Ranking WR duos

If I had to take one of these tandems, I think Fitzgerald/Boldin would edge Moss/Welker. I think I'd put Ward/Holmes in the No. 3 spot, followed by Marshall/Royal and Jennings/Driver.
--Mike

I stopped reading after I saw Fitz/Boldin weren't #1

Mike,

Not knocking you at all. That is a no-brainer IMHO. Fitz and Bolden are the only combo that come close.

Any word on IL OLB's coming to Foxboro to get a look?

Keep up the great work!

I hope those are in no particular order.

It has now been noted that the duos were listed in alphabetical order by team name.
--Mike

Fitzgerald/Boldin
Moss/Welker
Marshall/Royal
Evans/Owens
Ward/Holmes
Jennings/Driver
Johnson/Walter
Wayne/Gonzalez

Mike,

Great analysis! While its true Boldin / Fitzgerald is debatable as the #1 top duo, I did not know some of the lesser known duos. Things can also change from year to year, including Boldin being traded at a moments notice.

Appreciate your thoughtful insight. Keep up the great work.

Fitz/ Boldin is probably the best duo on based on talent only. But I'd still roll with Moss and Welker....I know Im a homer....shoot me

In all fairness, Boldin/Fitzgerald is the best....but Moss/Welker is a close #2. The trouble with the analysis becomes separating the QB from the receivers. I think it's interesting that Moss/Welker had some QB instability last season and still both performed well. Marshall/Royal (my #3 tandem) will experience significant QB shakeup this season. Fitz/Boldin had some QB instability prior to the '08 season (with Leinart/Warner going back and forth in both '06 and '07, and McCown picking up some serious work in '05). Ward/Holmes have had stability. So have Wayne and Gonzalez, and Evans/Owens have never worked together so that's up in the air. Both have performed but neither has ever had another legitimate target oppostie them (except when owens was back in San Fran. Guy by the named of....was it Jim Rice? Jeff Rice? I don't know, I think he was pretty good), so maybe that hurts their numbers, possibly significantly.

As for Walter...he had a good year last season, with 800 yards and change and 8 TDs, and the year before that he had 800+ yards but only 4 TDs, and before that he never did anything in his first 4 seasons.

Yeah, clearly Mike hadn't put them in order. Let me first say that the three standout (elite) WRs here are Moss, Johnson, and Fitzgerald in no particular order. All 3 have another solid WR paired with them, and as a result they make up my top 3 tandems. Boldin/Fitzgerald are obviously #1, Moss/Welker a fairly easy choice at #2, then Johnson/Walter are my #3 choice, based on my feeling they have room to grow this year.

At the risk of sounding like a homer, I think i'd actually take Moss/Welker first. Fitzgerald vs. Moss -- one isn't significantly better than the other, as far as I'm concerned. But I think Welker is better than Boldin.

Also, I know the post was just concerning WRs, but if you expand it to all receivers, I think Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez could open alot of eyes this year...not that either of them are really "under the radar", as they're both considered among the best at their positions, but still. I think we could see big numbers out of Atlanta.

I had to opt for Fitz and Boldin. I'm a big Larry Fitzgerald fan, I had hoped the Patriots would somehow snag him coming out of Pittsburgh. Moss and Welker are right there, though. On gameday, I might actually prefer our duo, because they're more diverse in their skills. And Mike, putting Ward/Holmes in the number 3 slot reeks of succumbing to the media's irrational love for Hines Ward. He's vastly overrated, because he's an effort guy and blocks well. If you offered me any receiver on this list, I'd probably take Ward nearly last. He's better than Anthony Gonzalez, at least.

After reading this, what jumps into my head once again is this: how on earth could Miami "give away" Welker to the Pats? To a division rival, and knowing what Brady matched with Welker and coached by Belichick would mean. Incredible.

I went with Moss/Welker because Welker is elite as a slot WR, which means that the third guy is on the outside and gives you another threat, the slot is more important. Fitz and Boldin both play outside and are limited to the outside for the most part. I'd rather have a slot guy. Fitz and Boldin are my #2 followed by
Jennings/ Driver, I like Jennings better than Marshall, driver's almost done, but he's still good. Andre would be a lot higher on the list if he had a better WR with him. Owens is almost done and his character issues put him at the bottom of the list (can he last as the #2 guy on the team without crying?...I think not)
1. Moss/Welker
2. Fitz/ Boldin
3. Jennings/ Driver
4. Marshall/ Royal
5. Holmes/ Ward
6. Johnson/Walter
7. Wayne/ Gonzo
8. Evans/ Owens

"After reading this, what jumps into my head once again is this: how on earth could Miami "give away" Welker to the Pats? To a division rival, and knowing what Brady matched with Welker and coached by Belichick would mean. Incredible."

It's the last sentence that's the problem. Given who was running Miami at the time, I doubt they had any idea what it would really mean. Coupled with the poison pill contract, Miami relinquishing Welker was a certainty.

Craig, fair point but if you want to go to #3 receiver you would still have to give the edge to az as breaston is better than what we currently have to offer(aging galloway, greg lewis)... it seems to be fairly unanimous as to 1 and 2, good point also to whoever mentioned the qb factor as marshall and royal are dynamic but may get stuck in neutral a bit this year with a new qb and new offensive system.

If I had to take one of these tandems, I think Fitzgerald/Boldin would edge Moss/Welker. I think I'd put Ward/Holmes in the No. 3 spot, followed by Marshall/Royal and Jennings/Driver.
--Mike

BLASPHEMY, Mike! Blasphemy!
I'm kidding, but I still think you are wrong with your pick. If Brady was in the limelight last year, you would have Moss and Welker #1. We all would actually!

I really don't believe Boldin & Fitgerald are better than Moss & Welker. Frankly, Fitzgerald became a big name because he had a great post season this past year. Moss is one of the ALL TIME great receiver. I have never seen another player in the history of the NFL make more incredible plays. Granted, Welker has been a two year all pro and that's it. Still, you're just not going to tell me Fitzgerald is better than Moss. And, honestly, I see Welker and Boldin as a toss up.

I think anyone that reads this is very biased towards the Patriots, but given their production for the past several years anyone would be hard-pressed to vote against Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin.

welker was a restricted free agent. the dolphins couldnt afford to beat the pats offer so they just gave him to them and got a 7th rounder too for giving him to them early.

Dean, what I meant was that it is better to have a #2 receiver be the slot than the #2 outside guy, you can fill the outside spot with pretty much anybody, but great slot guys are hard to find. Breaston had a good year because of who is ahead of him (therefore he had single coverage and was covered by a LB sometimes). The #2 outside guy should have solid hands and some speed (i.e. what Bethal Johnson, Stallworth, and Chad Jackson should have been), but they are interchangable around the league. You could also factor in health which gives the Pats the edge, Boldin missed time, so did Andre Johnson, Marshall, Ward, and a few of the others, Welker only missed part of a game after being KO'd, Moss didn't miss time.

well, this happens to be my favorite topic and without a doubt, IMHO, it's Welker and Moss. The NFL's passing game is played in levels from underneath, short, intermediate and deep. Then you have between the hashes, the sidelines and all the seams.
over the corner, under the safety, in the flat, the deep out, over the top,....I love this stuff. And Welker and Moss divide up these zones as completely as any duo ever. The only glaring weakness would be that neither make a living going over the middle. But Moss can and has and Welker goes over the middle underneath and short, so it's not necessarily a weakness.
Hands down the most lethal deep threat is Randy Moss. And Welker is one of the most elusive short space WR's playing who can make the first tackler miss on a regular basis.
With Moss, the first tackler is usually five yards behind him.
What they don't get enough credit for are: Moss works the sideline as well as any receiver in league history, short, intermediate or long, and his TD/rec. ratio is among NFL history's best.
Welker has posted back to back 100 plus reception seasons with two different QB's and is virtually unstoppable in the ten yard length of the first down chain.
whew. Fitzgerald and Boldin are next; and this year, look out for Ocho Cinco and Coles.

Alex, I don't think it's necessarily bias. Over the last two years, the Moss/Welker combo even has the slight edge statistically over Fitzgerald/Boldin. Granted, in '07 they had Brady throwing the rock to them. But in '08 it was Cassel who was just not a very accurate passer, and relied more on YAC than any other QB in the NFL. Warner, on the other hand, is a more than capable QB. Obviously not at Brady's level, but he had a better '08 than Cassel did. Moss and Welker unfortunately had to live through Cassel's learning curve.

lol......I little homerism at play here

Fitzgerald is the best, but I would rank Welker above Boldin. Welker's role as a short yardage receiver with significant yards after the catch gives better options on third down that a more downfield receiver like Boldin does not provide.

It was a tough call but in the end I voted for Moss-Welker. Moss's catch to bring the Jets game into over-time was an example of his body control and ability to make catches even when the team knows you are throwing to the end zone. So while Fitzgerald may be better than Moss due to his youth -- Welker is better than Boldin by a larger margin than Fitzgerald over Moss.

Lots of respect to deep route runners and what little Wes Welker can do with the underneaths and curls. Not much about what Hines Ward does CREATING HIS OWN SPACE and BLOCKING, two huge elements of the receiver position that he dominates.

Terrell Owens and Randy Moss can do a great job of playing physical and going up for a ball, but watch Hines Ward on plays that he's really battling for an opening or on plays that he isn't even an option as a comparison- he'll be causing all sorts of chaos on the field wihle TO or Randy will just jog down the sideline to take a corner and maybe a safety with them.

Cards, Pats, Steelers, no other teams are in the discussion.

Mike you have got to be kidding all of us about ward at number 2! please he should not even be on the list. He is a at the twilight of his career with no footspeed whatsoever. holmes runs the deep route to clear out for him because he can't get deep.

The Pats value Welker more than Arizona values Boldin...and I think if Welker were on the trading block he should get more interest than Boldin has.

Mike,
I would love to see a more technical article on how the Pats use Moss/Welker in comparison to some of the others that are listed. Schemes, what the pats do that is maybe a little different...

Up for the challenge?

Talk about delusional fans! Fitzgerald/Boldin are 100 times better then Moss and Welker. Are all Patriots fans this stupid?

Niether Evans or Owens has never had the quality or caliber of WR next to them yet, This duo could be the best duo in history. No one knows yet, until this next season is completed.

I think it's only fair to include TEs in the talk too. I mean two years ago Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow were as fearsome a duo as just everybody BUT Moss and Welker...And now you have Tony G and Roddy White, Kellen Winslow and Antonio Bryant. I think Dallas Clark and Reggie Wayne is a more viable duo than Anthony Gonzalez and Wayne. Also, don't forget about Witten And Williams (if Williams can live up to his potential)

Delusional...Think 07' who was the better duo? One receiver had arguably the greatest year ever and the other was tied for the league in receptions. I think you're mind is diluted with the tear Fitzgerald went on at the end of the season last year. I'm a Pats fan mind you, and I'd say Fitzgerald is the best receiver and football (although i'm on Calvin watch this year, he's a FREAK) but Moss is still a top 3 receiver and you can't argue with the production of Welker. I'd have to say he's better than Boldin (you can't argue with production, unless you're Al Davis). So I agree Fitz and Boldin are the best but Moss and Welker are easily a close, very close second

yes...yes they are

What've Randy & Wes got up their sleeves with Tom Brady back at the wheel?
I haven't seen too much written on Randy Moss with Cassel in the place of Tom. Personally I saw a huge change other than simply production & output wise. It seems to me that Randy didn't seem to play with the same fire as he did in 2007 with Tom. As hard as he tried to adjust to the loss of Brady and through the games it took for Casell to find some of his own timing, it just didn't really happen. The chemistry he found with Tom was extraordinary and will seldom be repeated, but I'm hoping on all hope to witness it again this year. To me it was poetry in motion.

I suppose it's Human Nature that playing with Cassel after Tom's injury just didn't bring out his optimal effort or performance. It looked like he was almost suffering from the loss of a good friend...yes, an almost palpable sense of loss and he himself looked lost at times. Often he missed passes he would normally make with Tom. When he tried to motivate teammates in his surroundings, it came off in a more mechanical way than in 07. Many of his early comments on Matt's performance were reserved praise judgements with a "wait and see" slant. Probably deliverd so as not to inflate Matts ego too much, but I always had the feeling that he was comparing him to Tom anyway.

Wes, on the other hand, seemed less emotionally involved or affected by the QB change. His adjustments to Cassel were flawless and he still seemed to play with slightly more commitment and a more natural enthusiasm than Randy. Maybe his job is slightly easier because it was easier for Matt to connect with all the short stuff, but I think the relationship between Wes and Tom is a lot different.

Love to hear your opinions on this and even more, what you think will happen when the 3 of them are united this year. Any projections..thoughts???

My prediction with a healthy Tom:

Randy Moss - 103 cathes, 19 TDs, 1,450 yds
Wes Welker - 123 cathes, 11 TDs, 1,280 yds

I'm figuring that Galloway/Lewis & the TE and running back depth will free up Randy & Wes more than in 2007. Go pats!!!
nNei

I think instead of saying who is the 'better tandem' it might be more accurate to say who 'compliments' each other better in making their team's passing game better. That's where Moss/Welker are something special. Fitzgerald and Boldin both share similar types of games: they're both tackle breaking RAC guys who are very tough with great hands. Fitzgerald's hands and body control gives him a deeper field, but Boldin also has very good hands and runs like a RB.
But Welker's game is so different than Moss's that the sum of their two games covers much more of the passing game in general.
To me, Fitzgerald is an otherworldly hybrid of Boldin and Moss.
Great hands, body control and leaping ability, like Moss, but also as tough to tackle and as intense to get RAC as Boldin.
But Welker is more elusive in short space than either of them, able to literally duck opponents and turn up field in a flash.
And Moss is very literally, the best vertical, straight up leaping WR ever and is twice as fast as Fitzgerald.
I think the discussion of what third receiver would fit with these to tandems is another great question. With Moss/Welker, they need exactly the type of WR that Fitzgerald is. A hybrid, tough go over the middle RAC guy, who can also go deep.

Are you kidding? this isn't even a question... FITZ & Q 2 pro bowlers... Fitz and Moss are same level... and Q is way higher on the board then Welker would be in anyone's opinion...

1) Fitz/Boldin - They take the number 1 spot by a mile..
2) Evans/TO - Both are cappable of having a great season in the top 5...
3) Moss/Welker - They better hope Brady isn't past his prime, but it looks that way...

Patriot fans really think Welker is better than Boldin? HAHAHAHA

I have to say, as combined talent Fitzgerald and Boldin are probably the best duo. But that's only taking into account raw skill. Moss and Welker complement each other like no other duo does; Moss is a freak of nature with his combination of speed and height while Welker is arguable the best short yardage receiver that's currently active in the NFL. Hines Ward is a great effort receiver who does everything from catching to blocking, while Santonio Holmes is a great deep threat. Santonio Holmes doesn't even compare to Randy Moss as a deep threat, while I'd say Hines Ward is MAYBE a little better than Wes Welker because his abilities allow him to be a mid-to-long range receiver when that's needed while I feel Welker is a short-to-mid range receiver. All of these duos are great 1-2 combos at WR, but I just feel like the Randy Moss is so good that anyone who's the #2/slot receiver really has it easy. Add the fact that Wes Welker is a phenomenal kick returner (which shows that he can make people miss), and you have a great slot receiver who excels at short yardage situations. Put them together, and they BARELY beat out Fitzgerald and Boldin. If you want to go to the #3 receivers, I'd say Boldin/Fitzgeral/Breaston are probably first and you can't forget about Jennings/Driver/Jones. James Jones is a beast. We'll see how Lee Evans and Terrel Owens work together; I personally don't like the combination of two #1 receivers as TO can whine a lot and might just bring the duo down.

I don't understand how Lee Evans/Terrell Owens combo could get third when they've never even played together before. lol

This is will now be a mute point, as Fitz/Boldin will not be a tandem anymore, if Boldin gets his way. His way right to the Giants.

I didn't know there was so much support for the Bills in our neck of the woods????

I guess eventually the truth comes out.

If Fitzgerald and Boldin are the best due, why was Boldin on the sidelines on the most important drive against the Eagles in the playoffs last year? The playoffs were ALL Fitzgerald, Boldin mostly watched. When do you ever see Moss and Welker not on the field together? That alone proves Moss/Welker compliment each other better than Fitzgerald/Boldin.

Looks like Evens/Owens is the tandem to beat.

Evans and Owens are both #1 receivers. Fitz and Boldin are both #1 receivers. I gotta give it to Buffalo right now with all of the turmoil in the dessert, but it's pretty close.

why is evans and owens listed as a tandem
how do we know they're going to put up amazing numbers this year
if anything they have the same chance of failing than suceeding

Let's Go BUFFALO!!!!

No question TO/Evans. So long as the real TO shows up.

Is anyone embarassed that people have Evans/Owens not even in their top 5? The writer of this, listing them not even on his top 5, should be embarassed to be called a writer. If you didn't take into account the QB throwing to them, Evans/Owens is #1, considering Fitz, Moss, and even the Pit tandem has HOF or potential HOF QBs throwing to them.

As soon as Edwards shows up this year, everyone will see what a player Evans is, and we all know what a player TO is.

Fitz Jizzle & Q-Tip...no question.

Evans and TO are the best! Evans is underrated and if Edwards plays well is a serious threat. Give TO and Evans Brady and it wouldn't even be close....

Lee and Terrell. Boston... Getcha Popcorn Ready!

The voters have spoken Evans - TO!! LEts go Buffalo

We da best.. We da best.. Who?? Patriots....

TO and Evans have both the potential to be the best Tandem. It's all up to Edwards. If he plays well and they even execute the no-huddle..... get your Popcorn ready!!

Is this a Boston poll??????? I guess Buffalo is better than everyone thought? Sucks we have to play them twice a year.

The ? is the best 1-2 punch, not the two most talented wideouts. That has to make the NE duo #1.

Boy you can sure tell this poll is from Boston. The rest of the country is laughing at the thought of a Moss/Welker combo better than Fitz/Boldin.

NE fans please, just stop.

A Stampede of great magnitude will be coming to Boston this year, that will blow your socks off. Lee Evans and Terrell Owens on the outsides wil be such a threat, and do so much damage, that the Bellicheck will start buying stock in Orval Redenbacher Popcorn.

New england fans get a ghreat on rip, Since when is Welker ever a threat to take a pass and run 40yds for a TD.

EVANS AND T.O. are a threat to go to the house every play!!

#1 TO/ EVANS
# Fitz/Boldin(if he stays)

to bad there no option for best trio,,,,, boldin, fitz, breston,,,,,,,

Pats fans are only half as bad as celtics fans.... but that's still not a good thing. Ok.... for the sake of arguement.... lets say Fitzgerald and Moss are completely equal in value (despite Fitz being younger, the ability to still get better, and breaking Jerry Rice's post season RECORDS). Now let's see if all the morons in here can explain to me how Wes Walker is better than a two time pro-bowler. Please spare me the non-sense that Boldin is "similar" to Fitz because they are both "deep threats"... this shows you know nothing. Boldin is great with YAC and can handle screens, direct snaps, and going over the middle. Walker is "elusive". People say Walker was SP buff in Miami... He has his true breakout year opposite Moss. Boldin's breakout year was his rookie season... having McCown and Shaun King throw him the ball... yet he was the only Cardinal to be a Pro Bowler... this was before

Fitz has exploded and to me clearly has the best hands in the game. Moss is a first ballet HOF but Fitzgerald is only 25 and a beast. If someone said Moss is better, that could be a possiblity but to say Welker is better than Boldin is idiotic. Boldin makes a majority of his yards after catching short passes and though he has played recently on the outside that is hardly his position since the Cardinals move him around a lot and he can also be found in the slot where he excels in a majority of there offensive schemes (if someone doubts Boldin, geez just look at his stats since he started playing). Because of the gap between Boldin and Welker, you have to say the best duo is Fitzgerald and Boldin.

NE fans in denial...Evans & TO bout to take over the East!!!!!!!

Is this really a debate... It is clearly Fitz/Boldin. What has yet to be discussed is the fact the other teams have running games which help open up the field.. Az has not had a running attack to open up the passing (32 ranking hopefully Beanie Wells will change that) yet Fitz/Boldin produce at such a high level..

TO and Evans by far have the best potential to me if the bills line can give trent some time. but i think as of right now it's got to be boldin and fitzgerald together they are just dominant. but like i said i think the duo of Evans and TO could be just absolutely ridiculous.

all the comments about Fitz amuse me highly... NOBODY is as good as he is... here (AZ homeboy) we get to watch him EVERY week and he does at least 1 circus catch per week ... total highlight reel stuff and that's because he practices
doing them... he stays after every practice and does 60 circus catches (diving forward, 1 handed finger-tip, etc) ... these don't just happen, they aren't just 'lucky' ... he PRACTICES that stuff ... on his own time...

Lee Evans and TO at #1 really? REALLY?

ok.. whatever they say, that is RIDICULOUS, and based on PURE specualtion... just retarded...

I love this poll because of all the crybaby Boston fans that post unrelentingly about how disrespected their team is.

You all try to smack talk the Billz and Cardz fans? Atleast they dont cry, they simply have pride in their teams.

Good times.

Cry more boston fans, please, you bring me so much joy. Cant wait for your excuses why you fail again next season, and the next, and the next.

Owens and evans will stun people this year. From top to bottom talent for a WR core the Bills are #1 in my opinion. Evans, Owens, Reed, Parrish, Johnson your not going to beat that. Only question is if their new set of OT's can hold up.

OWENS AND EVANS, thats why NE brought in springs...even they know how good this show is going to be!

Okay there are a lot of people on crack in here. This isn't even a question! Fitz and Q are BY FAR the best duo, it's not even close! I don't care what team you are a fan of if you vote any other as #1 your just kidding yourself.

You all bettaaa hop in ya caaas and head across the 90 this fall to catch the real deal WR's!

T.O. and evans will do some serious damage this year, but the player that will benefit the most on the bills is josh reed. with the addition of T.O. and a pass catching t.e. they got in nelson they are going to be an unstoppable offense. i am a huge pats fan but i am being realistic. we are going to lose to them this year. with three pass catching running backs in lynch, jackson and rhodes, trent edwards will be a top 5 of qb this year. there line isn't as bad as everyone is saying. they also got a receiver named stevie johnson that people will be finding out about this year. man i am starting to wish that buffalo wasn't in our division any more.is it to late to realign the divisions.
is it to late

goddam, the fact that t.o. and evans are number one here in our boston poll just shows how good theyre going to be. We better pull out those cameras and quick.

As a long time Pat's fan .... The thought of Evans AND T.O. out there at the same time are going to be hard to stop. It's time to stop being homers and admit it. The Pats have competition ! I also heard Tom's knee isn't really 100%. Most Dr. wouldn't sign off a whole season on his knees. We better be careful who we smack talk too this year .

AZ has the best WR tandem and core period. It's not even remotely debatable.

Fitzgerald + Boldin are miles past any other tandem and the #3, #4, and #5 receivers (Breaston, Urban and Doucet) could step in as the starting 3 receivers for many teams in the NFL.

I am and have been a Buffalo Bills fan since day one but I do have to admit Fitz and Boldin are lightyears ahead of us but only because Kurt Warner is a capable and smart QB. Trent has a lot to prove and so do T.O. and Evans. If Edwards can get his head out of his rear then we're good.
Brady isn't going to be the QB he was in the past, we have all seen the tiny hats and Gucci jeans. He spent all of last year prepping to be a model, not a QB made of steel.
I will be in Foxboro wearing my authentic T.O. jersey and to be honest I voted for our tandem because I hate the patriots so much.

Fitzgerald is such a beast of a receiver, you can play any other receiver with him and have the best tandem out! Nobody can come down with the ball better than Fitz!