Recently NFL Total Access posted a graphic asking "who is the best new QB-WR tandem in the NFL?" The graphic included Raiders quarterback Derek Carr and rookie wide receiver Amari Cooper. We're obviously partial to #CarrCooper, but this question led me to wonder which quarterback/wide receiver combination was the most successful in Raiders history.
The Raiders haven't had a 1,000-yard receiver since Randy Moss in 2005. Tim Brown had a storied career catching passes from numerous quarterbacks. Tom Flores had a run of success with Art Powell from 1963-66.
Here's my list of the top QB/WR combos in Raiders history in no particular order:
1. QB Ken Stabler to WR Cliff Branch
The Snake connected with the speedy Cliff Branch for 44 touchdowns from 1973-79. They also combined for more than 5,300 yards through the air.
2. Rich Gannon to Tim Brown
From 1999-2003, Gannon and Brown combined for over 340 completions, nearly 4,800 yards through the air, 30 TDs and a trip to Super Bowl XXXVII.
3. QB Daryle Lamonica to WR Fred Biletnikoff
The Mad Bomber hooked up with wily Hall of Fame wide receiver Fred Biletnikoff for 40 scores from 1967-73. They also teamed up for more than 5,700 yards through the air.
4. QB Tom Flores to WR Art Powell
The Raiders eventual two-time Super Bowl-winning head coach tossed 35 touchdown passes to the mercurial Art Powell from 1963-66. Flores, Powell and the Raiders passing game were certainly ahead of their time.
5. QB Jeff Hostetler to WR Tim Brown
Hoss and Hall of Fame wide receiver Tim Brown found the end zone 27 times from 1993-96. They also combined for nearly 4,000 yards in the air.
6. QB Ken Stabler to WR Fred Biletnikoff
This duo combined for 24 regular season touchdowns from 1973-78. Biletnikoff won the Super Bowl XI MVP on the strength of four passes from Stabler for 79 yards.
Branch, of course, won three Super Bowls with the Raiders. Brown will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in about a month.
Who is your favorite? Use #StablerBranch, #GannonBrown, #LamonicaBiletnikoff, #FloresPowell, #HostetlerBrown or #StablerBiletnikoff on Twitter. Do you have a favorite combo we didn't mention? Let us know on Twitter as well.
