The NFL’s Best Receivers
Wide receivers can be known as the carpenters of the National Football League, because they're the players, more than anybody else, who make a living off of using their hands. With that in mind, here's a round-up of the best handymen at the position in the NFL today.
1. Andre Johnson
#80 Houston Texans
For the second straight season, Andre Johnson‘s numbers have been off the charts. He hauled in 1,569 yards receiving, which was good enough to lead the NFL by 221 yards.
This is only the second time in league history that the same player has won the receiving yards title in back-to-back years.
Unlike the majority of big name receivers who feel compelled to continually talk about themselves to cater their egos, Texan Andre Johnson is perhaps the most quiet and unselfish player at the position.
Johnson has resisted joining the dark side and simply does what he does best - catch passes and make big plays
As far as single game performances go, Johnson was unstoppable against the Tennessee Titans in 2008.
It did not matter who has lined up in front of him, Johnson was in the zone, hauling in 11 receptions with a career-high 207 yards and a touchdown. Not a bad day’s work. Look for him to continue posting big numbers in 2010.
2. Larry Fitzgerald
#11 Arizona Cardinals
Larry Fitzgerald has solidified himself as an elite wide receiver. He possesses all the necessary skills to play at the position and has arguably the best hands in the National Football League.
After his breakout season in 2008, Fitzgerald carried that momentum in the following season and finished with over 1,000 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns, tied for first with New England’s Randy Moss.
At 10-6, the Cardinals slipped harmlessly into the playoffs.The dynamic part about the Cards’ offense came in Fitzgerald’s ability to catch a pass for quarterback Kurt Warner under any circumstance.
In every playoff game, Fiztgerald made spectacular catches despite double coverage. Unfortunately, Arizona was unable to defy the experts this time around and the Cards and their playmaker did not make it to the championship game.
With the retirement of Kurt Warner, Matt Leinart will attempt to fill the void and carry this prolific receiving corps. Fitzgerald will be his number one target, so look for the receiver to post big numbers in 2010.
3. Wes Welker
#83 New England Patriots
Walker is often overlooked due to his quiet demeanour and for the sheer fact that not many guys would get attention playing on the same team as Tom Brady and Randy Moss. With that in mind, Wes Welker has been putting up steady numbers throughout his years in New England.
In fact he was the team’s leading receiver with 123 receptions. He has great hands and is a threat in the short passing game averaging close to 10 yards a catch.
He will continue to work on developing a rapport with QB Tom Brady. his elusive style of running after the catch creates problems for opposing teams.
He says he wants to be one of the best, well he is surely on the right track.
4. Desean Jackson
#10 Philadelphia Eagles
If you don’t think that Desean Jackson is one of the league’s best receivers, then you better check your credentials. Considered rather small for a receiver standing only at 5-10 and weighing only 175 pounds, Jackson is a big target and has an even bigger heart.
He has breakaway speed, good hands and most importantly his ability to see the entire field makes him extremely dangerous. Jackson has also made a name for himself as the team’s best punt returner.
He showed that he doesn’t need mass in that small frame to break tackles if defenders can’t catch him.
Simply put, when Jackson gets involved early in the game, it generally means that defenders covering him are in for a long night.
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