Receiving TD leaders: Owens projected with 15
Michael Harmon / FOXSports.com
Posted: 1 day ago
The preparation of this edition of my off-season caravan sent my head spinning through highlight after highlight, memorable touchdown celebrations and the undressing of countless defensive backs.
This time out I'm proffering my projections for the top 15 wide receivers in the receiving touchdown category.
These players are sometimes portrayed as controversial, selfish and moody. Images of specific players popped into your head with each of those words, didn't they? Or maybe they were images of the same player.
Whatever your feelings on the individual players, the proliferation of receiving touchdowns on highlight shows demonstrates the power of precision passing at the forefront of the minds of football fans. Whether the touchdown was scored on a 60-yard bomb, a slip screen where a receiver broke a tackle and sprinted for a score or a brilliant timing pattern in the end zone, fantasy owners are always watching the looks and red zone patterns to find the breakout star.
The list begins with the mercurial star of the Dallas Cowboys, Terrell Owens. Coming off of his shortened 2005 season, he has much to prove, and a grand stage on which to do it.
1. Terrell Owens, Dallas Cowboys
Bold. Brash. Controversial. Call him whatever you like, just don't forget to give a nod to Owens' aptitude as a football player. Assuming an average return from Owens this season, he'll rise into the Top 10 all-time in touchdowns scored. Of course, that assumes that he and coach Parcells get along for a full season. I believe we'll see Owens make nice this season to bring attention back to his abilities on the field and attempt to leave the other stories in the past.
Owens has ranked in the Top 10 in receiving touchdowns on seven occasions in his career and has led the category twice. I'm looking for him to make the hat trick with frequent connections with Drew Bledsoe.
2005 Stats: tied for 26th in the NFL with 6 touchdowns
2006 Projection: 15 touchdowns
2. Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers
Smith had one of the finest comeback seasons in league history a season ago, tying for the league lead in touchdown receptions and leading the NFL in receiving yardage. He and Jake Delhomme are back at it in 2006 with additional support in the passing game in the persona of Keyshawn Johnson. Johnson will help command attention in coverage that none of the Panthers secondary receivers could draw in 2005. Despite the lack of a consistent target behind Smith, opposing defenses were still unable to contain him.
Smith scored in nine different contests a year ago. With a shift in the running game because of the loss of Stephen Davis, Delhomme will take to the air with more frequency. The speedy Smith is a threat to go the distance every time he touches the ball.
2005 Stats: tied for 1st in the NFL with 12 touchdowns
2006 Projection: 13 touchdowns
Posted: 1 day ago
The preparation of this edition of my off-season caravan sent my head spinning through highlight after highlight, memorable touchdown celebrations and the undressing of countless defensive backs.
This time out I'm proffering my projections for the top 15 wide receivers in the receiving touchdown category.
These players are sometimes portrayed as controversial, selfish and moody. Images of specific players popped into your head with each of those words, didn't they? Or maybe they were images of the same player.
Whatever your feelings on the individual players, the proliferation of receiving touchdowns on highlight shows demonstrates the power of precision passing at the forefront of the minds of football fans. Whether the touchdown was scored on a 60-yard bomb, a slip screen where a receiver broke a tackle and sprinted for a score or a brilliant timing pattern in the end zone, fantasy owners are always watching the looks and red zone patterns to find the breakout star.
The list begins with the mercurial star of the Dallas Cowboys, Terrell Owens. Coming off of his shortened 2005 season, he has much to prove, and a grand stage on which to do it.
1. Terrell Owens, Dallas Cowboys
Bold. Brash. Controversial. Call him whatever you like, just don't forget to give a nod to Owens' aptitude as a football player. Assuming an average return from Owens this season, he'll rise into the Top 10 all-time in touchdowns scored. Of course, that assumes that he and coach Parcells get along for a full season. I believe we'll see Owens make nice this season to bring attention back to his abilities on the field and attempt to leave the other stories in the past.
Owens has ranked in the Top 10 in receiving touchdowns on seven occasions in his career and has led the category twice. I'm looking for him to make the hat trick with frequent connections with Drew Bledsoe.
2005 Stats: tied for 26th in the NFL with 6 touchdowns
2006 Projection: 15 touchdowns
2. Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers
Smith had one of the finest comeback seasons in league history a season ago, tying for the league lead in touchdown receptions and leading the NFL in receiving yardage. He and Jake Delhomme are back at it in 2006 with additional support in the passing game in the persona of Keyshawn Johnson. Johnson will help command attention in coverage that none of the Panthers secondary receivers could draw in 2005. Despite the lack of a consistent target behind Smith, opposing defenses were still unable to contain him.
Smith scored in nine different contests a year ago. With a shift in the running game because of the loss of Stephen Davis, Delhomme will take to the air with more frequency. The speedy Smith is a threat to go the distance every time he touches the ball.
2005 Stats: tied for 1st in the NFL with 12 touchdowns
2006 Projection: 13 touchdowns
posted by The Gryphon at 7:26 PM
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