Texans Down 'N Dirty: Dre vs. Fitz Edition
Debating who the best receiver in the NFL is comes down to two options: Andre Johnson or Larry Fitzgerald? Pick your poison. Both are dominant receivers that are the focus of the opposing team come gameday. Still, it's hard not to want to support your hometown player in the argument. Most Houston fans will tell you that Johnson is the better overall receiver, while Arizona fans and a majority of the rest of the world will tell you Fitzgerald is more dominant. Of course, there usually is bias involved on both sides. My vote goes to Johnson. Others have started to weigh in on the debate as well, including Pete Prisco in his annual rundown of the top 50 players in the NFL. Prisco has Johnson two spots ahead of Fitzgerald at #4 on the list, referencing better stats as his reason for the selection. Mario Williams (19) and DeMeco Ryans (44) also made their way on Prisco's list. I beg to differ when Prisco states that Warner is a better quarterback than Schaub, but it's hard to argue with his logic. Johnson had more catches (115 to 96), more yards (1,575 to 1,431) and more yards per game (98.2 to 89.4). Fitzgerald bests Johnson in the touchdown department (12 to 8) as Prisco points out, but that comes with him missing out on his starting quarterback for 5 games, not to mention the Texans inability to score in the redzone, which is impossible to attribute to his efforts.
The main reason NFL fans around the globe have Fitzgerald atop their lists is because of his historic post-season performance. In four post-season games, Fitz compiled 30 catches for 546 yards, an astounding 18.2 yards per catch. He hauled in an incredible seven touchdown catches. The question is, who's to say Johnson wouldn't have wowed the world just as much as Fitz had he been in the playoffs? There's no question Johnson had a better regular season, so there isn't any reason to believe he wouldn't have had an incredible post-season as well, or that he won't in the next post-season future. Also, people tend to forget that Johnson had a similar four game stretch in the regular season that was even greater statistically than Fitzgerald's. From weeks 5-8 Johnson reeled in 41 catches for 593 yards. Granted, it was the regular season and the competition was weaker than that of what Fitzgerald faced, however, the feat is still incredible.
Paul Kuharsky (who still runs the best national coverage of the AFC South) at ESPN admits he did Johnson wrong by saying Fitzgerald was faster than the former track star. Kuharsky forwards great analysis on the two players from Scouts Inc. in his blog. In it, Matt Williamson argues that Fitzgerald is the slightly better receiver due to his prowess in the touchdown department and overall dependability, but says Johnson is more explosive overall. It's definitely worth the time to check out the rundown on both players from Williamson.
One fact is undeniable, it's impossible to go wrong with either player. Both are rare, dominant receivers.
Tired of all the continuous Connor Barwin love around here? Well, too bad. Another reason to root for this guy and believe he will do whatever it takes to succeed is the recent news that he overcame deafness as a child. Even now, he still has some minor problems hearing out of his left ear, but for the most part, Barwin has overcome the problem he faced while growing up. Barwin needed multiple surgeries that took place over the course of little past a decade. He's grown accustomed to reading lips when he's in a conversation, since he grew that habit as a child to overcome the issue. It was a problem for him as a TE lining up on the right side, but as a defensive end it no longer poses a threat to his abilities.
First round pick Brian Cushing wants to see himself as the best linebacker to ever come out of USC. Anger still lies in the heart of some Texans fans who were hoping Smithiak would pass on Cushing in the draft, but it's impossible to deny Cushing's attitude and willingness to improve. So far, he's impressed in workouts and mini-camp even though he's been held out of nickel packages to ease in his transition into the NFL. Some concerns about his coverage ability still lie, so he will undoubtedly be working to improve that aspect of his game in training camp.
Lastly, Marc Vandermeer of SportsRadio 610 has high hopes for the upcoming season. It's obvious it's playoffs or bust this time around for the players and Vandermeer believes the Texans are on the way to that goal. In the interview he shows great confidence in the changes being made to the defense. That, of course, is the key to any playoff hopes.
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Comments
I hate to say Fitz, but
I’m not quite ready to simply assume that AJ (as awesome as he is) is “clutch” based on his regular season stats. To switch sports, it would be like equating our beloved TMac with Kobe or Dwanye Wade if he were to outperform either of them statistically next year…Nor do I think we can coronate Berkman the new “Mr. October” if he catches on fire and has the best August ever… I don’t think you know how “clutch” a guy really is until you see him perform under playoff pressure.
I think AJ will rock in the playoffs and I hope he dominates the 4th quarter of every game, but I’m not ready to assume he’ll outperform Fitz’s run last year….Who knows? The biggest clutch performances often come from the least likely role players who really shine under pressure. I can’t wait to find out who those guys are for our Texans. Who knows…one might even be….Jacoby?
by Smittybaby on Jun 30, 2009 8:22 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Sorry for the lack of clarity
My point isn’t necessarily that I’m 100% positive that AJ would outperform Fitz in a post-season duel, but that it’s not enough to put Fitz at the top solely because of his post-season performance until AJ has a fair shot at matching it (hopefully the opportunity comes this year).
"I'm just looking forward to something great happening in the city of Houston" - Tracy McGrady
Still waiting...
by DreKeem on Jun 30, 2009 8:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No disrespect to the mighty K-Dub,
but he’s not anquan boldin. Fitz wasn’t getting double coverage 100% of the snaps he took and if he DID then there sure as hell wasn’t as much safety coverage over top should the defense choose to double them both. if it was andre in the playoffs you’d be looking at triple coverage. the whole TD argument is void if you ask me. 5 games of rosenfails will take a toll on stats, and with no effective redzone players other than AJ and Owen (who mysteriously never got the ball in RZ tries it seems) it was pretty easy to devote the attention of your defense on AJ. oh…. and did i mention he still got more stats despite MORE attention and LESS snaps with a starting QB? winnnnerrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!
Looking forward to not having an 8-8 year!
by BattleRedHusker on Jun 30, 2009 10:37 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
To be fair
Boldin did miss 4 games and Fitz did perform fairly well in those games, including one 130 yard game.
"I'm just looking forward to something great happening in the city of Houston" - Tracy McGrady
Still waiting...
by DreKeem on Jun 30, 2009 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fitz has an edge in the TD department...
But it’s minor. Since Schaub arrived, Andre has averaged about .64 TDs per game; Fitz stands at .68 during those two seasons. AJ averages more yards per game, more 1st-downs per game, and more catches per game.
Going back, Fitz has a better statistical start to his career. But I attribute most of that to Mr. Mittens being completely inept at QB. No other player on the Texans has come close to doing what Andre did. Arizona, on the other hand, has a knack for producing gaudy statistics with receivers. Boldin is exhibit A. And does anyone remember when David Boston was going to be the next great receiver?
There’s really not much separating the two though. Yea, ‘dre ran a faster 40-time. But for starters, I don’t think he’s in the 4.3-range these days. And secondly, their playing times are so similar, it doesn’t make much of a difference.
The real difference (statistically, at least), is the competition they’re up against. Fitz has the benefit of playing in the NFC west. Meanwhile Andre has to go up against much tougher pass defenses. Last year’s schedule was just ridiculous; you don’t play Tennessee twice, Baltimore, and Pittsburgh and post stats like those.
by Nashmeister on Jun 30, 2009 1:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Not to mention being the SOLE focus
of an entire secondary. Remember what how him embarassed Cortland Finnegan? That was awesome. Finnegan couldn’t stand getting burned like that every time.
"I am from one of the top 15 cities in the world. Buffalo, New York." - TrentEdwardsHoF2018
by Artest4Prez on Jun 30, 2009 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I spit my beer...
at JJ on the list!
I watched Fitzgerald in the playoffs last season and he was awesome, no doubt about it, but I never saw him make a catch, that I didn’t think ’ Dre could.
Andre Johnson may very well have a chance to showcase his skills in the post season this year and I believe all of the who’s best will be answered without further debate.
I actually posed this question earlier this year, to a former Texans WR. Does anybody remember JaJuan Dawson? He played for our Texans in 2002.
Anyway he thinks Steve Smith is the best in the NFL and he said he had recently hung around the Cardinal, because he is friends with E. James. Smith isn’t flashy at all, but the dude can make some catches. I guess the point is, that the whole deal is opinion and my opinion is that Andre Johnson is the best WR on planet earth!
GO TEXANS!!!!
This is the year.......
by Texanmaniac on Jun 30, 2009 9:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Note to self:
Never use Jacoby Jones in a poll question as a joke. 26 votes to Fitz’s 8?
"I'm just looking forward to something great happening in the city of Houston" - Tracy McGrady
Still waiting...
by DreKeem on Jun 30, 2009 9:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I confess
I voted for JJ. Even though I hope we cut him.
When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.
by tehGrindCrusher on Jul 1, 2009 1:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Update On Poll Regarding Who's The Best WR In The NFL
’Dre—115 votes
Fitzgerald—10 votes
Jacoby Freaking Jones—34 votes
Seems about right.
Looking forward to a day when being a Texans fan doesn't mean that April is the highlight of my season...
by Tim on Jul 1, 2009 10:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

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