package. At 26 years old, the 6’5" 240-pound wide receiver is entering the prime of his career. He has the speed of a 6’1" 200-pound wide receiver and the size and strength of a tight end. 

Johnson’s athletic abilities were highlighted at the Georgia Tech pro day in 2007. Johnson ran the 40-yard dash in 4.35 seconds, registered a 42.5-inch vertical leap and landed well over the 11-foot mark in the long jump.

His physique and athleticism give him the ability to catch the deep pass, work effectively in short yardage situations, break tackles and block. There is no other wide receiver in the NFL as diverse as Calvin Johnson.

His numbers last season speak for themselves. Calvin finished with 96 receptions for over 1,600 yards receiving and 16 touchdowns. There is no reason he can’t improve on that performance in 2012.

Obstacles Facing Elite Wide Receivers

While there are many talented wide receivers in the league, some of the NFL’s elite face obstacles in 2012 that may hold them back.

Wes Welker may be one of the best slot receivers of all time, but has had limited success in finding the end zone. He’s also in the middle of a contract dispute and seems willing to sit out to get a long-term deal.

Andre Johnson is now 30 years old and is coming off a season full of health issues. While he has been a dominant force in his own right, he has never had 1,600 yards or more than nine touchdowns in a season.

Larry Fitzgerald is considered one of the best wide receivers in the game. Unfortunately, he can’t perform to his potential unless he’s catching passes from an elite quarterback.

Victor Cruz had his coming out party last season, setting the Giants' single season record for receiving yards. He may duplicate that performance again this year, but will finish as the NFL’s second-best receiver behind Megatron.