Eric Decker is a model of consistency

With the New York Jets, wide receiver Eric Decker continues to be consistent in the grand scheme of things.

It’s time to put some “Respekt” in wide receiver Eric Decker’s name. When the New York Jets signed Decker to a to a five-year, $36.25M contract in 2014, critics claimed that the team was desperate after finishing 30th and 31st in passing yards per game in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Others hailed him as a product of quarterback Peyton Manning, but his 2015 campaign put those assumptions to rest.

Related Story: Analyzing 2015 season of Eric Decker

Last season, Decker enjoyed one of his finest outings accumulating 1,027 yards on 80 receptions and catching 12 touchdowns. Decker did most of his damage in the slot as he created various match up problems due to his size and speed, making it difficult for opponents to defend. Alongside wide receiver Brandon Marshall, the dynamic duo formed one of the best wide receiver tandem’s in the NFL combining for 2,529 yards and 26 touchdowns.

However, when assessing Decker’s game on an individual basis, there are many aspects which are underrated. Since Decker entered the league in 2010, he has been a touchdown machine catching 50 during that span. While he’s not the most flashy receiver, Decker is an excellent route runner and possesses deceptive speed which allows him to get open and catch defenders off guard.

Throughout his career, Decker has been a model of consistency. During Decker’s first season with the Jets, he caught a team-high 74 passes from quarterback Geno Smith and accounted for five of Smith’s 13 touchdowns, but lingering injuries during the season limited his production.

More from The Jet Press

• NY Jets: Why the team should target cornerback Shaquill Griffin
• NY Jets reportedly non-tendering linebacker Harvey Langi
• NY Jets: Why the team should not cut Jamison Crowder
• NY Jets should try to sign Kenny Golladay in free agency
• NY Jets: Jonnu Smith would be a smart free-agent target

Prior to his time with the Jets, Decker spent four seasons with the Denver Broncos catching passes from former quarterbacks Tim Tebow and Kyle Orton for two of those seasons.

Decker established himself as a reliable pass catcher and one of the stars of Tebow Time.

Decker caught one third of Tebow’s career touchdown passes (five of 17) and became one of his favorite targets.

In 2011, Decker led the team in receiving and touchdown catches with 44 receptions and eight touchdowns, respectively. 

In 2012, the Broncos signed Manning and Decker thrived catching 24 touchdown and accumulating 2,352 yards on 172 receptions in his final two seasons with the team.

must read: Predicting final results for 2016

Decker has cemented his place among one of the most trustworthy receivers in the NFL. He has caught touchdowns from six different signal callers in six seasons and has continued to produce regardless of the player under center.