Fbkid's top ten wide receiver tandems

Sometimes having one very good receiver can change the total outcome of the game. But when teams have two good receivers who can prevent the defense to going to double coverage, the passing game could be great. All of the teams mentioned on this list have that. So without further explanation, here is my list of the top ten receiver tandems in the NFL.

1. Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin Cardinals: Both Fitzgerald and Boldin are among the elite receivers in the NFL. Fitzgerald is more of the redzone threat and gets more media attention but Boldin is the better possession receiver and is great at yards after the catch. If Matt Leinart develops, the Cardinals have the makings of a great offense for years.

2.Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh Bengals: While Johnson is the one that gets all of the media attention, Houshmandzadeh has been the more productive receiver the last few years. But when Johnson focuses on the game and isn't worrying about his contract, he is one of the five best receivers in the league.

3. Randy Moss, Wes Welker Patriots: Many would think this tandem would be on top of the list but a lot of it had to do with who was at quarterback. If they didn't have Tom Brady throwing them the ball, their stats wouldn't be as good. Moss is one of the top five receivers in the league but everyone around the league expects him to have seasons like that when he is motivated. Welker is a very good slot receiver but he is Mike Furrey on a better team. Both are great possession receivers but due to the team around them, only one gets their due.

4. Terrell Owens, Patrick Crayton Cowboys: Owens even at 34, is still producing like an all pro receiver as he is a touchdown machine and improved on his drops. Crayton had a career year last season and became a solid number two option. But Crayton doesn't get much attention from opposing defenses due to Owens and Jason Witten. Crayton is a solid player but the Cowboys could get an upgrade to line opposite Owens.

5. Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne Colts: Wayne had an excellent year and is turning into one of the best receivers in the league. If Harrison was healthy all of last season this tandem would be higher. But Harrison at 35 is nearing the end of his career. In the next year or two it will be Anthony Gonzalez occupying the spot opposite Wayne.

6. Donald Driver, Greg Jennings Packers: This tandem may not be as productive this year as they are both adjusting to Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. But either way they are both among the best receivers in the league. Jennings showed glimpses in his rookie season but fully broke out last year with 12 touchdowns last year. Driver remains one of the best possession receivers in the league. Plus with James Jones entering his second year, Rodgers won't have a lack of options in Green Bay.

7. Braylon Edwards, Donte Stallworth Browns: Edwards last year broke out in his third year and showed why he is becoming one of the leagues best receivers. Stallworth is a great compliment as he is a great deep threat for Derek Anderson. Throw in Kellen Winslow and they have one of the most explosive offenses in the league.

8.Roy Williams, Calvin Johnson Lions: Both Williams and Johnson were productive last season but they have the potential to be much higher on the list. Williams is a pro bowl caliber receiver but the only problem is if he has the dedication to get to that level. Johnson had a nagging back injury last season though and has the potential to be an elite receiver in the league.

9. Torry Holt, Drew Bennett Rams: Even though it was a rough year for the Rams, Holt was always consistent. As always he put up another campaign with 90 plus catches, 1100 yards and 7 touchdowns. Bennett is a great redzone target but had limited time last year. But with Isaac Bruce gone, that will change. Bennett only showed glimpses of his potential during his incredible stretch in 2004 and when healthy he could become a ten touchdown calibar player. Plus with speedster Donnie Avery drafted in the second round, things are starting to shape up for the Rams.

10. Steve Smith, D.J. Hackett Panthers: Smith has been one of the most productive receivers in the NFL and it is even more incredible considering his size. While most players on the list are six feet or taller, Smith is 5'9 and is winning jump balls against elite corners in the league. Hackett isn't bad either as he has been productive player when he isn't hurt. If Jake Delhomme can recover from Tommy John Surgery, Smith and Hackett will show what they are fully capable of.

26 Comments On: "Fbkid's top ten wide receiver tandems"

 
Solid post FB, I like the way you give Donte Stallworth some love.

By season's end, I think the Broncos will have a combo on this list

I agree, but so far they don't have an established number two receiver as Stokley has been a number three for his whole career. Plus it will depend on if Brandon Marshall if fully healthy.

well you figure they are going to cuz they got Marshall which is a lock and then what other receiver steps up like Darrell Jackson, Samie Parker, Keary Colbert, Glenn Martinez, Eddie Royal, or Brandon Stokley.

that was meant for BirdsFan536

u think the broncos deserve to be on too many lists...the 6 playoff team list that i posted then this one...brandon marshall is good but the other guy isnt good enough to get them here...give it a rest

nope, they have marshall but nobody that will put them on the top tandem list

Interesting and solid post fbkid. It made me realize that there are probably only a few teams where both the 1&2 could play the 1 for most teams. Saind another way, both guys would be ranked in the top 32.
In my opinion those teams are Cardinals, Bengals, Colts (assuming Marvin didn't shoot the guy in Philly and he'll be around a little longer) and (am I really going there?) the Lions (yep I just did).
As you indicated, the mere presence of Moss or T.O, makes them part of a solid tandem regardless of who they're paired with. Welker and Crayton are "just guys" on any other roster.

While on the topic:
All-time most overrated tandem: Lynn Swann and John Stallworth. Swann makes a great catch in the Super Bowl (no insignificant feat mind you) and he's a hall of famer. Stallworth was a very fine receiver as well but as a pair these guys benefitted from the fact that the Steelers had a dominating defense and solid running game,
Most underrated tandem: Jimmy Smith and Keenan McCardell . Toiled virtually unnoticed, putting up incredible numbers in a pass-oriented Jaguars offense for several years. Both guys (at one point) in the all time top ten for receptions.

Very good points hiphop. I agree on your overrated and underrated receiver tandems. Smith and McCardell combined had over 1700 catches. If they weren't playing in Jacksonville, they would get more recognition. Heck, the Jaguars are still trying to replace them. Swann and Stallworth combined only had around half of the receptions that the Jaguars tandem had as well. To me both Smith and McCardell deserve to be in the hall of fame.



Too solid, FB. Steve Smith could have made the list solo. Thanks for always putting so much effort into your posts for the Yard. Always good stuff. Must run in the family 'cause I like Shakedem's 64-dreads tournament, too.

Nice list FB. The ONLY thing I personally disagree with is, I would swap Dallas and Detroit. I really think Crayton is an over rated reciever, and think Roy is under rated and Calvin will have a breakout year, assuming that Kitna will be able to get him the ball...Where the heck is Kevin Curtis/ Reggie Brown?? JK man Good post!

I agree that Crayton is a bit overhyped as most players on the Cowboys are. 12 players from them made the pro bowl last year including Roy Williams when is a safety with limited pass coverage. I agree with the Lions though. They will be better off without Mike Martz running the offense as now teams won't know that they will be passing every play.

I thought it would be interesting to see how I made this list last year considering lots of changes have been made. Here is a link to last year's list. http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/Top_10_Receiving_Tandems/17622#view_comments

interesting comparison, thanks for the link....

i disagree with the card's tandem of boldin and fitz @ #1. i don't htink they deserve those kind of accolades until they reach the playoffs

boldin and fitz should not be # 1 they are 5 at best they haven't even been to a playoff

why you put T.O and crayton so high,, crayton aint do nuttin last yr, i would take Edwards and Stallworth over Them anytime ,anyday !

agreed

I agree with the # 1.Boldin and Fitz are under rated and on a team that would miss the playoffs with the NFC pro bowl team playing for them.Put them on a team that can have a shot in the platoffs and they would get there. I think the 2 wont be on the cards very long. Looks like Boldin is wanting a new deal. Not saying he is good as gone but ther is a chance.Hell I`ll take him in Philly.

"1. Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin Cardinals... If Matt Leinart develops, the Cardinals have the makings of a great offense for years."
Matt Leinart is a complete joke, and looking more and more like the latest re-incarnation of Ryan Leaf.
With Leinart behind center, these 2 elite receivers are a complete waste of great talent. In 2007, Leinart completed zero touchdowns to Fitzgerald and only 1 to Anquan Boldin. He averaged a mere 129 passing yards per game (lowest in the NFL), and posted the worst passer rating in the NFL (60.9). Leinart averaged only 0.4 TD's per game, and threw 2 interceptions for every touchdown. No wonder Boldin wants out of Arizona and Fitzgerald demanded half the money in the entire state.
If Arizona were smart (and they're not... they're owned by the meddling Bidwills -- the most inept and cheapest owners in pro sports history), then they'd stick with Kurt Warner at quarterback. After Leinart was thankfully injured last season (2 season-ending injuries in his last 5 sacks!), Warner went on to complete 27 touchdowns in only 11 starts --- and 21 touchdowns in his final 8 starts. 8 of those TD's went to Boldin, and 11 went to Fitzgerald who was then able to make the Pro Bowl and hit all his contract incentives. Warner finished the season in the top-10 in most QB categories, including passer rating, yards per game, and touchdowns per game.

With Warner/Fitzgerald/Boldin playing together, the Cardinals were a top-3 passing offense. With Leinart/Fitzgerald/Boldin, the Cardinals' passing offense was ranked 32nd (dead last). That says it all.
Arizona needs to accept that Leinart is a bust, fix their defense and running game (replace Edgerrin "No Gain" James), and they might just have a chance at the playoffs this year.

PS. Almost forgot to mention... Good list, FB!

And I agree with the Fitz/Boldin at the #1 slot, I just don't think they'll achieve that position next season without Warner (with Leinart) at QB.

I like the top few, but if the rest is accurate I'd have to say the league is weak at receiver.

the McCardell/Smith thing was a nice mention. They might be the best tandem ever and no one even knows who they are.

I have to disagree with the Welker comments. He's talented. He was great in Miami, but it was Miami.

wes welker is not that good

Even Though the Jets suck they have Cotchery and Coles who are both very good possession receivers and Coles is also a deep threat where as Cotchery gets YAC. The Steelers also have a solid tandem of Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes. Then there is Oakland with Javon Walker and Ronald Curry ( I think its Curry I forget) They are very solid.

I agree that the Ward/Holmes combo should be up there

Ward is really starting to decline though. I know he's loved by all Steelers fans, but he barely averaged 10 yards a catch last year. I think Holmes is going to be the Steelers number one receiver while Ward is the number two until Limas Sweed is ready.

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