How did Irvin's playing style and tactics compare to Dez's?

[Red Dragon]

At the risk of oversimplification, it seems that Michael Irvin was about technique, precision and honed timing while Dez is more about straight-up beasting the DBs and defense. Anyone else feel this way?

 

[DandyDon1722]

I would say that's pretty accurate. I don't feel that Dez and Tony have the same timing as Michael and Troy but Dez is more of a bull in a china shop that Michael was.

 

[FLcowboy]

At the risk of oversimplification, it seems that Michael Irvin was about technique, precision and honed timing while Dez is more about straight-up beasting the DBs and defense. Anyone else feel this way?

Yeah, pretty much. Dez is more physical, and I think Dez has better hands. Irvin was perhaps a more polished receiver

 

[SuspectCorner]

Dez is VERY similar to Michael Irvin - vocal sideline leader, physical and demonstrative... larger-than-life personality who backs up his words on the field. Check out his perfect push-off on the TD reception against Texans... never locks his elbows - knows just what he can get away with. Shrewd AND physically imposing... an awesome combination in a receiver. Maybe the best at his position right now, stats be damned.

 

[SuspectCorner]

Trust me when I say Michael Irvin was as physically imposing as any receiver in the NFL in his day. He would flat kill a defense on RAC on short slants across the middle - dude was a fearless beast at WR. Any notions of Irvin as just a 'polished' (finesse) route-runner are just wrong. Dude was tough as nails, could take a shot and deliver a blow with the best of them... a real chore for a tackler to bring down. Beast in his day.

 

[Ashwynn]

Michael had better theatrics as well. That thrust-squat spike after a TD or the famous thrust squat first down point moving forward. OMG. that fired the fans up. Michaels still the better receiver today but Dez has youth on his side.

 

[zack]

Trust me when I say Michael Irvin was as physically imposing as any receiver in the NFL in his day. He would flat kill a defense on RAC on short slants across the middle - dude was a fearless beast at WR. Any notions of Irvin as just a 'polished' (finesse) route-runner are just wrong. Dude was tough as nails, could take a shot and deliver a blow with the best of them... a real chore for a tackler to bring down. Beast in his day.

Irvin ran precision routes. Much better route runner than Dez. But he was equally as physical. Remember they didn't call Pass interference like they do now.

 

[perrykemp]

Irvin ran precision routes. Much better route runner than Dez. But he was equally as physical. Remember they didn't call Pass interference like they do now.

Irvin was an all-around WR with really no weaknesses in his game.

 

[mrmojo]

Irvin was the most physical receiver I ever saw. Add precise routes and great hands and he was virtually unstoppable on slants. Add leadership' confidence and hard work and its easy to see why he is in the HOF.

Dez has the physical tools to be like that...he's not there yet....but the potential is there.

 

[Doomsday101]

At the risk of oversimplification, it seems that Michael Irvin was about technique, precision and honed timing while Dez is more about straight-up beasting the DBs and defense. Anyone else feel this way?

I think they are very similar myself.