Through seven games, Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu averages 36.7 receiving yards per game — a fraction of the Falcons’ 335.4 receiving yards per game, which ranks second in the NFL.
In the first year of his five-year, $32.5 million contract, Sanu hasn’t produced above the 80-yard, one-touchdown game he recorded against Tampa Bay in the Falcons’ season opener, but Falcons coaches said they’re pleased with his production.
“He’s solid. When we call his number, he’s going to get the job done,” offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said. “There’s a couple times in the last game (against San Diego) when he got an opportunity, we just didn’t give it to him. But Mo’s done what we’ve asked of him, and I’ve been happy with him.”
Sanu compiled a season-low of 16 receiving yards against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday, but worked through a groin injury leading to the game. Sanu also played through a shoulder injury against the Panthers on Oct. 2. Ahead of Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers, coach Dan Quinn believes Sanu is back to full strength.
“The shoulder’s healed up, and the groin’s doing well, too,” Quinn said. “We’re expecting him at full gas here for the week, as well as all the receivers.”
Although Sanu, a fifth-year receiver from Rutgers who signed with the Falcons in the offseason, hasn’t matched the performance of an elite receiver such as Julio Jones, the benefit of his presence in Atlanta can’t be denied. Jones has racked up 830 receiving yards in seven games this season, most on the team and in the league.
With characteristic humility, Jones attributes part of his big-play success to Sanu’s presence downfield.
“He definitely demands a lot of attention,” Jones said. “That’s why he doesn’t get balls too many times because they do double him, and he’s a very crafty guy. They have to have eyes on him. That’s why I’ve been having big plays down the field.”
Averaging 11.2 yards per catch with the Falcons, Sanu spent the first four seasons of his career with the Bengals behind another big-name receiver, A.J. Green. Sanu proved he could compete under a big-name receiver in 2014 when he caught passes for 790 yards and five touchdowns, finishing behind Green as the Bengals’ second highest receiver. Green accumulated 1,041 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 2014.
With 258 receiving yards and two touchdowns with the Falcons, Sanu ranks third among Falcons receivers in yards, behind Jones and running back Tevin Coleman. Although he has been targeted fewer times than Jones, Sanu doesn’t mind helping the All-Pro receiver propel his team downfield.
“Julio is the best receiver in the league,” Sanu said. “He’s done a lot of great things I’ve seen. He plays inside (and) outside, and he’s just dynamic. To be able to take some pressure off of him when I get my turn is fun.”
In seven games, Sanu was targeted 40 times, catching 58 percent, while Jones, targeted 65 times, caught 62 percent.
Sanu ranked last season among Bengals receivers with 394 receiving yards, his lowest output since his rookie season, but he might have a chance to boost his numbers with the Falcons. He’s on track to catch just under 600 yards.
Sanu might also have the chance to bounce back from his performance against the Chargers as soon as Sunday against a banged up Packers secondary. The Packers have been lenient in the pass game this season, allowing 10 passing touchdowns and an average of 242.2 passing yards per game, 18th in the NFL.
“They make a lot of plays, and we just have to be on our P’s and Q’s and go out there and attack the ball,” Sanu said. “I’m just going to be out there and be energetic. Be lively. Blocking when we’ve got our backs running the ball, and when I got the ball, make plays.”
