Who is better than Steve Smith in his prime?

[haccess]

Steve Smith has made so many highlight-worthy plays that it's insane. Think back to all the times he's thrown would-be tacklers into the dirt. If you want highlights, take Smith. If you want numbers take Rice. Come to think of it I don't know that the NFL has had any truly legendary players that make the whole country want to watch (think MJ -- Jordan or Jackson in their prime both qualify, take your pick). Is Barry Sanders the closest the NFL's come to that status or am I forgetting someone?

[Cape Fear Cat]

I think I'd still have to give the edge to Rice, but Smitty is certainly next to me.

[Grammer]

Rice

Moss

T.O.

Carter

Fitzgerald

Johnson

Reed

[Saint J]

Joe Horn

[Vampire the buffet slayer]

Jake Delhomme is a big factor with smith though, I mean rice sure the hell didnt carry montana and Moss didnt carry brady.

[The Total Package]

andre johnson

[w280sax]

As great as Smith was in 2005, it makes me wonder what would have happened if he'd not hurt in the opener in 04...we'd probably won 2-3 Super Bowls that year alone.

[Jrock88]

Joe Horn

hahahahahaha

[HUGEbearfan]

You guys must be young. Ever hear of Marvin Harrison? Compare his stats to Smith. Granted, he had Peyton Manning, but in his prime, he was simply unstoppable. Look at what he did in 2002. Absolutely ridiculous.

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HarrMa00.htm

[Pox 08]

No one.

'05 Playoff game against the Bears was amazing. Guy was taking on two CBs, and just overpowering both of them, at the same time. He was literally unstoppable.

Fitz put up some amazing stats in the playoffs, but nothing that really made ya go "Holy poo". Mainly because Fitz was wide open when he caught a lot of those passes, especially in '08 against the Panthers.

[HUGEbearfan]

No one.

'05 Playoff game against the Bears was amazing. Guy was taking on two CBs, and just overpowering both of them, at the same time. He was literally unstoppable.

Fitz put up some amazing stats in the playoffs, but nothing that really made ya go "Holy poo". Mainly because Fitz was wide open when he caught a lot of those passes, especially in '08 against the Panthers.

You and I must have watched different games. The Bears lone CB who was covering Smith fell down and all Smith had to do was outrun a slow safety (Mike Brown). The following week, Holmgren's strategy to cover Smith with multiple guys resulted in a huge win for Seattle as Smith did very little except for a nice punt return for a TD. Seattle 34 Carolina 14 :)

[PanthersPhan18]

Jake Delhomme is a big factor with smith though, I mean rice sure the hell didnt carry montana and Moss didnt carry brady.

It's not like Moss spent half his career with Brady though.

That being said it's hard to argue who the best WR really is because what type of offense your team plays in and what kind of qb you had to deal with are big factors to a receivers' success.

I will say this though, Steve Smith is a HOF receiver with an average/above average/great qb. Having to deal with below average qbs really hurt his career.

[PanthersPhan18]

You guys must be young. Ever hear of Marvin Harrison? Compare his stats to Smith. Granted, he had Peyton Manning, but in his prime, he was simply unstoppable. Look at what he did in 2002. Absolutely ridiculous.

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HarrMa00.htm

I really think Smith would have posted better numbers than Harrison with Manning as his qb.

[Jrock88]

You guys must be young. Ever hear of Marvin Harrison? Compare his stats to Smith. Granted, he had Peyton Manning, but in his prime, he was simply unstoppable. Look at what he did in 2002. Absolutely ridiculous.

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HarrMa00.htm

Starvin Marvin was a beast no doubt about that, but like you said he had the greatest QB to ever step on the football field (yea I said it) not to mention great talent around him at the skill positions(reggie wayne, dallas clarke, STOKELY!!!) Whereas Smitty has really been the only decent receiving option we've had for as long as he's been here.

Don't forget hes never had a legitimate QB throwing to him, and has still remained a highly productive receiver in this league. Oh yeah, and he's done it standing at a modest 5ft9 inches tall.

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