Los Angeles Chargers tight end Tyler Conklin has become the talk of the town after a highlight reel of running routes went viral. Conklin appeared to do a combination of exaggerated motions, and while some defended it, including the tight end himself, the majority of the reactions have been negative.
But the latest one from a former NFL MVP is a bit different. Cam Newton termed Conklin’s explosiveness impressive but then went on to roast the former New York Jet.
Cam Newton Roasts Tyler Conklin Over Viral Route-Running Video
Conklin faced plenty of backlash over the viral clip, in which he appeared to be doing too many unnecessary movements. Newton believes such exaggerated movements aren’t needed in the NFL, and the quarterbacks don’t have time for receivers to try bamboozling the defenders with their movements.
“For him to be so big and for him to move like that, that’s impressive,” Newton said on his “4th and 1” podcast. “But I have to say this, what you get to your offseason preparation, whether it’s basketball, football, baseball, or any sport, make sure that you’re practicing doing things that actually translate.”
“Too many times I see receivers get caught in this one two-step dance move, and they’re not even the guy that’s running these types of routes. You’re at best the third receiver on your team; you’re not. You’re an outside receiver; most of the time, outside receivers do not run option routes.”
Newton further argued that great tight ends like Antonio Gates, Greg Olsen, Tony Gonzalez, and Travis Kelce, or any great receiver for that matter, never needed that type of movement to be better; thus, Conklin didn’t need it either.
“As quarterbacks, we don’t have time for you to be (mimics Conklin’s movement). Bro run get to the spot, get to the spot bro…You’re not the guy who’s running these routes. Stop it, bro. This is not you. You’re running a bender, you have to get off the line as fast as you possibly can. Typically, it’s four seconds with a clean pocket.”
Newton is very much right in saying that such movements rarely translate to the actual play. However, some have argued, including James Foster of Wide Left, that exactly that type of route running has been working vs. NFL LBs on third downs in the last five years.
Conklin also acknowledged that message and has been undeterred by the backlash over social media. “The internet will be the internet…I’m not tripping,” he said.
He joined the Chargers via free agency this offseason, signing a one-year, $3 million contract that includes $2.83 million in guarantees. The tight end spent the previous three seasons with the Jets. He appeared in 16 games last year, recording 51 receptions for 449 yards and a career-high four touchdowns.