Rookie Receivers Go Long

History Published on : 11/21/2011
The Baltimore Ravens' Week 11 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals this past Sunday puts them in the driver seat to win the AFC North division for the first time since 2006. Torrey Smith, Baltimore's' impressive rookie wide receiver out of the University of Maryland, caught six passes for 165 yards and a touchdown to help lift the Ravens to a 31-24 win over their division rival.

Smith's big plays have been an important part of Baltimore's offense this year and one of the reasons the Ravens are off to a 7-3 start. His effort against the Bengals puts Smith alongside Ken Burrow of the Atlanta Falcons (two in 1971) and the Minnesota Vikings' Randy Moss (three in 1998) as the only rookies to have multiple games with at least 150 receiving yards and a touchdown catch since the merger in 1970.

Here is a look at the three receivers and their amazing rookie performances catching the football.

Date Opponent Result Receptions Yards TDs
Sept. 25, 2011 at ST. LOUIS RAMS W,37-7 5 152 3
Nov. 20, 2011 Cincinnati Bengals W, 31-24 6 165 1
           
Date Opponent Result Receptions Yards TDs
Oct. 5, 1998 at GREEN BAY PACKERS W, 37-24 5 190 2
Nov. 22, 1998 Green Bay Packers W, 28-14 8 153 1
Nov. 26, 1998 at DALLAS COWBOYS W, 46-36 3 163 3
           
Date Opponent Result Receptions Yards TDs
Oct. 03, 1971 at DETROIT LIONS L, 38-41 6 190 2
Dec. 19, 1971 at NEW ORLEANS SAINTS W, 24-20 8 190 1