In the second of Thin Air’s series on considerations for the Broncos Ring of Fame is wide receiver Steve Watson. (1979-1987)
Loading ...Yesterday, we took a look at the candidacy of Ed McCaffrey. Here is how Watson, who played the same position straddling the Orange Crush and John Elway eras, compares to McCaffrey:
- Watson and McCaffrey each spent nine years in Denver.
- Watson finished his career with 6,112 yards–at a time when the rise of the passing game was in its infancy–compared to 7,422 for McCaffrey.
- Watson retired as 58th in all time receiving yards; McCaffrey retired 71st.
- Watson led the Broncos in receiving yards in five seasons; McCaffrey never did. (Though he was two yards shy of Rod Smith in 1999.)
- Both Watson and McCaffrey had three seasons over 1,000 yards; McCaffrey’s highest year is greater than Watson’s highest (1,317 vs.1,224), but Watson’s other two seasons are higher than McCaffrey’s (1,170 and 1,133 vs. 1,053 and 1,018).
- Watson has a higher yards per reception (17.3 vs. 13.1), while McCaffrey has more touchdowns (55 vs. 36)
- Both Watson and McCaffrey were named to one Pro Bowl.
As of today, almost three-quarters of Thin Air readers (72%) approved of Ed McCaffrey’s induction into the Ring of Fame. It will be curious to see how Steve Watson’s results compare.