Ranking the AFC South: Wide Receivers

[Tailgate]

EDIT: I just noticed the AFC S. rankings going on in the NFL section here. This thread can be deleted and wait on the WR portion to come up later. My bad yo!

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I know, everyone usually immediately thinks the Colts. But its definitely debatable when breaking it down imo. Especially considering who is throwing those guys the ball.


#1 WR
Wayne had 104 recepts, 1500 yds, 14.5 avg, and 10 tds in 16 games last year. Along with having the luxury of Manning throwing him the ball.

Andre Johnson had 60 recepts, 850 yds, 14.2 avg, and 8 tds in 7 LESS GAMES. AJ's injuries hopefully wont be a concern, if it is... then this thread is worthless. But I really dont think its an issue, and he will have a big year this year.

Edge: Texans (if AJ is healthy)


#2 WR
I dont see Harrison getting back to his old self after his bad injuries last year, off season distractions, and he does turns 36 this August. So for now, Gonzales in the main #2.

Gonzales stats from his rookie year are 37 recepts, 15.6, 576 yds, and 3 tds. He did miss some playing time last year so his numbers are a bit lower than what they should be.

Walters had solid numbers last year at 65 recepts, 12.5 avg, 800 yds, and 4tds. These should hopefully go up for Kevin quite a bit this year as Kubiak has already stated publicly he regretted not using Walter near as much as he should have and will change that this coming season.

Edge: Colts (merely on the upside for Gonzales)


#3,4, and beyond
Colts still have Harrison... but as stated before, can he recover from or avoid more injuries/age/distractions? The next WR up on the stat list for Indy is Devin Aromashodu who only had 7 receptions last year.

Andre Davis looked fantastic filling in when AJ went down last year. He had a freakish almost 18 yards per catch and was huge in the return game. I think we all know the talent Jacoby Jones possesses, and its more than a 4th WR type talent. Bonus in punt returns as well. Can he step it up this year like he did early last year? I think its only a matter of time. Throw in David Anderson for depth and I think we edge out here.

Edge: Texans



So now as it stands... the Texans are looking very solid comparidly. If Harrison comes back and lights it up or if AJ goes down again for significant time... then its all Colts in this department.

[b0ng]

Thanks for the shout out~!

[eriadoc]

The Texans have the potential to be the best WR corps in the AFC South, and maybe top 2 or 3 in the AFC. It hasn't developed yet, though, so until proven otherwise, I'm saying the Colts have the best WR corps. Part of that is they have the best guy throwing them the ball.

The Jags have the tallest WRs in the AFC South, but even with the addition of Jerry Porter, I just don't see them putting up monster numbers, nor do I see them winning games for the Jags. That job belongs to their running game and defense, which does a fine job already.

The Titans won't have a good WR corps until they get a good QB.

Kubiak is pretty good at getting the most offense possible from his guys, so with a healthy year from AJ and Schaub, I do think they should ascend to that level. It hasn't happened yet, though.

[V3rm0nt3r]

Originally Posted by eriadoc

The Titans won't have a good WR corps until they get a good QB.

Dude it doesn't matter who is calling signals the Titans won't have a good passing game until they start drafting smarter and flat out being less retarted, if your big additions to a spot of need include Mike Williams and Justin McCariens and then use a 1st round pick on luxury... I want what you are on man.

Still good news for the TEXANS!!!!!

[hollywood_texan]

The QB position is more important to me than WR positions.

An exceptional QB can do a lot more with average WRs than exceptional WRs and an average QB.

It's nice to have a strong receiver core, but that potential will not be recognized unless the QB capitalizes on it.

Besides, having the best WRs in the league seems to be more of a problem than a benefit. However, that is where AJ really sets himself out from the pack. But, again, you need the QB play capitalize on AJ's talent. History speaks for that.

QB, QB, QB...

[NBT]

The Titans and Jags aren't about outstanding WRs, they are about smashmouth football with darn good RBs in depth. We need to get better running the ball and better defending against the run to ever jump over those two. Indly has an aging QB, but stll arguably the best in Peyton Manning. So whoever the Colts use at WR, they will be near the top in receiving. The Colts are the hardest team in our division to defend against because they can both run and pass with effectiveness.

[hollywood_texan]

Originally Posted by NBT

The Titans and Jags aren't about outstanding WRs, they are about smashmouth football with darn good RBs in depth. We need to get better running the ball and better defending against the run to ever jump over those two. Indly has an aging QB, but stll arguably the best in Peyton Manning. So whoever the Colts use at WR, they will be near the top in receiving. The Colts are the hardest team in our division to defend against because they can both run and pass with effectiveness.

Here, here...

Very well said!

[Goldensilence]

Colts still have the edge overall IMO. Wayne and Harrison are still elite. The offseason distractions will probably end up being just that for Marvin.

I'm excited as the next guy about this team and the way our WR corps especially looks like it is developing but I'm keeping realistic about it this coming year. They'll be good but we need all parts healthy this year.

[PHAROAH]

Watch out for jacoby Jones he is going to be a star.

[Tailgate]

Originally Posted by b0ng

Thanks for the shout out~!

Word. Just think of this thread as a warm up discussion prior to the poll.

[76Texan]

Originally Posted by hollywood_texan

The QB position is more important to me than WR positions.

An exceptional QB can do a lot more with average WRs than exceptional WRs and an average QB.

It's nice to have a strong receiver core, but that potential will not be recognized unless the QB capitalizes on it.

Besides, having the best WRs in the league seems to be more of a problem than a benefit. However, that is where AJ really sets himself out from the pack. But, again, you need the QB play capitalize on AJ's talent. History speaks for that.

QB, QB, QB...

Terry Bradshaw wasn't so hot before Swann and John Stalworth joined the Steelers.
Not to mention the running game with Franco Harris and the Steel Curtain defense that provided Bradshaw with more chances on offense.

[badboy]

Our new running game should make our WRs even more dangerous.

[awtysst]

Originally Posted by NBT

The Titans and Jags aren't about outstanding WRs, they are about smashmouth football with darn good RBs in depth. We need to get better running the ball and better defending against the run to ever jump over those two. Indly has an aging QB, but stll arguably the best in Peyton Manning. So whoever the Colts use at WR, they will be near the top in receiving. The Colts are the hardest team in our division to defend against because they can both run and pass with effectiveness.

Thats true but you need to be balanced on offense. If you are a smash mouth running team and your running game gets stuffed you are in trouble. Also if your Defense lets you down and you go down big early, again the smash mouth football scheme does not work. The great teams are balanced. Look at the Colts. Solid Running game with Adai and solid receivers in Harrison and Wayne. Look at the Pats. Solid running game with Maroney and solid receivers led by Moss. THAT is how one becomes a solid team. To be a champion you need to have a solid D to go with that balanced Offense. Mark my words, the Titans and Jags will NEVER be a serious contender until they get some solid wrs.

[BigBull17]

Originally Posted by Goldensilence

Colts still have the edge overall IMO. Wayne and Harrison are still elite. The offseason distractions will probably end up being just that for Marvin.

I'm excited as the next guy about this team and the way our WR corps especially looks like it is developing but I'm keeping realistic about it this coming year. They'll be good but we need all parts healthy this year.

There is no telling how Harrison will do next year. I know id take our WR courps over theirs. Unless Harrison finds the fountain of youth, we have a slight edge. if hes back, they are a little better than us. Now, QB...

[Goldensilence]

Originally Posted by BigBull17

There is no telling how Harrison will do next year. I know id take our WR courps over theirs. Unless Harrison finds the fountain of youth, we have a slight edge. if hes back, they are a little better than us. Now, QB...

I think our depth in the tail end might give us a slight edge but Harrison will have had the entire offseason to recover and from what I've heard before in the offseason he keeps in great shape. Harrison might be a year older but what kind of makes my stomach turn is Gonzalez getting on the same page as Wayne and Harrison are with Manning. You'll basically end up having a more athletic Stokely.

Clark is a TE in name but the guy is pratically a WR playing TE that causes mismatch nightmares.

Don't get me wrong I really do like our WR corps especially if we get Jones back to where he was prior to his shoulder injury we very well could have elite depth at the position. Funny how a year can really change a spot on our team. If we can get a solid running game going I see echoes of a Broncos team under Kubiak that lead the league in scoring one year.

[b0ng]

I'm going to do TE's separately so they won't be included here. Only wideouts. I think Wayne and Harrison will be slight favorites over AJ and his merry men. The Jags and the Titans really need work on their receiving corps. I went homerish here. AJ for the win.

[Goldensilence]

Went with Colts slight edge but If JJ comes along this year...we have a really good WR corps with elite depth.

I have to say I am really excited about the way this offense can look next year. We got solid speed at WRs and if we can get a solid running game with some speed from Slaton we could have something special brewing.

[gtexan02]

Harrison and Wayne are just too good at what they do. I love AJ, but after that, we have a bunch of role players. Harrison and Wayne are both #1s anywhere else in the league

[kiwitexansfan]

Colts have better quality, Texans have better depth, Titans and Jags are both cover your eyes awful.

Colts got the nod, although I do ask myself what our guys would do with P. Manning throwing to them.

[edo783]

IMO, it's almost a coin toss between us and the Colts. I did the homer thing and picked us, but it was because I think Harrison will not be the factor he has been in the past.