Steelers' Tomlin would do it all again

[mesaSteeler]

Steelers' Tomlin would do it all again

1/10/2008 7:51:53 PM

PITTSBURGH - Steelers coach Mike Tomlin says if he had it to do all over again, he'd do it all over again.

Yes, he would again call for the two debatable 2-point conversion tries. The decision to run the ball on Pittsburgh's failed final drive, which led to Jacksonville's winning field goal and the Jaguars' 31-29 AFC playoff victory on Saturday.

Yes, that Ben Roethlisberger rollout on third-and-6 from the Pittsburgh 26 with 2:56 to play and the Steelers up 29-28 would be repeated - even though a successful short pass play would have given them the opportunity to run out the clock.

Roethlisberger was stopped for only a one-yard gain on a quarterback sweep to his left, a play that the Steelers rarely use but which still didn't fool Jaguars safety Sammy Knight. Roethlisberger threw for 337 yards and two scores and the Steelers ran for only 43 yards on 26 carries, yet they called three successive run plays on that final drive.

OK, Tomlin may be second-guessing that play-calling a little.

"Hindsight is 20-15 sometimes," Tomlin said at his end-of-season news conference Thursday. "If you had it to do over, yes, you would love to do that (throw the ball) because the result of the play was not the result we were looking for."

Tomlin's first season as an NFL head coach began well with records of 4-1 and 7-2 but ended with four losses in five games, including the Steelers' first early round home playoff loss in 15 years.

That's why Tomlin took a few extra days before talking to reporters for one last time this season. "It was an emotional game," he said. "It was a gut-wrenching defeat, but every January defeat I have experienced has been the same."

Tomlin twice gambled by going for the 2-point conversion, rather than kicking the extra point, after the Steelers scored in the fourth quarter to cut it to 28-23 and again when they went ahead 29-28.

The first time, Tomlin stayed with the 2-point conversion even after a holding call on centre Sean Mahan pushed the Steelers back to the 12-yard line. On another debatable quarterback keeper, Roethlisberger was stopped at the 3.

"Yes, I'd do it again," Tomlin said. "I throw caution to the wind. I play to win."

Following their go-ahead touchdown four minutes later, the Steelers were trying to go up by three points so a field goal wouldn't beat them - which, of course, is exactly what happened when Josh Scobee kicked a 25-yarder with 37 seconds to play.

"We go up by one, there is no need of going up by two," Tomlin said.

On other issues, Tomlin said he:

-Plans to retain all of his assistant coaches, although it is common for a first-year coach to reassess his staff and make changes.

"Do we need to get better? Do we need to coach better in some areas, all areas? Absolutely," he said.

-Was concerned - and rightly so, as it proved - about his special teams even before the start of training camp.

As he watched film after being hired nearly a year ago, Tomlin said he realized losing special teams players such as Sean Morey, Mike Logan and Chidi Iwuoma would be a major setback. Also, linebacker James Harrison became a starter and didn't play as much on special teams.

"I wasn't interested in throwing up a red flag and saying, `Hey, I am worried about special teams,' but obviously I was," Tomlin said. "A special teams unit is comprised of four or five core guys. .. It would be the equivalent of losing seven, eight, nine starters on an offensive or defensive unit."

Kick coverage must improve next season, he said, but there "are not enough dynamic playmakers that you can build a core unit around."

-Thinks the Steelers currently are "a good team. That's what 10-6 teams are, what division champions are. We've got to be great."

-Is convinced the offensive and defensive lines most need an infusion of younger players.

"The protection of our quarterback has to improve," Tomlin said, referring to the 47 sacks of Roethlisberger.

-Hasn't written off losing All-Pro guard Alan Faneca, who can become a free agent, but "maybe the door is closing."

-Isn't confident that the Steelers will be big players in free agency and believes most of their new players will arrive in the draft.

"When you have quality, you have to pay for that," he said.

-Said his first season as a head coach didn't go "as well as I would have liked."

"One of the things that has bugged me since Saturday night are people with great intentions saying, `Great start' and `great year,"' he said. "I appreciate that, but I am not wired like that. Not that I am a negative guy, a melancholy guy. .. (But) there is something we are chasing here and we never will cease that chase."

-Wouldn't disclose, for now, whether the Steelers will eventually switch from a 3-4 defence to a 4-3. He also wouldn't say if he favours yanking up Heinz Field's often-mushy grass and putting down artificial turf.

[LetMePlay]

In other news: Tomlins sticks a pen in this eye. Twice.

[FlaStGrad]

Tomlin has an eye?

Sorry, couldn't resist.

[Turbo Pig]

He Plays to win?

then why stand behind the play calling on our last drive?

[thumbring]

That's just baseball.

[scrapdog]

That's just baseball.

Here's a classic Yogi Berra saying that crossed over to all sports, 'it ain't over till it's over'. Amen.

[jasen@cardiostack]

tomlin is not the guy to lead this team where the previous two guys have

[FAB802]

tomlin is not the guy to lead this team where the previous two guys have

You think that after one playoff season with key inujuries pretty much all year huh? It only took Cowher thirteen years to get that win you're speaking of.

[MT~Forged]

All the 'ol timers need a bit of time to get used to playing to win.

For the past 15 years it has been play not to loose.

[CAH]

In other news: Tomlins sticks a pen in this eye. Twice.

and if the play works the next time?

[Super Heathen]

You think that after one playoff season with key inujuries pretty much all year huh? It only took Cowher thirteen years to get that win you're speaking of.

Correct. If Bill Walsh, Chuck Noll, and Joe Gibbs all co-coached THIS team the net result would have varied little. We have a lack of talent in a couple of area's that need to be addressed before we throw MT under a bus.

[60 MINUTES]

Correct. If Bill Walsh, Chuck Noll, and Joe Gibbs all co-coached THIS team the net result would have varied little. We have a lack of talent in a couple of area's that need to be addressed before we throw MT under a bus.


This statement is true, and up until I read this post I thought tomlin would find that talent, but after reading and seeing how he blamed the special teams play on the loss of Sean Moray, I really lost my fucking lunch. Sean sucked the last year he was with us period.

Play to win quote, Is that what you call that at the end of the game?

I like Tomlin but I do believe it will take him a little while to learn some shit. He is very sharp for his age but I belive we got him a little to early. Hope I'm wrong but I'm not sure we win it the next couple of years with Tomlin, it may take a little longer.

[Ghost of Frenchy Fuqua]

...I believe we got him a little too early...

Very astute.

[Blind Official]

For the record, Chidi was available all season up until a few weeks before the playoff game.

They couldn't have worried about losing him too bad. Someone is full of shit

[5RINGS]

He is a stupid stubborm mfer. I see that he wants to be right at all cost. We may be in trouble .

[Turbo Pig]

He is a stupid stubborm mfer. I see that he wants to be right at all cost. We may be in trouble .

I too believe he's one stubborn man, and for our sakes, he better be right, cause I'm less and less impressed as each game goes by...

I too think we may have got him too young and he needed time at a coordinator position for years before this jump

[Cap'n A]

Steelers' Tomlin would do it all again

-Pans to retain all of his assistant coaches, although it is common for a first-year coach to reassess his staff and make changes.

"Do we need to get better? Do we need to coach better in some areas, all areas? Absolutely," he said.

-Was concerned - and rightly so, as it proved - about his special teams even before the start of training camp.

As he watched film after being hired nearly a year ago, Tomlin said he realized losing special teams players such as Sean Morey, Mike Logan and Chidi Iwuoma would be a major setback. Also, linebacker James Harrison became a starter and didn't play as much on special teams.

"I wasn't interested in throwing up a red flag and saying, `Hey, I am worried about special teams,' but obviously I was," Tomlin said. "A special teams unit is comprised of four or five core guys. .. It would be the equivalent of losing seven, eight, nine starters on an offensive or defensive unit."

Kick coverage must improve next season, he said, but there "are not enough dynamic playmakers that you can build a core unit around."

Careful Mike, that sounds like you're already making excuses for next year's weak Special Teams. Get a new ST staff that puts performance over philosophy and get a beserker wegde buster.

[dobre shunka]

For the record, Chidi was available all season up until a few weeks before the playoff game.

They couldn't have worried about losing him too bad. Someone is full of

Those were my thoughts as well. Along with keeping 3 centers on the roster for a chunk of the year. And if they weren't going to use Kreider, why keep him at all, especially on the active list. They had no interest in retaining Morey. And they drafted two LBs in the first two rounds. If you can't offset the mighty talent drain of Morey and Logan with two high end LB picks, you either whiffed on those picks, or coaching is a problem. They kept guys like the two Arnolds and Cooper pretty much for their ST play, then didn't dress them. And early in the season they were watching guys like McGee and Breaston run past them while in street clothes so they could dress a 3rd TE and/or a 2nd FB in an offense that now doesn't have much use for a FB. They dumped Cooper when Frazier came available. Then they didn't dress him. Until after Arizona. Don't know if it was horrid STs play or a rash of injuries that got him a hat. Then finally dumped the 3rd center Philip after the NE game and brought back Cooper. Anyways, since Tomlin feels he needs 4 or 5 core ST'ers, and with no change in coaching, suppose I'd be worried if I'm Frazier, Arnold Harrison, Cooper, and Kreiwaldt.

All the offseason attention and practices, and dumping Colclough suggests Tomlin was serious about STs. But then you look at the roster and the gameday roster and what he just said about needing 4 or 5 core guys and wonder. I know you've got 3 phases, and it's a constant juggling act, but it looks like STs got hind tit. Which was part of the problem in years past. Only those with those editions it was with practice time, and this one was with personnel.

[omawho]

First year Coach and half of you people are ready to toss him to the curb. What a fucking joke... Get a grip...

[Steelr4evr]

He's out of his mind! The 3rd and 6 call defies all football 101 logic in accordance to how the game played out in the second half. It's a no brainer when your PRO-BOWL QB who has brought your team back from a deep hole he helped put them in. When your line can't run block for shit,your best back is on IR, you haven't even cracked 50 yards rushing? You put the ball in the air.......run,run,run..punt = old school Cowher minus a Bus and a line that couldn't block my 79 year old grandmother out.

[Sluzilla]

You think that after one playoff season with key inujuries pretty much all year huh? It only took Cowher thirteen years to get that win you're speaking of.

that's alright...he still thinks Holmes is a mediocre receiver at best...

[Vis Major]

Can we attach this thread trashing Tomlin for not second guessing to the ones trashing Arians for second guessing?

[1st & 10]

Roethlisberger was stopped for only a one-yard gain on a quarterback sweep to his left, a play that the Steelers rarely use but which still didn't fool Jaguars safety Sammy Knight. Roethlisberger threw for 337 yards and two scores and the Steelers ran for only 43 yards on 26 carries, yet they called three successive run plays on that final drive.

OK, Tomlin may be second-guessing that play-calling a little.

"Hindsight is 20-15 sometimes," Tomlin said at his end-of-season news conference Thursday. "]If you had it to do over, yes, you would love to do that (throw the ball) because the result of the play was not the result we were looking for."


Guess he realizes they should have passed on that final offensive series.

[jasen@cardiostack]

that's alright...he still thinks Holmes is a mediocre receiver at best...

and his play and stats prove it. make a list of recievers you would take first and if he is in the top 25 your nuts. he is certainly not worth the trade especially when mangold was sitting there and he would have a much bigger impact then holmes any and everyday of the week.

[Vis Major]

Roethlisberger was stopped for only a one-yard gain on a quarterback sweep to his left, a play that the Steelers rarely use but which still didn't fool Jaguars safety Sammy Knight. Roethlisberger threw for 337 yards and two scores and the Steelers ran for only 43 yards on 26 carries, yet they called three successive run plays on that final drive.

OK, Tomlin may be second-guessing that play-calling a little.

"Hindsight is 20-15 sometimes," Tomlin said at his end-of-season news conference Thursday. "]If you had it to do over, yes, you would love to do that (throw the ball) because the result of the play was not the result we were looking for."


Guess he realizes they should have passed on that final offensive series.

No, what he is saying is that knowing a play will fail he would call a different one. Too bad he didn't have the game film before the game. Bet he would call runs on the INTs as well.

[BillvinCowbert]

No, what he is saying is that knowing a play will fail he would call a different one. Too bad he didn't have the game film before the game. Bet he would call runs on the INTs as well.

Exactly, he's saying "yeah, given it didn't work I'd like to have it back".... that's a lot different than saying "yeah, we should have trusted our franchise QB to make the play"...

For such an incredibly smart guy, Tomlin sure says and does some really dumb shit.

I MUCH prefer the Arians response... after having time to think about it, he realized it was bad. The ONLY way you improve and get better is to analyze and REALIZE your mistakes. If you analyze your mistakes and decide "oh well, I'd do it again", you AREN'T going to improve.

So far, Tomlin has coached with tunnel vision, not thinking ahead. He's made decisions in advance and stuck with them regardless of what happened around him... in a way, he had to, because he came in with so little time to really absorb everything. It started with the draft: he fell in love with Timmons and didn't allow any other thoughts to enter his mind. I really don't think it mattered how that first round played out, he/they were LOCKED in to Timmons for better or worse. On the 2-pointer, he decided to play by "the chart" regardless of situation (from the 2, from the 12, from the 25, whatever). He decided to run that third down sweep after first down, regardless of what happened on 2nd down.

To get better, he needs to be prepared for the script to change and adapt his strategy on the fly....

[Vis Major]

Exactly, he's saying "yeah, given it didn't work I'd like to have it back".... that's a lot different than saying "yeah, we should have trusted our franchise QB to make the play"...

For such an incredibly smart guy, Tomlin sure says and does some really dumb shit.

I MUCH prefer the Arians response... after having time to think about it, he realized it was bad. The ONLY way you improve and get better is to analyze and REALIZE your mistakes. If you analyze your mistakes and decide "oh well, I'd do it again", you AREN'T going to improve.

So far, Tomlin has coached with tunnel vision, not thinking ahead. He's made decisions in advance and stuck with them regardless of what happened around him... in a way, he had to, because he came in with so little time to really absorb everything. It started with the draft: he fell in love with Timmons and didn't allow any other thoughts to enter his mind. I really don't think it mattered how that first round played out, he/they were LOCKED in to Timmons for better or worse. On the 2-pointer, he decided to play by "the chart" regardless of situation (from the 2, from the 12, from the 25, whatever). He decided to run that third down sweep after first down, regardless of what happened on 2nd down.

To get better, he needs to be prepared for the script to change and adapt his strategy on the fly....


You don't really believe this answer to the press means he isn't looking at film and learning from every play, every call, every choice. Please....

[BillvinCowbert]

You don't really believe this answer to the press means he isn't looking at film and learning from every play, every call, every choice. Please....

In his first season, I don't think he did enough of it. He's a smart guy, going forward I think he WILL do it, and he NEEDS to do it in order to become a better head coach. If he goes back and watches the film of the second half with a critical eye, he will become ill watching that last offensive series.

[omawho]

It started with the draft: he fell in love with Timmons and didn't allow any other thoughts to enter his mind.

How do you know this?? Did he tell you that??? You think no one else had any input on that choice??

He decided to run that third down sweep after first down, regardless of what happened on 2nd down.

Again, How do you know that??? You a fucking mind-reader????

[Sluzilla]

and his play and stats prove it. make a list of recievers you would take first and if he is in the top 25 your nuts. he is certainly not worth the trade especially when mangold was sitting there and he would have a much bigger impact then holmes any and everyday of the week.

#14 in yards per game / #12 in TDs per game...

<table class="shsTable shsGriddedTable" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="shsTableTtlRow"><td colspan="4">NFL Leaders: Yds/Catch (Thru Dec. 30, 2007)</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="4" class="shsTableSubttlRow">(1.875 Receptions/Game)
</td> </tr> <tr class="shsColTtlRow"> <td width="15%">Rank</td> <td width="30%">Player</td> <td width="25%">Team</td> <td width="20%">Stats</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">1</td> <td class="shsNamD">Santonio Holmes (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7774&team=23)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Pit (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=23)</td> <td class="shsNamD">18.1 ( 942/52 )</td></tr></tbody></table>

<table class="shsTable shsGriddedTable" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="shsTableTtlRow"><td colspan="4">NFL Leaders: Receiving Touchdowns (Thru Dec. 30, 2007)</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="4" class="shsTableSubttlRow">
</td> </tr> <tr class="shsColTtlRow"> <td width="15%">Rank</td> <td width="30%">Player</td> <td width="25%">Team</td> <td width="20%">Stats</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">1</td> <td class="shsNamD">Randy Moss (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=4262&team=17)</td> <td class="shsNamD">NE (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=17)</td> <td class="shsNumD">23</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">2</td> <td class="shsNamD">Braylon Edwards (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7179&team=05)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Cle (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=05)</td> <td class="shsNumD">16</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">3</td> <td class="shsNamD">Terrell Owens (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=3664&team=06)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Dal (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=06)</td> <td class="shsNumD">15</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">4t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Plaxico Burress (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=5037&team=19)</td> <td class="shsNamD">NYG (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=19)</td> <td class="shsNumD">12</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">4t </td> <td class="shsNamD">T.J. Houshmandzadeh (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=5652&team=04)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Cin (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=04)</td> <td class="shsNumD">12</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">4t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Greg Jennings (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7801&team=09)</td> <td class="shsNamD">GB (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=09)</td> <td class="shsNumD">12</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">7t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Dallas Clark (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6360&team=11)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Ind (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=11)</td> <td class="shsNumD">11</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">7t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Marques Colston (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=8001&team=18)</td> <td class="shsNamD">NO (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=18)</td> <td class="shsNumD">11</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">9t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Larry Fitzgerald (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6762&team=22)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Ari (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=22)</td> <td class="shsNumD">10</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">9t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Reggie Wayne (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=5477&team=11)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Ind (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=11)</td> <td class="shsNumD">10</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">9t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Reggie Williams (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6768&team=30)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Jac (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=30)</td> <td class="shsNumD">10</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">12t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Anquan Boldin (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6390&team=22)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Ari (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=22)</td> <td class="shsNumD">9</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">12t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Nate Burleson (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6407&team=26)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Sea (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=26)</td> <td class="shsNumD">9</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">12t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Antonio Gates (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6663&team=24)</td> <td class="shsNamD">SD (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=24)</td> <td class="shsNumD">9</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">15t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Chris Cooley (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6840&team=28)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Was (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=28)</td> <td class="shsNumD">8</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">15t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Santonio Holmes (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7774&team=23)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Pit (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=23)</td> <td class="shsNumD">8</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table class="shsTable shsGriddedTable" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="shsTableTtlRow"><td colspan="4">NFL Leaders: Big Catches (Thru Dec. 30, 2007)</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="4" class="shsTableSubttlRow">
</td> </tr> <tr class="shsColTtlRow"> <td width="15%">Rank</td> <td width="30%">Player</td> <td width="25%">Team</td> <td width="20%">Stats</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">1</td> <td class="shsNamD">Reggie Wayne (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=5477&team=11)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Ind (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=11)</td> <td class="shsNumD">16</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">2t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Jerricho Cotchery (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6867&team=20)</td> <td class="shsNamD">NYJ (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=20)</td> <td class="shsNumD">13</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">2t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Terrell Owens (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=3664&team=06)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Dal (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=06)</td> <td class="shsNumD">13</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">2t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Roddy White (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7203&team=01)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Atl (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=01)</td> <td class="shsNumD">13</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">5t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Braylon Edwards (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7179&team=05)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Cle (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=05)</td> <td class="shsNumD">12</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">5t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Larry Fitzgerald (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6762&team=22)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Ari (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=22)</td> <td class="shsNumD">12</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">5t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Joey Galloway (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=3135&team=27)</td> <td class="shsNamD">TB (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=27)</td> <td class="shsNumD">12</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">5t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Santonio Holmes (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7774&team=23)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Pit (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=23)</td> <td class="shsNumD">12</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table class="shsTable shsGriddedTable" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="shsTableTtlRow"><td colspan="4">NFL Leaders: Longest Reception (Thru Dec. 30, 2007)</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="4" class="shsTableSubttlRow">
</td> </tr> <tr class="shsColTtlRow"> <td width="15%">Rank</td> <td width="30%">Player</td> <td width="25%">Team</td> <td width="20%">Stats</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">1</td> <td class="shsNamD">Roy Williams (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6766&team=08)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Det (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=08)</td> <td class="shsNumD">91</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">2</td> <td class="shsNamD">Lee Evans (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6772&team=02)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Buf (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=02)</td> <td class="shsNumD">85</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">3</td> <td class="shsNamD">Santonio Holmes (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7774&team=23)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Pit (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=23)</td> <td class="shsNumD">83</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table class="shsTable shsGriddedTable" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="shsTableTtlRow"><td colspan="4">NFL Leaders: %First Downs/Reception (Thru Dec. 30, 2007)</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="4" class="shsTableSubttlRow">(1.875 Receptions/Game)
</td> </tr> <tr class="shsColTtlRow"> <td width="15%">Rank</td> <td width="30%">Player</td> <td width="25%">Team</td> <td width="20%">Stats</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">1</td> <td class="shsNamD">Terrell Owens (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=3664&team=06)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Dal (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=06)</td> <td class="shsNamD">85.2 ( 69/81 )</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">2</td> <td class="shsNamD">Brandon Stokley (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=4755&team=07)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Den (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=07)</td> <td class="shsNamD">85.0 ( 34/40 )</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">3</td> <td class="shsNamD">Justin Gage (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6479&team=10)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Ten (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=10)</td> <td class="shsNamD">81.8 ( 45/55 )</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">4</td> <td class="shsNamD">Santonio Holmes (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7774&team=23)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Pit (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=23)</td> <td class="shsNamD">80.8 ( 42/52 )</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table class="shsTable shsGriddedTable" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="shsTableTtlRow"><td colspan="4">NFL Leaders: %First Downs/Passing Target (Thru Dec. 30, 2007)</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="4" class="shsTableSubttlRow">(3.125 Targets/Game)
</td> </tr> <tr class="shsColTtlRow"> <td width="15%">Rank</td> <td width="30%">Player</td> <td width="25%">Team</td> <td width="20%">Stats</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">1</td> <td class="shsNamD">Justin Gage (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6479&team=10)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Ten (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=10)</td> <td class="shsNamD">52.9 ( 45/85 )</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">2</td> <td class="shsNamD">Heath Miller (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7206&team=23)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Pit (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=23)</td> <td class="shsNamD">52.5 ( 32/61 )</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">3</td> <td class="shsNamD">Anthony Gonzalez (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=8286&team=11)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Ind (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=11)</td> <td class="shsNamD">51.9 ( 27/52 )</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">4</td> <td class="shsNamD">Santonio Holmes (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7774&team=23)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Pit (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=23)</td> <td class="shsNamD">49.4 ( 42/85 )</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table class="shsTable shsGriddedTable" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="shsTableTtlRow"><td colspan="4">NFL Leaders: 1st Down Catches, 3rd Down (Thru Dec. 30, 2007)</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="4" class="shsTableSubttlRow">
</td> </tr> <tr class="shsColTtlRow"> <td width="15%">Rank</td> <td width="30%">Player</td> <td width="25%">Team</td> <td width="20%">Stats</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">1</td> <td class="shsNamD">T.J. Houshmandzadeh (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=5652&team=04)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Cin (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=04)</td> <td class="shsNumD">27</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">2</td> <td class="shsNamD">Derrick Mason (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=3988&team=33)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Bal (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=33)</td> <td class="shsNumD">24</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">3t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Terrell Owens (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=3664&team=06)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Dal (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=06)</td> <td class="shsNumD">23</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">3t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Reggie Wayne (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=5477&team=11)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Ind (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=11)</td> <td class="shsNumD">23</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">5t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Antonio Gates (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6663&team=24)</td> <td class="shsNamD">SD (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=24)</td> <td class="shsNumD">22</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">5t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Chad Johnson (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=5483&team=04)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Cin (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=04)</td> <td class="shsNumD">22</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">5t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Joe Jurevicius (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=4314&team=05)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Cle (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=05)</td> <td class="shsNumD">22</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">5t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Hines Ward (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=4323&team=23)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Pit (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=23)</td> <td class="shsNumD">22</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">5t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Wes Welker (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7027&team=17)</td> <td class="shsNamD">NE (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=17)</td> <td class="shsNumD">22</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">10t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Plaxico Burress (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=5037&team=19)</td> <td class="shsNamD">NYG (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=19)</td> <td class="shsNumD">19</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">10t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Chris Cooley (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6840&team=28)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Was (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=28)</td> <td class="shsNumD">19</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">10t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Donald Driver (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=4863&team=09)</td> <td class="shsNamD">GB (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=09)</td> <td class="shsNumD">19</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">10t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Tony Gonzalez (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=3950&team=12)</td> <td class="shsNamD">KC (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=12)</td> <td class="shsNumD">19</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">14t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Marques Colston (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=8001&team=18)</td> <td class="shsNamD">NO (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=18)</td> <td class="shsNumD">18</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">14t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Justin Gage (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6479&team=10)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Ten (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=10)</td> <td class="shsNumD">18</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">14t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Torry Holt (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=4654&team=14)</td> <td class="shsNamD">StL (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=14)</td> <td class="shsNumD">18</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">14t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Brandon Marshall (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7868&team=07)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Den (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=07)</td> <td class="shsNumD">18</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">14t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Roddy White (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7203&team=01)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Atl (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=01)</td> <td class="shsNumD">18</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">14t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Kellen Winslow (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6765&team=05)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Cle (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=05)</td> <td class="shsNumD">18</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">20t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Ronald Curry (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6092&team=13)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Oak (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=13)</td> <td class="shsNumD">17</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">20t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Kevin Curtis (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6410&team=21)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Phi (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=21)</td> <td class="shsNumD">17</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">20t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Braylon Edwards (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7179&team=05)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Cle (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=05)</td> <td class="shsNumD">17</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">20t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Larry Fitzgerald (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6762&team=22)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Ari (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=22)</td> <td class="shsNumD">17</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">20t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Santonio Holmes (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7774&team=23)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Pit (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=23)</td> <td class="shsNumD">17</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table class="shsTable shsGriddedTable" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="shsTableTtlRow"><td colspan="4">NFL Leaders: 1st Down Catches, 3rd and >7 (Thru Dec. 30, 2007)</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="4" class="shsTableSubttlRow">
</td> </tr> <tr class="shsColTtlRow"> <td width="15%">Rank</td> <td width="30%">Player</td> <td width="25%">Team</td> <td width="20%">Stats</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">1t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Antonio Gates (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6663&team=24)</td> <td class="shsNamD">SD (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=24)</td> <td class="shsNumD">10</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">1t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Derrick Mason (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=3988&team=33)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Bal (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=33)</td> <td class="shsNumD">10</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">3t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Chris Chambers (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=5499&team=24)</td> <td class="shsNamD">SD (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=24)</td> <td class="shsNumD">9</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">3t </td> <td class="shsNamD">T.J. Houshmandzadeh (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=5652&team=04)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Cin (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=04)</td> <td class="shsNumD">9</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">3t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Brandon Stokley (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=4755&team=07)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Den (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=07)</td> <td class="shsNumD">9</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">3t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Roddy White (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7203&team=01)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Atl (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=01)</td> <td class="shsNumD">9</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">3t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Kellen Winslow (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6765&team=05)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Cle (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=05)</td> <td class="shsNumD">9</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">8t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Braylon Edwards (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7179&team=05)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Cle (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=05)</td> <td class="shsNumD">8</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">8t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Hines Ward (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=4323&team=23)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Pit (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=23)</td> <td class="shsNumD">8</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">8t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Wes Welker (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7027&team=17)</td> <td class="shsNamD">NE (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=17)</td> <td class="shsNumD">8</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">11t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Donald Driver (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=4863&team=09)</td> <td class="shsNamD">GB (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=09)</td> <td class="shsNumD">7</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">11t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Bobby Engram (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=3512&team=26)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Sea (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=26)</td> <td class="shsNumD">7</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">11t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Larry Fitzgerald (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6762&team=22)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Ari (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=22)</td> <td class="shsNumD">7</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">11t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Santonio Holmes (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7774&team=23)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Pit (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=23)</td> <td class="shsNumD">7</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table class="shsTable shsGriddedTable" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="shsTableTtlRow"><td colspan="4">NFL Leaders: TD Receptions, 1st Half (Thru Dec. 30, 2007)</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="4" class="shsTableSubttlRow">
</td> </tr> <tr class="shsColTtlRow"> <td width="15%">Rank</td> <td width="30%">Player</td> <td width="25%">Team</td> <td width="20%">Stats</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">1</td> <td class="shsNamD">Randy Moss (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=4262&team=17)</td> <td class="shsNamD">NE (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=17)</td> <td class="shsNumD">17</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">2</td> <td class="shsNamD">Dallas Clark (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6360&team=11)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Ind (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=11)</td> <td class="shsNumD">9</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">3t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Marques Colston (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=8001&team=18)</td> <td class="shsNamD">NO (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=18)</td> <td class="shsNumD">7</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">3t </td> <td class="shsNamD">T.J. Houshmandzadeh (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=5652&team=04)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Cin (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=04)</td> <td class="shsNumD">7</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">5t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Chris Cooley (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6840&team=28)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Was (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=28)</td> <td class="shsNumD">6</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">5t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Braylon Edwards (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7179&team=05)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Cle (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=05)</td> <td class="shsNumD">6</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">5t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Bobby Engram (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=3512&team=26)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Sea (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=26)</td> <td class="shsNumD">6</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">5t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Larry Fitzgerald (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6762&team=22)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Ari (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=22)</td> <td class="shsNumD">6</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">5t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Torry Holt (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=4654&team=14)</td> <td class="shsNamD">StL (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=14)</td> <td class="shsNumD">6</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">10t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Plaxico Burress (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=5037&team=19)</td> <td class="shsNamD">NYG (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=19)</td> <td class="shsNumD">5</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">10t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Kevin Curtis (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6410&team=21)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Phi (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=21)</td> <td class="shsNumD">5</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">10t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Joey Galloway (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=3135&team=27)</td> <td class="shsNamD">TB (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=27)</td> <td class="shsNumD">5</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">10t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Santonio Holmes (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7774&team=23)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Pit (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=23)</td> <td class="shsNumD">5</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table class="shsTable shsGriddedTable" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="shsTableTtlRow"><td colspan="4">NFL Leaders: TD Receptions, 4th Qtr (Thru Dec. 30, 2007)</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="4" class="shsTableSubttlRow">
</td> </tr> <tr class="shsColTtlRow"> <td width="15%">Rank</td> <td width="30%">Player</td> <td width="25%">Team</td> <td width="20%">Stats</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">1</td> <td class="shsNamD">Terrell Owens (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=3664&team=06)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Dal (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=06)</td> <td class="shsNumD">6</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">2t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Anquan Boldin (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6390&team=22)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Ari (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=22)</td> <td class="shsNumD">5</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">2t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Plaxico Burress (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=5037&team=19)</td> <td class="shsNamD">NYG (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=19)</td> <td class="shsNumD">5</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">4t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Nate Burleson (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6407&team=26)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Sea (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=26)</td> <td class="shsNumD">4</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">4t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Alge Crumpler (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=5482&team=01)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Atl (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=01)</td> <td class="shsNumD">4</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">4t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Braylon Edwards (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7179&team=05)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Cle (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=05)</td> <td class="shsNumD">4</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">7t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Dwayne Bowe (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=8277&team=12)</td> <td class="shsNamD">KC (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=12)</td> <td class="shsNumD">3</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">7t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Drew Carter (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6922&team=29)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Car (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=29)</td> <td class="shsNumD">3</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">7t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Larry Fitzgerald (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6762&team=22)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Ari (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=22)</td> <td class="shsNumD">3</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">7t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Antonio Gates (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6663&team=24)</td> <td class="shsNamD">SD (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=24)</td> <td class="shsNumD">3</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">7t </td> <td class="shsNamD">T.J. Houshmandzadeh (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=5652&team=04)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Cin (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=04)</td> <td class="shsNumD">3</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">7t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Andre Johnson (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6339&team=34)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Hou (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=34)</td> <td class="shsNumD">3</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">7t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Randy Moss (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=4262&team=17)</td> <td class="shsNamD">NE (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=17)</td> <td class="shsNumD">3</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">7t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Dennis Northcutt (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=5061&team=30)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Jac (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=30)</td> <td class="shsNumD">3</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">7t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Steve Smith (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=5521&team=29)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Car (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=29)</td> <td class="shsNumD">3</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">7t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Reggie Wayne (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=5477&team=11)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Ind (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=11)</td> <td class="shsNumD">3</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">7t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Wes Welker (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7027&team=17)</td> <td class="shsNamD">NE (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=17)</td> <td class="shsNumD">3</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">7t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Reggie Williams (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6768&team=30)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Jac (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=30)</td> <td class="shsNumD">3</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">19t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Bernard Berrian (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6837&team=03)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Chi (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=03)</td> <td class="shsNumD">2</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">19t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Desmond Clark (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=4829&team=03)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Chi (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=03)</td> <td class="shsNumD">2</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">19t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Marques Colston (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=8001&team=18)</td> <td class="shsNamD">NO (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=18)</td> <td class="shsNumD">2</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">19t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Patrick Crayton (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6975&team=06)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Dal (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=06)</td> <td class="shsNumD">2</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">19t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Owen Daniels (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7847&team=34)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Hou (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=34)</td> <td class="shsNumD">2</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">19t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Devard Darling (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6841&team=33)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Bal (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=33)</td> <td class="shsNumD">2</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">19t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Andre Davis (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=5933&team=34)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Hou (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=34)</td> <td class="shsNumD">2</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">19t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Lee Evans (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6772&team=02)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Buf (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=02)</td> <td class="shsNumD">2</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">19t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Tony Gonzalez (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=3950&team=12)</td> <td class="shsNamD">KC (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=12)</td> <td class="shsNumD">2</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">19t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Derek Hagan (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7831&team=15)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Mia (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=15)</td> <td class="shsNumD">2</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">19t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Santonio Holmes (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7774&team=23)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Pit (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=23)</td> <td class="shsNumD">2</td></tr></tbody></table>
all lists he made in the top 25...in 13 games...

your blind ignorance when it comes to Holmes is not only sad...but also pathetic...i wanted Mangold in the first that year also...but evidently i don't have near the man love for him that you do...because i can CLEARLY see Holmes is among the top receivers in the league...at LEAST in the top 25 in the league...more than likely in the top 15...

[BAS]

On the 2-pointer, he decided to play by "the chart" regardless of situation (from the 2, from the 12, from the 25, whatever).

For some perspective... Mike Ditka agreed with the 2-pt attempt from the 12, and he once one a Super Bowl.




He also once sold his career down the river by trading an entire draft for Ricky Williams.:rolleyes:

[Blitzburghv5]

MT stated he wasnt satisfied with this season (PPG article). He wants to win championships. I believe in time with him absorbing all of this, that he will accomplish this goal. 1st year coach, Divisional champions. Its a small step but a great first step for a rookie head coach, dont ya'll think ? This team was banged up goin into the last 4-5 games and played minus key starters all season long. Some of you need to cut this man some slack.........This is the Pittsburgh Steelers we're talkin bout here. Not the Atlanta Falcons/Miami Dolphins. We dont embrace change for the sake of just changin cuz things didnt turn out the way us fans hoped.

Give the guy a break.

[BillvinCowbert]

It started with the draft: he fell in love with Timmons and didn't allow any other thoughts to enter his mind.

How do you know this?? Did he tell you that??? You think no one else had any input on that choice??
I followed the pre-draft coverage. OJ didn't tell me that he was a killer, butI know that too.

He decided to run that third down sweep after first down, regardless of what happened on 2nd down.

Again, How do you know that??? You a ing mind-reader????

Read the post-game stuff. They got 5 on first down and wanted to get to 3rd and 3 because this play was designed for 3rd and 3. They LOST a yard on 2nd down, put them in 3rd and 6, but STILL decided to run the 3rd and 3 play. They told EVERYONE that, not just me.

[360x]

I'm not blaming the coach. I don't care how many people want to put this on Tomlin. This team lost because of Injuries and terrible oline play. PERIOD. I'm actually surprised that we did as well as we did all things considered.

With Faneca gone and no significant free agent signings, the only way we improve is by drafting at least a couple of players that play ABOVE their draft position and at least a couple of our reserves from this year stepping up BIG TIME. That's a scary position to be in. If they don't resign Faneca then I honestly expect a year much like the Post Superbowl year. Far too many question marks to put high expectations on this team.

[omawho]

He decided to run that play after second down, not after first fown as you stated. And I got news for you, if the block would have been made on the linebacker Ben gets at least 10 yards. But of course you knew in advance that the block would be missed.

Sorry but I'm just a bit tired of so many on this board tossing this guy to the curb in his first year as a head coach. I think I will give him more time to prove himself.....

[BillvinCowbert]

He decided to run that play after second down, not after first fown as you stated. And I got news for you, if the block would have been made on the linebacker Ben gets at least 10 yards. But of course you knew in advance that the block would be missed.

Arians said the yardage needed was a little more than the Steelers would have preferred, but they still felt good about calling Roethlisberger's number.

"After the first-down call, we were trying to get it into third-and-3 or third-and-4 for that play," Arians said. "We don't get the necessary yardage running straight ahead. We still got the exact coverage we thought we'd get on third-and-3.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_546183.html

[Irv24]

He decided to run that play after second down, not after first fown as you stated. And I got news for you, if the block would have been made on the linebacker Ben gets at least 10 yards. But of course you knew in advance that the block would be missed.

Sorry but I'm just a bit tired of so many on this board tossing this guy to the curb in his first year as a head coach. I think I will give him more time to prove himself.....

Thank you.
People here forget that Cowher did not win the Division his last two years in Pittsburgh.
I'm sure we can come up with a laundry list of Cowher mistakes and bad decisions(please start a new thread if you do)..

This is Tomlin's 1st year. In my opinion he did a good job with the cards he was dealt. Next year he gets to add some new cards to his hand.
Lets see where that takes us.

HERE WE GO STEELERS!!!!

[Sluzilla]

Arians said the yardage needed was a little more than the Steelers would have preferred, but they still felt good about calling Roethlisberger's number.

"After the first-down call, we were trying to get it into third-and-3 or third-and-4 for that play," Arians said. "We don't get the necessary yardage running straight ahead. We still got the exact coverage we thought we'd get on third-and-3.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_546183.html

maybe just me...but if it's a play that's been successful in practice...and they got the exact coverage they hoped for...sounds like it should have been the perfect play...if executed...

[Andymisiu]

tomlin is not the guy to lead this team where the previous two guys have

Total BS :mad:

[BillvinCowbert]

maybe just me...but if it's a play that's been successful in practice...and they got the exact coverage they hoped for...sounds like it should have been the perfect play...if executed...

For 3rd and 3. If they got what they were looking for, it was still designed to be used for 3rd and 3. Just like a 4-yard curl could be perfectly executed, it doesn't make it the right play on 3rd and 6. But maybe that's just me.

[Coryea]

I didn't like the 3rd down call at all, but it looks like Essex totally blew the block.

[Andymisiu]

Tomlin did a good job in his FIRST year as a head coach EVER in the NFL. He's got plenty of what it takes to be one of the best. Do you really think the ROONEYS would get it wrong?? The Rooney’s are the reason we’re all fans in the first place……. Have some f’ing faith in the leaders of this team.

I'm glad Tomlin stands by his calls; it shows he believes in what he's doing. I would hate to have a coach make a play call and then wish he could take it back. That would show little "courage" and the inability to stand up against the "Steeler Nation". I like a guy who stands by his decision, cause anything else would be a sign of weakness. He made the call he believes in, not what everyone else would have done.

I firmly stand by his choice for the two point conversions.

I understand why he ran with Ben (they ran it several times in practice against the Steelers number 1 defense and were getting 10 yards a clip because the defense was caught crashing inside) however; I probably would have thrown it.

Tomlin is still leaving the 3-4, 4-3 discussions open. Sounds like he has some things he wants to consider. If it wasn’t a thought, why not squash it?

I think we're only going to get better next year.

[Sluzilla]

For 3rd and 3. If they got what they were looking for, it was still designed to be used for 3rd and 3. Just like a 4-yard curl could be perfectly executed, it doesn't make it the right play on 3rd and 6. But maybe that's just me.

it was designed for 3rd and 3?...or they were hoping to run it at 3rd and 3 / 3rd and 4?...there's a difference...do you know how many yards it got in practice each time?...possibly a 6-10 yard run each time?...but they were hoping to get 3rd and 3 or 3rd and 4 to make it that much more effective?...i don't know...neither do you...all you know is that they were hoping to get to 3rd and 3 / 3rd and 4 which whether you are running or passing is better than 3rd and 6...

i'm assuming a play called is SUPPOSED to be able to get the yardage needed...you are assuming that the play called is SUPPOSED to be 3 yards short...

which assumption seems more likely?...

[Sluzilla]

I didn't like the 3rd down call at all, but it looks like Essex totally blew the block.

i would've liked to see at least a hesitancy on Ben's part also...to at least give the impression of an inside run...but maybe they ran it like that the whole time...

i would've rather seen a pass at that point also though...

[BillvinCowbert]

it was designed for 3rd and 3?...or they were hoping to run it at 3rd and 3 / 3rd and 4?...there's a difference...do you know how many yards it got in practice each time?...possibly a 6-10 yard run each time?...but they were hoping to get 3rd and 3 or 3rd and 4 to make it that much more effective?...i don't know...neither do you...all you know is that they were hoping to get to 3rd and 3 / 3rd and 4 which whether you are running or passing is better than 3rd and 6...

i'm assuming a play called is SUPPOSED to be able to get the yardage needed...you are assuming that the play called is SUPPOSED to be 3 yards short...

which assumption seems more likely?...

I'm assuming the play called is ideal for 3rd and 3 or 3rd and 4, as Arians said. That doesn't mean it can't work on 3rd and 6, it just means it's less likely to work. Sometimes they call a draw on 3rd and 12; it COULD work, but it's not really drawn up for that down and distance.

A 4-yard curl on 3rd and 6 could very well net the first down as well. Much less likely to get the first than 3rd and 3, but still possible with a bit of YAC.

The only thing I'm ASSUMING is what he said.

[Sluzilla]

I'm assuming the play called is ideal for 3rd and 3 or 3rd and 4, as Arians said. That doesn't mean it can't work on 3rd and 6, it just means it's less likely to work. Sometimes they call a draw on 3rd and 12; it COULD work, but it's not really drawn up for that down and distance.

A 4-yard curl on 3rd and 6 could very well net the first down as well. Much less likely to get the first than 3rd and 3, but still possible with a bit of YAC.

The only thing I'm ASSUMING is what he said.

i must've missed where he said it was the "ideal" play for 3rd and 3 or 3rd and 4...i saw that they were trying to get to 3rd and 3 or 3rd and 4...you are assuming that it was ideal at that distance...and not at 6+ yards...if i have a perfect play for 8 yards...i'm not gonna try and get to the point where i'm 3rd and 8...i'd think i'd TRY to get to 3rd and 5 or so at least...but again...maybe that's just me...

[Coryea]

i would've liked to see at least a hesitancy on Ben's part also...to at least give the impression of an inside run...but maybe they ran it like that the whole time...

i would've rather seen a pass at that point also though...

I think it pretty much had to be bang bang, Ward was blocking a 275lb DE, so Ward wasn't going to sustain his block very long and if Ben hesitates, it gives the defenders a second more to read the play, as soon as they saw Essex pulling around like that, I'm sure they knew where the play was going.

I'm with you on the pass though.

[Punxsutawney]

EVER in the NFL. He's got plenty of what it takes to be one of the best. Do you really think the ROONEYS would get it wrong?? .

.


Believe it or not, the Rooneys are human. They make mistakes. I am not saying that they made a mistake with Tomlin, as it is too early to determine that, but we should not assume that just because the Steelers only had 2 head coaches in the 38 years prior to Tomlin's arrival, that he will automatically be a HOF coach as well. One cannot help but think that maybe the Steelers are due to have a less than stellar coach. I hope that isn't the case, but it could happen.

Personally, I like Tomlin. If his first season as head coach has taught us anything, it is that he has the respect of his players and that they will play hard for him for 60 minutes, as made evident by the fact that the team refused to pack it in despite sizeable 4th quarter deficits this season against the Broncos and twice against the Jaguars. That is the #1 thing one should look for in a head coach.

Tomlin can definitely effectively lead a group of man and get them to buy into what he is selling, but the thing is, is what he is selling to the players going to eventually lead the Steelers to title #6? His decison making in several games this season was questionable to say the least. I am willing to attribute much of that to a lack of experience, but I will be worried if marked improvement is not seen in 2008.

[BillvinCowbert]

Tomlin did a good job in his FIRST year as a head coach EVER in the NFL. He's got plenty of what it takes to be one of the best. Do you really think the ROONEYS would get it wrong?? The Rooney’s are the reason we’re all fans in the first place……. Have some f’ing faith in the leaders of this team.
I can't speak for anyone else, but the Rooneys aren't "the reason" I'm a fan of this team. I'm a fan because I was born and raised in Pittsburgh and grew up loving the team. The Rooneys have "gotten it wrong" before, and they will "get it wrong" again. That said, I liked the choice of Tomlin. He's young, smart, and works hard and I have no doubt he'll get better.

I'm glad Tomlin stands by his calls; it shows he believes in what he's doing. I would hate to have a coach make a play call and then wish he could take it back. That would show little "courage" and the inability to stand up against the "Steeler Nation". I like a guy who stands by his decision, cause anything else would be a sign of weakness. He made the call he believes in, not what everyone else would have done.
Sometimes you make a mistake, it's inevitable. Only a stubborn ass "sticks by it"... having the ability and humility to admit when you're wrong is a trait of a great leader. I have no doubt that Tomlin will be able to do that.

I firmly stand by his choice for the two point conversions.

I understand why he ran with Ben (they ran it several times in practice against the Steelers number 1 defense and were getting 10 yards a clip because the defense was caught crashing inside) however; I probably would have thrown it.

Tomlin is still leaving the 3-4, 4-3 discussions open. Sounds like he has some things he wants to consider. If it wasn’t a thought, why not squash it?

I think we're only going to get better next year.

I'm not sure if they'll get better next year or not, a lot depends on the draft and free agency and how the other teams grow. I'll definitely be interested to see Tomlin start to put HIS stamp on the team, though.

[Andymisiu]

The reason why I became a fan is similar to yours. My best friends father was a huge Steeler fan and would drink Iron City beer and make kielbasa on Sundays. I became a fan in the early 90’s watching a good team.

I’m still a fan today because of the organization. The Rooney’s constantly put a good team on the field, make good decisions, and run a football team the way I’ve now come accustomed to.

It’s ownership that makes a good football team, and that’s why I’m a fan. I couldn’t imagine being a fan of these other teams who consistently F it up.

I think we all became fans for different reasons. I don’t think it’s right for anyone to question why someone else is a fan.

However, I believe that we all had the opportunity to become fans and have remained fans because of stellar ownership.

The Rooney’s know how to put a winning product on the field and that’s why the Steeler Nation is so large.

Tomlin will keep us winning.

[Andymisiu]

Sometimes you make a mistake, it's inevitable. Only a stubborn ass "sticks by it"... having the ability and humility to admit when you're wrong is a trait of a great leader. I have no doubt that Tomlin will be able to do that.

I don't think Tomlin got it wrong. I think the players f'ed up the play. He can't go back and change it now. They tried something, it didn't work. If Ben would have made it, we wouldn't be talking about it. There's about 50 plays in a game, why not question any of those other ones.

[topseed]

Tomlin said: "I throw caution to the wind. I play to win."

This statement would be comical if the surrounding circumstances weren't so sad.



As he watched film after being hired nearly a year ago, Tomlin said he realized losing special teams players such as Sean Morey, Mike Logan and Chidi Iwuoma would be a major setback. Also, linebacker James Harrison became a starter and didn't play as much on special teams.

"I wasn't interested in throwing up a red flag and saying, `Hey, I am worried about special teams,' but obviously I was," Tomlin said. "A special teams unit is comprised of four or five core guys. .. It would be the equivalent of losing seven, eight, nine starters on an offensive or defensive unit."


Gee. I had no idea losing four special teams guys was equivalent to losing eight offensive or defensive starters. No wonder they were so bad. Maybe they should have resigned Chidi when he was available for most of the year - then it would have only been like losing six starters on offense or defense.


I liked Tomlin initially, but his conservatism, stubbornness, and excuse-making are beginning to concern me greatly.

Hopefully, he'll get better, and I won't have to throw myself a "pity party."

[jasen@cardiostack]

#14 in yards per game / #12 in TDs per game...

<table class="shsTable shsGriddedTable" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="shsTableTtlRow"><td colspan="4">NFL Leaders: Yds/Catch (Thru Dec. 30, 2007)</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="4" class="shsTableSubttlRow">(1.875 Receptions/Game)
</td> </tr> <tr class="shsColTtlRow"> <td width="15%">Rank</td> <td width="30%">Player</td> <td width="25%">Team</td> <td width="20%">Stats</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">1</td> <td class="shsNamD">Santonio Holmes (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7774&team=23)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Pit (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=23)</td> <td class="shsNamD">18.1 ( 942/52 )</td></tr></tbody></table>

<table class="shsTable shsGriddedTable" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="shsTableTtlRow"><td colspan="4">NFL Leaders: Receiving Touchdowns (Thru Dec. 30, 2007)</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="4" class="shsTableSubttlRow">
</td> </tr> <tr class="shsColTtlRow"> <td width="15%">Rank</td> <td width="30%">Player</td> <td width="25%">Team</td> <td width="20%">Stats</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">1</td> <td class="shsNamD">Randy Moss (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=4262&team=17)</td> <td class="shsNamD">NE (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=17)</td> <td class="shsNumD">23</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">2</td> <td class="shsNamD">Braylon Edwards (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7179&team=05)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Cle (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=05)</td> <td class="shsNumD">16</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">3</td> <td class="shsNamD">Terrell Owens (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=3664&team=06)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Dal (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=06)</td> <td class="shsNumD">15</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">4t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Plaxico Burress (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=5037&team=19)</td> <td class="shsNamD">NYG (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=19)</td> <td class="shsNumD">12</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">4t </td> <td class="shsNamD">T.J. Houshmandzadeh (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=5652&team=04)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Cin (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=04)</td> <td class="shsNumD">12</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">4t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Greg Jennings (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7801&team=09)</td> <td class="shsNamD">GB (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=09)</td> <td class="shsNumD">12</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">7t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Dallas Clark (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6360&team=11)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Ind (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=11)</td> <td class="shsNumD">11</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">7t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Marques Colston (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=8001&team=18)</td> <td class="shsNamD">NO (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=18)</td> <td class="shsNumD">11</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">9t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Larry Fitzgerald (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6762&team=22)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Ari (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=22)</td> <td class="shsNumD">10</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">9t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Reggie Wayne (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=5477&team=11)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Ind (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=11)</td> <td class="shsNumD">10</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">9t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Reggie Williams (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6768&team=30)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Jac (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=30)</td> <td class="shsNumD">10</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">12t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Anquan Boldin (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6390&team=22)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Ari (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=22)</td> <td class="shsNumD">9</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">12t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Nate Burleson (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6407&team=26)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Sea (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=26)</td> <td class="shsNumD">9</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">12t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Antonio Gates (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6663&team=24)</td> <td class="shsNamD">SD (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=24)</td> <td class="shsNumD">9</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">15t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Chris Cooley (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6840&team=28)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Was (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=28)</td> <td class="shsNumD">8</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">15t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Santonio Holmes (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7774&team=23)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Pit (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=23)</td> <td class="shsNumD">8</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table class="shsTable shsGriddedTable" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="shsTableTtlRow"><td colspan="4">NFL Leaders: Big Catches (Thru Dec. 30, 2007)</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="4" class="shsTableSubttlRow">
</td> </tr> <tr class="shsColTtlRow"> <td width="15%">Rank</td> <td width="30%">Player</td> <td width="25%">Team</td> <td width="20%">Stats</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">1</td> <td class="shsNamD">Reggie Wayne (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=5477&team=11)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Ind (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=11)</td> <td class="shsNumD">16</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">2t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Jerricho Cotchery (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6867&team=20)</td> <td class="shsNamD">NYJ (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=20)</td> <td class="shsNumD">13</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">2t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Terrell Owens (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=3664&team=06)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Dal (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=06)</td> <td class="shsNumD">13</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">2t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Roddy White (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7203&team=01)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Atl (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=01)</td> <td class="shsNumD">13</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">5t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Braylon Edwards (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7179&team=05)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Cle (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=05)</td> <td class="shsNumD">12</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">5t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Larry Fitzgerald (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6762&team=22)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Ari (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=22)</td> <td class="shsNumD">12</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">5t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Joey Galloway (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=3135&team=27)</td> <td class="shsNamD">TB (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=27)</td> <td class="shsNumD">12</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">5t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Santonio Holmes (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7774&team=23)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Pit (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=23)</td> <td class="shsNumD">12</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table class="shsTable shsGriddedTable" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="shsTableTtlRow"><td colspan="4">NFL Leaders: Longest Reception (Thru Dec. 30, 2007)</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="4" class="shsTableSubttlRow">
</td> </tr> <tr class="shsColTtlRow"> <td width="15%">Rank</td> <td width="30%">Player</td> <td width="25%">Team</td> <td width="20%">Stats</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">1</td> <td class="shsNamD">Roy Williams (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6766&team=08)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Det (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=08)</td> <td class="shsNumD">91</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">2</td> <td class="shsNamD">Lee Evans (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6772&team=02)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Buf (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=02)</td> <td class="shsNumD">85</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">3</td> <td class="shsNamD">Santonio Holmes (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7774&team=23)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Pit (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=23)</td> <td class="shsNumD">83</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table class="shsTable shsGriddedTable" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="shsTableTtlRow"><td colspan="4">NFL Leaders: %First Downs/Reception (Thru Dec. 30, 2007)</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="4" class="shsTableSubttlRow">(1.875 Receptions/Game)
</td> </tr> <tr class="shsColTtlRow"> <td width="15%">Rank</td> <td width="30%">Player</td> <td width="25%">Team</td> <td width="20%">Stats</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">1</td> <td class="shsNamD">Terrell Owens (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=3664&team=06)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Dal (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=06)</td> <td class="shsNamD">85.2 ( 69/81 )</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">2</td> <td class="shsNamD">Brandon Stokley (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=4755&team=07)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Den (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=07)</td> <td class="shsNamD">85.0 ( 34/40 )</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">3</td> <td class="shsNamD">Justin Gage (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6479&team=10)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Ten (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=10)</td> <td class="shsNamD">81.8 ( 45/55 )</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">4</td> <td class="shsNamD">Santonio Holmes (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7774&team=23)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Pit (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=23)</td> <td class="shsNamD">80.8 ( 42/52 )</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table class="shsTable shsGriddedTable" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="shsTableTtlRow"><td colspan="4">NFL Leaders: %First Downs/Passing Target (Thru Dec. 30, 2007)</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="4" class="shsTableSubttlRow">(3.125 Targets/Game)
</td> </tr> <tr class="shsColTtlRow"> <td width="15%">Rank</td> <td width="30%">Player</td> <td width="25%">Team</td> <td width="20%">Stats</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">1</td> <td class="shsNamD">Justin Gage (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6479&team=10)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Ten (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=10)</td> <td class="shsNamD">52.9 ( 45/85 )</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">2</td> <td class="shsNamD">Heath Miller (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7206&team=23)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Pit (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=23)</td> <td class="shsNamD">52.5 ( 32/61 )</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">3</td> <td class="shsNamD">Anthony Gonzalez (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=8286&team=11)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Ind (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=11)</td> <td class="shsNamD">51.9 ( 27/52 )</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">4</td> <td class="shsNamD">Santonio Holmes (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7774&team=23)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Pit (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=23)</td> <td class="shsNamD">49.4 ( 42/85 )</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table class="shsTable shsGriddedTable" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="shsTableTtlRow"><td colspan="4">NFL Leaders: 1st Down Catches, 3rd Down (Thru Dec. 30, 2007)</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="4" class="shsTableSubttlRow">
</td> </tr> <tr class="shsColTtlRow"> <td width="15%">Rank</td> <td width="30%">Player</td> <td width="25%">Team</td> <td width="20%">Stats</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">1</td> <td class="shsNamD">T.J. Houshmandzadeh (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=5652&team=04)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Cin (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=04)</td> <td class="shsNumD">27</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">2</td> <td class="shsNamD">Derrick Mason (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=3988&team=33)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Bal (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=33)</td> <td class="shsNumD">24</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">3t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Terrell Owens (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=3664&team=06)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Dal (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=06)</td> <td class="shsNumD">23</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">3t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Reggie Wayne (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=5477&team=11)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Ind (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=11)</td> <td class="shsNumD">23</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">5t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Antonio Gates (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6663&team=24)</td> <td class="shsNamD">SD (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=24)</td> <td class="shsNumD">22</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">5t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Chad Johnson (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=5483&team=04)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Cin (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=04)</td> <td class="shsNumD">22</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">5t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Joe Jurevicius (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=4314&team=05)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Cle (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=05)</td> <td class="shsNumD">22</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">5t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Hines Ward (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=4323&team=23)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Pit (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=23)</td> <td class="shsNumD">22</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">5t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Wes Welker (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7027&team=17)</td> <td class="shsNamD">NE (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=17)</td> <td class="shsNumD">22</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">10t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Plaxico Burress (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=5037&team=19)</td> <td class="shsNamD">NYG (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=19)</td> <td class="shsNumD">19</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">10t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Chris Cooley (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6840&team=28)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Was (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=28)</td> <td class="shsNumD">19</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">10t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Donald Driver (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=4863&team=09)</td> <td class="shsNamD">GB (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=09)</td> <td class="shsNumD">19</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">10t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Tony Gonzalez (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=3950&team=12)</td> <td class="shsNamD">KC (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=12)</td> <td class="shsNumD">19</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">14t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Marques Colston (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=8001&team=18)</td> <td class="shsNamD">NO (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=18)</td> <td class="shsNumD">18</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">14t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Justin Gage (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6479&team=10)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Ten (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=10)</td> <td class="shsNumD">18</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">14t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Torry Holt (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=4654&team=14)</td> <td class="shsNamD">StL (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=14)</td> <td class="shsNumD">18</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">14t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Brandon Marshall (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7868&team=07)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Den (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=07)</td> <td class="shsNumD">18</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">14t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Roddy White (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7203&team=01)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Atl (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=01)</td> <td class="shsNumD">18</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">14t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Kellen Winslow (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6765&team=05)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Cle (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=05)</td> <td class="shsNumD">18</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">20t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Ronald Curry (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6092&team=13)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Oak (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=13)</td> <td class="shsNumD">17</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">20t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Kevin Curtis (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6410&team=21)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Phi (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=21)</td> <td class="shsNumD">17</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">20t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Braylon Edwards (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7179&team=05)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Cle (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=05)</td> <td class="shsNumD">17</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">20t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Larry Fitzgerald (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6762&team=22)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Ari (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=22)</td> <td class="shsNumD">17</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">20t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Santonio Holmes (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7774&team=23)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Pit (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=23)</td> <td class="shsNumD">17</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table class="shsTable shsGriddedTable" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="shsTableTtlRow"><td colspan="4">NFL Leaders: 1st Down Catches, 3rd and >7 (Thru Dec. 30, 2007)</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="4" class="shsTableSubttlRow">
</td> </tr> <tr class="shsColTtlRow"> <td width="15%">Rank</td> <td width="30%">Player</td> <td width="25%">Team</td> <td width="20%">Stats</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">1t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Antonio Gates (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6663&team=24)</td> <td class="shsNamD">SD (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=24)</td> <td class="shsNumD">10</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">1t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Derrick Mason (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=3988&team=33)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Bal (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=33)</td> <td class="shsNumD">10</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">3t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Chris Chambers (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=5499&team=24)</td> <td class="shsNamD">SD (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=24)</td> <td class="shsNumD">9</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">3t </td> <td class="shsNamD">T.J. Houshmandzadeh (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=5652&team=04)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Cin (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=04)</td> <td class="shsNumD">9</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">3t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Brandon Stokley (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=4755&team=07)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Den (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=07)</td> <td class="shsNumD">9</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">3t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Roddy White (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7203&team=01)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Atl (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=01)</td> <td class="shsNumD">9</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"> <td class="shsNumD">3t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Kellen Winslow (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=6765&team=05)</td> <td class="shsNamD">Cle (http://hosted.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?team=05)</td> <td class="shsNumD">9</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"> <td class="shsNumD">8t </td> <td class="shsNamD">Braylon Edwards