Rating Our Playmaker Wide Receivers Since 1975

SFloridaCowboy

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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.
 

John813

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For me, flip CDL and Cooper for now.

While some games he may not have great stat lines it seems that his presence out there alone gets other guys better coverage matchups/looser zone coverages.
I think CDL can definitely surpass him in time but a healthy Cooper is almost impossible to cover with his route running ability and he still has his speed to keep separation.
 

cowboyec

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using the criteria '75-present...
1.drew pearson
2.michael irvin
3.dez bryant
4.tony hill
5.alvin harper
 

cowboyec

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and just so his name shows up here...
:bow:KELVIN MARTIN:bow:
and thank you...for everything.
 

MountaineerCowboy

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CeeDee, although great, at no point has ever been better than Cooper.

The reason CeeDee looks as good as he does is because the attention that Cooper gets. When Cooper is out and CeeDee is plying (KC game) CeeDee was nonexistent.

Maybe and hopefully CeeDee becomes 10x the receiver Cooper is, but right now he isn't.
 

MarcusRock

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For me, flip CDL and Cooper for now.

While some games he may not have great stat lines it seems that his presence out there alone gets other guys better coverage matchups/looser zone coverages.
I think CDL can definitely surpass him in time but a healthy Cooper is almost impossible to cover with his route running ability and he still has his speed to keep separation.

Absolutely. People keep measuring Lamb for his HOF jacket but forget that Cooper turned around our season when he got here almost all by himself. Wish there was more data where there was no Cooper and only Lamb but we only have the KC game this year and Lamb had 3 catches for 14 yards.
 

CATCH17

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Cooper is our best wideout and possible Offensive MVP. Him or Tyron.

Lamb is at his best when he’s an afterthought.

Amari makes our QB look average when he doesn’t play.
 

irishline

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Everyone forgets Tony Hill b/c he played in an era when wrs didn't put up huge numbers.

Yeah. Not saying he was on Drew's level but he was closer than most give credit. For their careers they had nearly identical numbers.

Pearson: 489 catches, 7822 yards, 16.0 avg. 48 TDs (11 seasons)
Hill: 479 catches, 7988 yards, 16.7 avg. 51 TDs (10 seasons)

They were an incredible duo the 6 years they started across from each other.
 
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