Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2001

Who will make up the Brown-Rice tandem of 2002?

The answer could lie in New Orleans, Pittsburgh or Tennessee

By Jeff Agrest, Senior editor

This season the WR duo that is garnering attention is Oakland's Tim Brown and Jerry Rice. Neither is likely to finish with more than 100 catches, but both should surpass the 1,000-yard mark. Brown already has, recording 1,036 yards. Rice is only 27 yards shy at 973. But more importantly, they've combined for 18 TD catches, nine each. And don't forget, Brown also has scored on a punt return.

What's so interesting about such 1-2 punches? The mere fact that both punches are so productive, that's what. There are so many teams with clear-cut No. 1 receivers that teams with clear-cut 1A and 1B receivers have become a novelty. But they exist, and fantasy owners should be aware of them because, in some cases, a 1B receiver is better than a clear-cut No. 1.

So looking ahead to next season, who might these tandems be? Here's a look at teams with the potential to assemble a Brown-Rice-like 1-2 punch.

New Orleans Saints

Joe Horn and Willie Jackson have combined for 14 TD catches, nine from Horn, who has been smoking of late. With Albert Connell on his way out, Jackson has forced his way in, scoring three times in the last five games. Horn and Jackson are so far ahead of everyone else on the Saints' receiving chart, it's a wonder QB Aaron Brooks bothers with anyone else, save RB Ricky Williams, of course. Though the Saints will continue to feature Williams, they'll undoubtedly take advantage of Brooks' arm and athletic ability in the future.

Pittsburgh Steelers

With QB Kordell Stewart performing at a Pro Bowl level, it's not hard to imagine Plaxico Burress and Hines Ward having big years in 2002. Ward has been productive all season, and Burress has shown signs of breaking out in the second half. But while both players have surpassed the 800-yard mark, they've combined for only eight TD catches, four apiece. That's because the Steelers have rushed for 15 touchdowns. If Stewart continues to excel into next season, though, both wideouts could see their TD totals increase.

Tennessee Titans

Last week we wrote about QB Steve McNair possibly carrying his strong finish into 2002. If not for the play of Kevin Dyson and Derrick Mason, we wouldn't believe such a possibility existed. The two have combined for 12 TD catches this season, six apiece. Dyson has rebounded magnificently from offseason knee surgery, catching a TD pass in five of the last eight games. Mason has fought his way back from injury to score four touchdowns in the last four games, breaking the 100-yard mark in three of the last five games. He's also scored on a punt return.

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