New Receivers, New Possibilities

NFL News - July 22nd, 2009 - Written by Ryan Smith

Last year we saw how to good wide receivers and a semi-good quarterback can lead an offense and, a team to the Super Bowl in the NFC champion Arizona Cardinals. Andre Johnson of the Houston Texans played all 16 games last year and was the league leader in receiving yards at 1575 and total receptions at 115, even with out a top ten quarterback on his team. In fact only three receivers last year caught more than 100 receptions, Johnson of course surpassed the 100 reception mark followed by Wes Welker who caught 111 receptions (with out Tom Brady) and Brandon Marshall from the Broncos caught 104 passes in 2008. Brandon Marshall lost his quarterback of the last three years in Jay Cutler who was traded to the Bears so expect to see Marshall's numbers decrease in 2009.

Larry Fitzgerald every ones favorite wide out these days didn't lead the league in receptions or yards but that's to be expected from a guy who has to compete for passes with Anquan Boldin. Still Fitzgerald played in all 16 games and caught 12 touchdown passes tied for the most in the NFL in 2008. The other receiver that matched Fitzgerald's 12 touchdown receptions was rookie sensation Calvin Johnson of the Detroit Lions. I have know idea how Calvin managed to catch 12 touchdowns, i think he had three different quarterbacks throw him the ball in the 16 games he started. Not to mention Fitzgerald caught 12 touchdowns over 96 receptions and Calvin Johnson caught 12 touchdown passes with just 78 receptions on the year, amazing numbers for a rookie with out a quarterback.

So if Fitzgerald is not the guy to watch in 2009 and Calvin Johnson already broke out last year, who's left? Well Randy Moss managed to catch 11 touchdowns on only 69 receptions and just barley crossed the 1,000 yard mark last year but, he does have Tom Brady back behind center in 2009. Still Moss is only getting older and older and his production in 2009 depends solely on Tom Brady's performance. Terrell Owens played well last year despite all the media scrutiny, in 16 games he also caught 69 passes and managed to get into the end zone 10 times and breached the 1,000 yard mark as well. I like Owens but a new team means new controversy and by week 7, ESPN and the rest of the sports media will find some reason to talk about T.O. distracting him from on the field, something ESPN loves to do, push their opinions on to the world.

Then who is the guy that's going to star on sports centers top ten all year long in 2009? I would love to pick just one guy but, it's so hard in a league filled with talent at that position. So these are my three guys to watch in 2009. Steve Smith, Smith caught 78 catches for over 1,400 yards and was the only player to average over 100 plus yards per game in 2008, that was in just 14 games. Chad Johnson, I know he seems like an obvious pick but, he had his worst season last year and with T.J. gone and Carson Palmer back he is sure to get better stats in 2009. My last pick brings us back to the top in Andre Johnson. Johnson has the least explosive offense of all three candidates but some how manages to get amazing numbers year in and year out. If your playing fantasy football this season be sure to make one of these three receivers your first selection at the wide receiver position.