I am looking for the clutch playmakers. Guys who broke the backs of defenders, guys who could always get open, who other teams dreaded playing against. Guys who made their teams better. 1975-present
This is my list.
1. Michael Irvin My all-time favorite. A winner. I saw him carry the Univ of Miami team with Jimmy Johnson, where he earned the eternal name of THE PLAYMAKER. A vocal and spiritual leader on and off the field. He could get open against any CB on any down. Was always open on 3rd downs and clutch moments. He would break the backs and minds of defensive backs. Getting separation was perfomed by him better than most speedy receivers. Played on Emmit Smith run-dominating teams. High of 111 catches in 1995. Had two years of averaging over 20 yards a catch. Broke the Buffalo Bills' backs and set the tone with two early TD's in first half of the first of two Super Bowl games. When the ball was up in air, Michael would seize it. His mold is almost impssible to recreate.
2. Drew Pearson- Hall of Famer speaks all. Roger the Dodger's favorite WR. Like Michael after him, he could get open anytime against anyone. Great hands, smart player. Succeeded Joe Theisman as a QB for a NJ high school. In the Hail Mary game against the Vikings, playoffs after the 1975 season, caught three pases covering all 91 yards. A true Mr. Clutch.
3. Terrell Owens 245 catches, 38 TD's in 3 seasons is upper stratosphere production. Tony Romo made great by long passes to T.O. His nutcase personality would not lead to longevity with Boys or any other team. Was basically unable to be covered by DB's his entire career.
4. Dez Bryant- Great performer, impact player earlier in his career. Lost all speed and quickness prematurely. In his best 3 years, 2010-2012, averaged 92 catches and 14 TD's per year. His nutsy personality and unacceptable behavior on sidelines diminished his stature.
5. Tony Hill, underrated 2nd receiver to Drew. Was great after the catch. Tremendous quickness to get open. Averaged 16.7 yards per catch in his career.
6. Cee Dee Lamb. He may rise higher in time.
7. Amari Cooper: not making the impact like he did in the first 6 games when he came over. Not consistently open. Carrying too many nagging injuries. Not very vocal leader. Not the consistent gamebreaker, game after game. Does not take over games like numbers 1-4 did consistently. High of 8 TD's in one season not enough for a superstar.