Donald Driver has enjoyed a long and productive NFL career. The Green Bay Packers wide receiver is now 36 years old and will be coming into his 13th season in the NFL.

From the years 2002-2009, Driver amassed 1,000-plus receiving yards seven times in that eight-year stretch. But 2010 saw Driver's production drop across the board at an alarming rate.

Driver played in 15 regular-season games last year for Green Bay. Consider the following numbers: his yardage dropped from 1,061 to 565, his average yards per catch dropped from 15.2 to 11.1 and the catches he made that resulted in first downs went from 49 to 29.

Now look at his reception numbers.

In the past five years, his reception totals have plummeted: 92, 82, 74, 70 and 51 respectively. Slowly but surely, he is becoming less of a factor in the Packers' passing attack.

In 2010, Driver finished fourth in receiving yards for the Packers and was surpassed by Greg Jennings, James Jones and Jordy Nelson. At least Driver will be able to look forward to receiving a NFL Super Bowl ring. Once he gets that, he will realize that all of the years of wear and tear were worth it.

But with all of the options available to Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay, it was probably just a matter of time until his production dropped off.

Isn't Donald Driver like 68 yards short of the all time team receiving record?

"nerdmann" wrote:

Most Yards Receiving, Career
9,656 James Lofton, 1978-86 (9 seasons)
9,050 Donald Driver, 1999-2009 (11 seasons)
8,134 Sterling Sharpe, 1988-94 (7 seasons)
7,991 Don Hutson, 1935-45 (11 seasons)
6,918 Boyd Dowler, 1959-69 (11 seasons)

"nerdmann" wrote:

Am I crazy to think that, personal preferences aside, it would be in the best interest of the franchise to cut Driver lose and re-sign Jones? Jones is likely to have better numbers than Driver anyway next season if he comes back, and he will be around for several more years.

I know this isn't a popular stance, but if it comes down to letting Jones go just to keep Driver for one more decent season likely, it would seem to make sense.

Thoughts?

"doddpower" wrote:

The statistics wpr cites don't include the 2010 season.

"Nonstopdrivel" wrote:

The statistics wpr cites don't include the 2010 season.

"Nonstopdrivel" wrote:

My resistance to such an idea has nothing to do with fan sentimentality and everything to do with my appreciation for Driver's willingness to go over the middle and make the difficult catch, and his ability to battle for the extra yard or two without losing the ball. In terms of raw numbers, Jones' output is better and therefore the move might make sense from that standpoint, but he seemingly cannot be relied upon in pivotal situations. His drops at inopportune times have directly lead to more than one defeat. If Jones could be coached out of his lack of focus, I would say that the team should make such a move in a heartbeat, Driver's feel-good dream of playing till 40 notwithstanding.

"Nonstopdrivel" wrote:

Most Yards Receiving, Career
9,656 James Lofton, 1978-86 (9 seasons)
9,050 Donald Driver, 1999-2009 (11 seasons)
8,134 Sterling Sharpe, 1988-94 (7 seasons)
7,991 Don Hutson, 1935-45 (11 seasons)
6,918 Boyd Dowler, 1959-69 (11 seasons)

"nerdmann" wrote:

Bringing him back so that he can beat the record would be idiotic. They should bring him back because he is the best option available. If he is not, he needs to go.

"Nonstopdrivel" wrote:

I can see Donald rebounding this year and getting 700 yards and 60 catches. They don't need him to be the 1000 yards 80 reception receiver at this time.
A key 3rd down receiver who can go over the middle. Someone with heart and will to grind it out. He will make the other WR better players because he is on the team. Jones is a fine player but I don't think he can elevate the game of those around him like Donald Driver can.

"wpr" wrote: