AFC News and Notes
*NFL RECEIVING TANDEMS MAKING IMPACT *
Receiving tandems around the league are proving difficult to defend.
"We always talk about two guys are better than one, and it gives the quarterback more options on who he should throw to," says NFL Network analyst LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON. "Most of the time, defenses are going to have one really good corner. Well, if you have two good receivers then that's another corner that you have to have to be able to match up with that team."
Former NFL receiver ISAAC BRUCEcertainly believes that having multiple accomplished receivers is extremely beneficial to an offense. In 2000, Bruce and TORRY HOLT combined for 3,106 receiving yards for the St. Louis Rams, the second-most combined receiving yardage total ever by teammates with 1,000 yards each in a season.
"Offenses definitely are more productive with multiple options in the passing game," says Bruce. "Opposing defenses can't roll coverage or double and that creates man-to-man opportunities for the receiver, which opens up the offense"
Entering Week 8, six receiving duos are on pace for each player to reach 1,000 yards, which would tie for the third-most in NFL history (seven in 1999 and 2009).
The most combined receiving yards totals by teammates with 1,000 yards each in a season in NFL history:
RECEIVING DUO
TEAM
YEAR
YARDS
Herman Moore/Brett Perriman
Detroit Lions
1995
3,174
Isaac Bruce/Torry Holt
St. Louis Rams
2000
3,106
Bill Groman/Charley Hennigan
Houston Oilers
1961
2,921
Ed McCaffrey/Rod Smith
Denver Broncos
2000
2,919
Rob Gronkowski/Wes Welker
New England Patriots
2011
2,896
On pace to become the sixth trio to record 1,000 receiving yards each in NFL history, Denver Broncos wide receivers ERIC DECKER, DEMARYIUS THOMAS and WES WELKERforce the defense to make difficult decisions.
"You take your pick, they all play like No. 1 receivers," says Broncos All-Pro cornerback CHAMP BAILEY. "I don't care where they play, or where they line up, that corner is going to have his hands full."
The teams with three players with 1,000 receiving yards in a season in NFL history:
TEAM
YEAR
RECEIVERS
Arizona Cardinals
2008
Anquan Boldin, Steve Breaston, Larry Fitzgerald
Indianapolis Colts
2004
Marvin Harrison, Brandon Stokley, Reggie Wayne
Atlanta Falcons
1995
Bert Emanuel, Terance Mathis, Eric Metcalf
Washington Redskins
1989
Gary Clark, Art Monk, Ricky Sanders
San Diego Chargers
1980
John Jefferson, Charlie Joiner, Kellen Winslow
NFC News and Notes
DIVISION GAMES TAKE ON ADDED IMPORTANCE
With only 16 games per team, every game is critical. But those six games on the schedule against your division seem to have even more significance.
"Division games are so important," says NBC Sports analyst and former head coach TONY DUNGY. "That's where you've got to win if you're going to win your division."
Since the current eight-division format was instituted in 2002, the 11 Super Bowl champions have posted a combined divisional record of 45-21 (.682) in their title seasons. All 11 clubs posted a .500 or better record in division games during their championship years.
"Division games take on more importance," says Denver Broncos quarterback PEYTON MANNING. "You do more from a preparation standpoint because it's a division game. Having a good week of practice is really where it starts."
In Week 8, there are five division games, including three in primetime.
DIVISION
GAME
DATE
TIME
NETWORK
NFC South
Carolina at Tampa Bay
Thursday, October 24
8:25 PM ET
NFLN
AFC East
Miami at New England
Sunday, October 27
1:00 PM ET
CBS
NFC East
New York Giants at Philadelphia
Sunday, October 27
1:00 PM ET
FOX
NFC North
Green Bay at Minnesota
Sunday, October 27
8:30 PM ET
NBC
NFC West
Seattle at St. Louis
Monday, October 28
8:40 PM ET
ESPN
"If you can win your division games, it counts more than a game," says Green Bay Packers wide receiver JORDY NELSON. "Winning your division games is huge when it comes to winning your division."
The Packers, who have won 13 of their past 14 NFC North contests, have been one of the most successful teams in division play.
The teams with the best division records over the past five seasons (since 2008):
TEAM
DIVISION RECORD
PCT.
OVERALL RECORD
PCT.
New England Patriots
26-7-0
.788
65-22-0
.747
Green Bay Packers
24-7-0
.774
57-29-0
.663
Baltimore Ravens
22-10-0
.688
57-30-0
.655
San Francisco 49ers
22-10-1
.682
50-36-1
.580
Indianapolis Colts
21-10-0
.677
54-33-0
.621
"Division games are important," says Green Bay head coach MIKE MC CARTHY. "We spend extra time on our division opponents in the offseason, which I'm sure every NFL club does. Your path to success depends on your ability to win games in the division."
The teams with the most division titles since realignment in 2002:
TEAM
DIVISION TITLES
PLAYOFF BERTHS
New England
9
9
Indianapolis
7
10
Green Bay
6
8
Philadelphia
5
7
Pittsburgh
5
7
Seattle
5
7
San Diego
5
5
