Rating Our Playmaker Wide Receivers Since 1975

[DFWJC]

Our offense was never the same after Harper left in 1995. Granted, his departure was not the only reason for that, but Jerry spent the rest of the 90s chasing another Harper and never really found him; firrst, thinking he could co cheap and have Kevin Williams play that role; then, trying to make Deion a WR, signing a complete waste of a roster space in Anthony Miller and hyping guys like Stepfret Williams. He passed on Moss in 1998, which only compounded the problem with Gailey convincing Jerry guys like Ernie Mills, Jeff Ogden and Billie Davis could do the job. Jerry came close to finally rectifying the lack of a true #2 signing The Rocket in 1999, but that was five years after Harper left and Irvin's last injury shortened year. The next year was the horrendous Galloway trade and we never really had truly complementary receivers again until TO was paired was Terry Glenn and that lasted all but a year.

Lots of truth there.

As for Harper.....
Harper definitely fit well with what we had.
Emmitt dominant running , and catching short stuff
Irvin and Novacek intermediate
Harper deep threat

To be fair though, the highest-scoring offense in that era was the AFTER Harper left--the 1995 Super Bowl year when he was in Tampa

 

[khiladi]

Our offense was never the same after Harper left in 1995. Granted, his departure was not the only reason for that, but Jerry spent the rest of the 90s chasing another Harper and never really found him; firrst, thinking he could co cheap and have Kevin Williams play that role; then, trying to make Deion a WR, signing a complete waste of a roster space in Anthony Miller and hyping guys like Stepfret Williams. He passed on Moss in 1998, which only compounded the problem with Gailey convincing Jerry guys like Ernie Mills, Jeff Ogden and Billie Davis could do the job. Jerry came close to finally rectifying the lack of a true #2 signing The Rocket in 1999, but that was five years after Harper left and Irvin's last injury shortened year. The next year was the horrendous Galloway trade and we never really had truly complementary receivers again until TO was paired was Terry Glenn and that lasted all but a year.

I think it had more to do with Norv leaving and Novacek having the back issues…

Man, but the throwback to Stepfret Williams is golden! I haven’t heard that name in years….

 

[rags747]

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.

Interesting #’s. So why is Pearson in the HOF and Hill doesn’t even get a sniff?

 

[Twin928]

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.

U already have ceedee ahead of cooper ur nuts had me up until the last 2

 

[dcstar]

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

AKA "Thrill Hill"

Go Cowboys!

 

[rdskn4eva]

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.

I think cee dee gets open as much as he does because he has cooper on the other side. I’m not sure how other defensive coordinators are playing them but if I was a dc, cooper would be the person I’m trying to stop first.

 

[CowboyRoy]

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.

Owens is the best talentwise and production. Lamb will be #2 on that list if not #1 before its all said and done.

Irvin is just the best all around period.

Pearson is a cry baby that boohoed his way into people feeling sorry for him so they finally let him into the HOF so they didnt have to listen to him cry anymore.

 

[CowboyRoy]

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.

Hes not even the best WR on the team. Lamb is the #1.

Cooper can barely stay on the field.

 

[Wolfpack]

Not as a Cowboy though. I think that's probably what he means
4 seasons (2003-2006) averaging about 825 yards a season in Dallas...

Thats fair. He was at the end here for sure. He missed nearly a whole season one year with an injury. Prime for prime, I think he's a wash with Copper in terms of skill set.

 

[VaqueroTD]

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.

Normal 3 WR set Irvin, Hayes, Pearson
Normal 4 WR set/Hail Mary Hayes, Tony Hill, Pearson, Dez
Red Zone Irvin, Dez, Cooper

TO gets cut. Would have to listen to him whine all day about not getting the ball with that much talent on the roster.

 

[DFWJC]

Thats fair. He was at the end here for sure. He missed nearly a whole season one year with an injury. Prime for prime, I think he's a wash with Copper in terms of skill set.

Prime for prime?
Oh yeah...I agree

 

[plasticman]

No love for Miles Austin? He is ranked #5 among Cowboys for career yardage.

 

[SFloridaCowboy]

3rd and 8, which WR was or is most likely to get open for an 8-15 yard catch (exclude TE, as Witten is clear leader for that position, followed by Novacek, Billy Joe Dupree and Doug Cosbie)

My top two WR choices are still Irvin and Pearson.

 

[Bobhaze]

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.

Good list but how can you leave off Hall of Famer “Bullet” Bob Hayes? The man who changed pro football with his speed and averaged 20 yards per reception and held the Cowboys TD reception record until Dez broke it. Has to be in top 3 all time Cowboys receivers.