The National Football League has been evolving over the past couple of years into an extremely pass-heavy league. Quarterbacks are more commonly throwing for a larger number of yards, and last year we even witnessed Peyton Manning have what is most recently being referenced as the best season for a quarterback in the entire history of the NFL. This makes the need for high-quality targets very vital for success in this league, and the better the talent, the more possibilities of having a high-power offense that defenses tremble to face.
Although some teams struggle to even find that number-one guy, other teams seem to have talent by the bunches. Even some teams such as the Detroit Lions have Calvin Johnson (the best receiver in the league) but do not seem to have a long list of household names after him. There is a small number of teams that have the fortune of having a trio of outstanding wide outs.
San Francisco 49ers: Last year, the 49ers could have made this list but with two wide receivers and a tight end; however, this year, they seem to have the trio and a bonus in a top 5 tight end. First, they have Michael Crabtree, who, despite not being on the field much last year, is still a great young wide out. Then comes the veteran presences beginning with Anquan Boldin, who had a solid season and who can stay fresh with the talents of his team. The new arrival is Stevie Johnson, who had a bad season last year but will only improve. He has never played with a $126 million quarterback and a high-energy offense. This team will have only one problem to solve: deciding who gets the ball.
Indianapolis Colts: The Colts have a young team that seems to be only rising, and Andrew Luck is happy to have this great group of wide receivers. Reggie Wayne has his eyes on Canton and has aged like fine wine; he will continue to do great things, especially since the pressure seems to be off his shoulders. T.Y. Hilton exploded last season and is known as one of the best deep threats in the game. He seems hungry to increase his results from last season. Hakeem Nicks will be coming off a touchdown-less season, but he did have 800+ yards, which he could easily repeat. Nicks will also get to lean on the mentor-ship of Wayne, which would help Nicks flourish.
Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons’ trio has the most time together, but that does not exactly put them above all others. Julio Jones was cut short from what looked like an outstanding season, but it provides him incentive to come back strong and finish next year with blazing numbers. Roddy White had down numbers last year, but it might have come from the added pressure he got from Jones’s leaving so early in the season. White could not be happier to see his comrade back in action. Harry Douglas is not a player many people really know, but having his first 1,000-yard season boosted the receiver to the limelight. He has a new personal standard of what his team can expect from him. Now that the trio is happy and healthy — and has a well-paid quarterback that has a chip on his shoulder — 2014 looks bright for them.
Denver Broncos: The top-rated offense showed that a high-quality receiving core can boost a team to the top. Having Peyton Manning as the quarterback does not hurt either. The loss of Decker nearly kept the team from making the list, but the Broncos got a bright fresh new receiver who is starving for the chance to prove he can be the best: Emmanuel Sanders. Demeryius Thomas is in the list of top 5 wideouts in the league right now and tops this trio with his strong hands and ability to take it to the house. Wes Welker was a huge signing last year and seemed to have great chemistry with Manning, which can only improve with time.
Minnesota Vikings: Everyone pays attention to the beast that the Vikings have in the back field, but the Vikings also have a trio that has kept under wraps because of the frustrating quarterback play. These wide outs strive in yards after the catch. Once given a quarterback who can provide the right throws, they will burst into end zones with ease. First, Greg Jennings has always been an amazing receiver, but he has been missing from the spotlight ever since he joined a rivaled team. Jerome Simpson is a dangerous weapon who will do anything in his power to score — even back flip. Cordarrelle Patterson is lighting fast and has impressed the league with his quickness and speed. He has also shown that the more he gets the ball, the more big plays he can make.
These five teams all have a terrific trio of receivers that can help boost them into the playoffs and, hopefully, a Super Bowl.
PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Zagaris,Getty Images Sport