Michael Irvin's Three Greatest WRs

Rice has gotta be #1 on any list talking about the top WR's, and even the top players of all-time regardless of position.

Actually, I've just seen footage of Lynn Swann on old NFL films and read about how smooth a route-runner he was. Also, the four super bowls are big (although he played a pivotal role in only 2/4 I think)

Stats-wise, it's really tough to compare today's receivers to those of even twenty years ago. The vertical passing game didn't really start picking up until the early 80s due to the offensive sets of guys like Walsh and Coryell.

Furthermore, the Steelers really emphasized the run/defense mindset so it wasn't easy for Swann to get the electric stats that you saw out of guys like Rice.

Despite all that, I think there was just something really impressive about the way he played. Now that I think back on it though, I think it was a bad decision to place him in the top three. Maybe top 10 would have been more appropriate.

That being said, in some ways I think we really need to wait a while before we start putting guys like Reed, Harrison, or Brown into the category of greatest ever. I think it takes time for people to realize how a player fits into an era. Did the era define him; or did he define the era (such is the case for Jerry Rice).

Nice post. Solid explanation. I debated whether or not to put Harrison in my top 3 because of what you're saying. The guy is basically in the prime of his career and with these new rules his numbers could skyrocket to unbelievable heights

Actually, I've just seen footage of Lynn Swann on old NFL films and read about how smooth a route-runner he was. Also, the four super bowls are big (although he played a pivotal role in only 2/4 I think)

Stats-wise, it's really tough to compare today's receivers to those of even twenty years ago. The vertical passing game didn't really start picking up until the early 80s due to the offensive sets of guys like Walsh and Coryell.

Furthermore, the Steelers really emphasized the run/defense mindset so it wasn't easy for Swann to get the electric stats that you saw out of guys like Rice.

Despite all that, I think there was just something really impressive about the way he played. Now that I think back on it though, I think it was a bad decision to place him in the top three. Maybe top 10 would have been more appropriate.

That being said, in some ways I think we really need to wait a while before we start putting guys like Reed, Harrison, or Brown into the category of greatest ever. I think it takes time for people to realize how a player fits into an era. Did the era define him; or did he define the era (such is the case for Jerry Rice).

CRT3: I am very sorry to hear about your wife and pray that she gets better very soon. I think and hope that everybody else here wishes the same regardless of their opinion of medicinal marijuana.

Drift Reality: Lynn Swann #2? You'll have to explain that one to me. I'm too young to remember his career but his stats don't impress me enough to be number 2. Is it because of his big game performances?

JBCJR14: Jerry Rice #3? That's something you don't see too often. Why not #1?

My top 3:

Rice
Largent
Harrison

also receiving votes: Carter, Lofton

Ah yes...not alot of logic in that one other than Largeant is the great white hope, not too mention that I just did three lines of smack before I wrote the post. But hey, drugs don't alter my judgement.

Actually, I've just seen footage of Lynn Swann on old NFL films and read about how smooth a route-runner he was. Also, the four super bowls are big (although he played a pivotal role in only 2/4 I think)

Stats-wise, it's really tough to compare today's receivers to those of even twenty years ago. The vertical passing game didn't really start picking up until the early 80s due to the offensive sets of guys like Walsh and Coryell.

Furthermore, the Steelers really emphasized the run/defense mindset so it wasn't easy for Swann to get the electric stats that you saw out of guys like Rice.

Despite all that, I think there was just something really impressive about the way he played. Now that I think back on it though, I think it was a bad decision to place him in the top three. Maybe top 10 would have been more appropriate.

That being said, in some ways I think we really need to wait a while before we start putting guys like Reed, Harrison, or Brown into the category of greatest ever. I think it takes time for people to realize how a player fits into an era. Did the era define him; or did he define the era (such is the case for Jerry Rice).

Not to be a nit-picker, but Coryell and Walsh were polar opposites with their passing game philosophies. Coryell favored the vertical, downfield passing while Walsh was known for short passes, hitches, slants, what have you. That's the staple of the "West Coast" offense. Gibbs, Ernie Zampese, Norv Turner, and Mike Martz are all students of the "Air Coryell" offense.

Otherwise, your points are well taken.

Darrell Green was interviewed about Irvin, when Irvin was in prime, and Darrell told how Irvin PUSHED OFF illegally......Guess Irvin doesn't remember what REALLY happened or he wouldn't have chosen himself . :D

Irvin's not the only WR to push off. He's was just good enough at it not to get caught.

Darrell Green was interviewed about Irvin, when Irvin was in prime, and Darrell told how Irvin PUSHED OFF illegally......Guess Irvin doesn't remember what REALLY happened or he wouldn't have chosen himself . :D