Former Carolina Panthers WR Keyshawn Johnson announced his retirement from the world of Pro Football on Tuesday May 22. This prompted a flurry of activity throughout the blogging and sportswriting world as everyone began to evaluate and weigh in on Keyshawn’s career and his status as a possible Hall of Famer. Naturally, I weighed in with my opinion, stating that he has had a very productive career and should always be regarded as a very good receiver in the history books, probably not HOF worthy, but if he did get in I wouldn’t be upset over it.
But that’s when I saw a few comments from other people linking Anquan Boldin and his accomplishments to Keyshawn’s, calling Boldin “not as good” or “average” and I don’t need to tell you, this got me pretty fired up. So we all went back and forth online, arguing stats, playing style, and most importantly, personal character. I don’t think anybody could really argue with me on anything: Anquan is one of the top receivers in the game and, in my opinion, a world apart from “Me”-shawn.
Anquan has been in the league for four years, Keyshawn played eleven seasons, so some may say that you can’t really compare them right now. But let’s compare their first four years in the league and see how they stack up.
Keyshawn’s numbers for the first 4 years of his career:
Yards = 4108..…..Receptions = 305…..Yds per catch (avg) = 13.5…..31 TDs…..2 Pro Bowls…..Played in 62 out of possible 64 games
NO NFL ROOKIE RECORDS
Boldin’s for his first 4 years in the league:
Yards = 4605……..Receptions = 342….Yds per catch (avg) = 13.5……20 TDs…..2 Pro Bowls…..Played in 56 out of possible 64 games
Holds 3 NFL Records:
1.Most Receiving Yds by a rookie (217 yards in his first NFL game)
2.Most Receptions in a single season by a rookie (101 catches)
3.Fastest Player in NFL history to reach 300 receptions (took him 47 games)
Well look at that, Boldin had 500 more yards, 37 more catches, same average yards per catch, same # of pro bowls, holds 3 NFL records and played in 6 less games. Personally, if I was a coach, I would love a guy who puts up these numbers. Boldin has had 3 seasons of over 1200 yards receiving (1377, 1402 & 1203), Keyshawn has only cracked 1200 yards receiving once in his entire 11 year career – in 2001, his sixth year in the league. Now here’s a question: What do you think Anquan’s would be if he played four full seasons and not missed those 8 games to injuries? Sure Keyshawn had more TDs, but that is also a product of a better running game. When Key was with the Jets, they had Curtis Martin in his prime and he would pound the ball down the field, setting up red zone opportunities for Johnson. Anquan has never had that and has had to make things happen with his legs in the open field.
If those aren’t enough to settle any debate, here’s a fun fact for you: the only receiver in NFL history to have more yards in his first four seasons is Jerry Rice with 4881 yards, that’s only a difference of 276 yards. Jerry missed 4 games in his first 4 seasons while Anquan missed 8. Boldin’s first 4 seasons were better than Cris Carter (3506/22 TDs), Michael Irvin (2968/20 TDs) and Lynn Swann (2294 yards/23 TDs) to name a few. Again, I have to wonder what would have happened if Q was healthy the entire time?
Someone also told me that if Anquan continued at his current pace he wouldn’t make the HOF. So I thought, let’s also average out all of Anquan’s numbers: 1151 yds, 5 TDs, 85.5 receptions per year. Now let’s say he plays at the same level for 8 more years, his totals would be: 13, 417 yds, 60 TDs, and 1026 receptions and a 13.076 yd per catch average. These would place him in the current top five receivers, make him second in yards and receptions while playing only 12 years, 7 years less than Jerry Rice who played 19 years in the league. And if he continues at this pace, he doesn’t make the HOF?
I could seriously go on and on about this boy’s skills, because they are plentiful. He plays with more fire and more power than any other receiver in the league today. He brings it every week, makes the tough catches and will run you over if you get in his way. Paired with Matt Leinart and this exciting new offense, I think he’s on a path leading to Canton, OH.
You other guys who questioned Anquan’s skills, you take Key at the #1 pick, I’ll be just fine with #54 overall pick that plays better than you’re #1 pick ever did and ever could.
Mike Duggan – AZCardsfan4life
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