Article Title: James’ Impressive Performance and Opportunities Increase his Chances of Becoming a Key Receiver for the Chiefs
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Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver A.J. James has been turning heads during training camp with his exceptional performance and potential contributions to the team in the upcoming season. Despite injuries to Kadarius Toney and Justyn Ross, James has shown great promise and is making a strong case for more playing time.
Last season, James finished first in catch rate over expected among wide receivers in New York. This impressive performance, coupled with his ability to gain separation from defenders, has caught the attention of the Chiefs coaching staff. Even in Sunday’s practice, James led the team with an average of 4.1 yards of separation in routes run, demonstrating his ability to succeed even in tight spaces.
James’ journey to this point has not been easy. As a seventh-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2018, he had limited playing time in his first three seasons. However, an unfortunate knee injury sidelined him for the entirety of the 2021 season. Nevertheless, James bounced back with the Giants in New York, setting career highs in catches, yards, and touchdowns.
In 2022, James showcased his reliability as a target, earning an impressive 81.4 catch percentage and generating a 119.6 passer rating for quarterbacks targeting him. These numbers placed him at the top of the league amongst all wide receivers with at least 50 targets. Now, with the opportunity to play alongside MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes, James is poised to make an even greater impact on the field.
Teammates and coaches have noticed James’ dedication and familiarity with the Chiefs’ offensive system. Mahomes himself has praised James’ ability to anticipate where the ball will go even before the snap, making him an excellent option for pivotal moments during games.
While much attention has been on other receivers like Toney, Skyy Moore, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, James has quietly been earning more playing time and proving himself as a reliable option for Mahomes. It’s important not to undervalue his potential contributions and expect him to make key plays in important moments during the 2023 season.
Although James may not be considered a full-fledged No. 1 receiver or a high pick in fantasy football drafts, his performances in training camp and his chemistry with Mahomes are undoubtedly exciting for Chiefs fans. The 27-year-old wideout has the opportunity to emerge as a key weapon for the Chiefs offense in the upcoming season. Only time will tell if James can translate his impressive practice performances into game day success.