By Dean Michaels
Chemistry in the passing game is a necessity for NFL offenses dependent on timing and precision.
"It's an understanding sometimes without words between quarterback and receiver," says NFL Network analyst and Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver MICHAEL IRVIN, who shared a cohesive bond with former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and Pro Football Hall of Famer TROY AIKMAN. "Chemistry says that ball is gone before the receiver turns around. It's the most important thing when you are talking about a passing duo. They must understand each other without speaking."
Cincinnati Bengals rookie tandem of quarterback ANDY DALTON and wide receiver A.J. GREEN have enjoyed instant success. Dalton, who was selected in the second-round (No. 35 overall), and Green, who was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, have connected on five touchdowns through Week 10, already the fourth-most touchdowns among rookie quarterback-receiver duos since 1970.
"We do have some pretty good chemistry for just being around each other for a couple months," says Dalton, who has 14 touchdown passes, the most by a rookie quarterback through nine games since the merger (1970). "We're getting more and more comfortable with each other, me knowing where he is, how he is coming out of his breaks and just different things like that. It's just really fun to go out there and see it in practice and see how we're getting better each game."
Green, who leads NFL rookies in receptions (41), receiving yards (635) and touchdown receptions (six), says his unique chemistry with Dalton has been a result of hard work since the two arrived in Cincinnati.
"I feel like if you come in and put the work in, you are going to be successful," says Green. "We've done that and have a real good feeling about each other on the field."
The most touchdowns by rookie quarterback-receiver duos since 1970:
Quarterback-Receiver Duos | Team | Year | TDs |
---|---|---|---|
Source: NFL *Through nine games | |||
Jim Plunkett-Randy Vataha | New England Patriots | 1971 | 9 |
Tim Couch-Kevin Johnson | Cleveland Browns | 1999 | 8 |
Tony Banks-Eddie Kennison | St. Louis Rams | 1996 | 7 |
Andy Dalton-A.J. Green | Cincinnati Bengals | 2011 | 5* |
Jay Cutler-Tony Scheffler | Denver Broncos | 2006 | 4 |
Phil Simms-Earnest Gray | New York Giants | 1979 | 4 |
Jack Trudeau-Bill Brooks | Indianapolis Colts | 1986 | 4 |
Oakland Raiders quarterback CARSON PALMER certainly recognizes the importance of developing confidence, timing and chemistry with his receivers. Since arriving in Oakland, Palmer is averaging 315.5 passing yards per game in two starts as a Raider. The veteran quarterback, who totaled 44 touchdowns with primary target CHAD OCHOCINCO during his tenure in Cincinnati, is developing a strong bond with a young Raider receiving corps.
"It's extremely important to learn their speed, learn where they like to catch the ball, to figure out their body language when they're coming out of a route, when they're breaking down, when they're speeding up," says Palmer. "It's one of the most important things and one of the things that takes the most amount of time."
The most touchdowns among active teammate quarterback-receiver duos:
Quarterback-Receiver Duos | Team | TDs |
---|---|---|
Source: NFL | ||
Peyton Manning-Reggie Wayne | Indianapolis Colts | 67 |
Philip Rivers-Antonio Gates | San Diego Chargers | 44 |
Peyton Manning-Dallas Clark | Indianapolis Colts | 44 |
Drew Brees-Marques Colston | New Orleans Saints | 43 |
Ben Roethlisberger-Hines Ward | Pittsburgh Steelers | 41 |
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Quarterback Chemistry with Receivers Vital to an NFL Team's Success