Big Play Excitement
De Angelo Williams, Carolina Panthers
The excitement from a big play brings fans out of their seats and can shift the momentum of a game. Even if a defense manages to keep an opposing offense in check for a quarter or two, all that hard work can be undone by a few big plays.
"Making big plays to help the team is what I dream about," says Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, who broke free for 20 rushes that covered 20 yards or more -- an NFL-best last season.
One team that took advantage of the big play in 2008 was the Carolina Panthers, who relied heavily on the breakaway abilities of wide receiver Steve Smith and running back De Angelo Williams en route to a 12-4 record and an NFC South title.
Smith led the NFL with 23 receptions of 20+ yards last season and Williams ranked second among all rushers with 15 20-yard runs.
"That's just what Steve Smith is, a big-play receiver," says Broncos safety BRIAN DAWKINS, who was charged with the unenviable task of covering Smith on several occasions during his years with Philadelphia. "Anytime he gets the ball in his hands, he has the capability, the speed and the smarts to get it to the house."
While Smith has been an NFL playmaker for several years, Williams made great strides during his second season and showed off his ability to make the big play on a regular basis. He finished the season by notching at least one 20-yard run in each of his last eight games.
"I just want to be a guy who's known as being consistent," says Williams, "and that I make plays more often than not."
Top five "Big Play" Rushers (2008)
| Player | Team | 20+ Yard Rushes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Source: National Football League | ||||
| Adrian Peterson | Minnesota | 20 | ||
| DeAngelo Williams | Carolina | 15 | ||
| Clinton Portis | Washington | 13 | ||
| Steve Slaton | Houston | 13 | ||
| Brandon Jacobs | N.Y. Giants | 12 | ||
Top five "Big Play" Receivers (2008)
| Player | Team | 20+ Yard Receptions | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Source: National Football League | ||||
| Steve Smith | Carolina | 23 | ||
| Greg Jennings | Green Bay | 21 | ||
| Calvin Johnson | Detroit | 21 | ||
| Larry Fitzgerald | Arizona | 20 | ||
| Andre Johnson | Houston | 20 | ||
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