RAMS MAILBAG PART II
QUESTION: Do you really believe that Isaac Bruce has been one of the 10 best receivers in the league since coming to St. Louis? Your claim the Bruce and
Torry Holt has been the best tandem this this is suspect at best.
There are a variety of barometers for success. Bruce certainly is worthy of the designation among the top 10 receivers since 1995 based on any barometer.
First, it's easy to make the case he is still a productive receiver: Last season, he caught more than 70 passes averaging nearly 15 yards per reception. Just as impressive, in 2006, he ranked fourth in the NFL with 11 catches resulting in gains of 25 or more yards... In 2006, he was one of seven players in the NFL to catch 65 or more passes averaging 11 yards or more (10.8 to be exact). "at the catch." That stat clearly illustrates his ability to get open down field.
Checking the "near term" exhibits his accomplishments. Since 2000:
*He ranks fifth in the NFL in catches resulting in gains of 25 or more yards.
*He ranks seventh in the NFL in average yards "at the catch."
*He ranks eighth in the NFL in receiving yards per game.
*He ranks 12th in touchdown catches.
*In has transformed 71 percent of catches into first downs.
In reference to the Bruce-Holt tandem, considering the following. Since 2000:
*Bruce-Holt is the only tandem with both ranking among the top 10 in average yards "at the catch."
*Bruce-Holt is the only tandem with both ranking among the top five in catches resulting in gains of 25 or more yards.
*Bruce-Holt is the only tandem with both ranking among the top 10 in receiving yards per game.
*Bruce-Holt is the only tandem with both ranking among the top 12 in touchdown catches.
*Bruce-Holt is the only tandem with both ranking among the top 20 in average yards per catch.
More Bruce. expanding the range of coverage to 1995... Consider the following:
*Bruce ranks second among active receivers in games played (behind Rod Smith).
*He ranks second in total receptions.
*He ranks second (just three behind Marvin Harrison) in catches resulting gains of 25 or more yards.
*He ranks fourth in receiving yards per game.
*He ranks fifth in receiving touchdowns.
FURTHERMORE.
*Since 1995, there has been 77 players catch 20 or more passes in postseason player. Bruce ranks third on that list averaging 17.3 yards per catch in the playoffs. There has been 37 players catch 30 or more passes in postseason play. Bruce ranks second on that list averaging 17.3 yards per catch in the playoffs.
*There has been 103 players catch 15 or more passes in postseason play since 1995. Bruce ranks second on that last averaging 84.3 receiving yards per game.
*He transformed 77.3 percent of his postseason receptions into first downs.
*Since 1995, he ranks 9th in the NFL in receptions resulting in gains of 25 or more yards in postseason play.
In the end, keep in mind he scored the longest game-winning touchdown in Super Bowl play since 1995. In fact, Bruce caught, arguably, the two biggest catches in Rams history. While most, and rightfully so, will always point to 73-yard touchdown catch against Tennessee in The Super Bowl. keep in mind the Rams first game in postseason play in 1999. The Rams were in postseason for the first time in a decade. They fell behind the Vikings before Bruce hauled in a 77-yard touchdown catch (in fact, on the next series he caught a 26-yard pass on the first play resulting in another scoring drive). It was Bruce that kick-started the Rams in postseason play during the 1999 season and concluded the postseason trek crossing the goal line with the game-winning catch.
Yes, I'm very comfortable claiming Bruce is one of the 10 best receivers of his era. Yes, I very comfortable calling Bruce and Holt the best receiving duo of their combined era. There is no doubt that both will be enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
RAMS MAILBAG PART III
Topics include:
Dante Hall, Is he done?
Corey Chavous, A Worthy Leader
Pisa Tinoisamoa, Overrated?
NFC West, The Best Race This Decade?
Leonard Little, The Most Underrated Player in the NFL?
GO RAMS 
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