Originally Posted by
Craic
So, I got to thinking about this a little more and decided to do some digging.
Through each players first seven seasons: AB has played in 92 games and started 74. Rice played 108 and started 95. However, AB has ninety more receptions than Rice did after seven seasons (616-526). On the flip side, Rice had 9072 yards and AB has 8210 yards. Now, that being said, what is killing AB right now is his first three years. If you compare only the last three years of AB to similar stats for Rice you get the following. 64 starts for Rice, 61 starts for Brown. 326 receptions for Rice, 481 receptions for Brown. 5497 yards for Rice, 6315 yards for brown. 53 TDs for Rice, 43 for Brown. Looking ahead. Rice's numbers really fell off after his 12th year. Sure, he had three plus 1000 yards seasons, but in 1997, he had 78 yards (injury). Then, in 1999 and 2000, he had 930 and 805. It went even further downhill in 2003-2004.
So, what I take from this is that Brown is actually on pace to beat most of Rice's records. However, assuming this year will be another 1000 plus yard year, Brown will probably have to have eight more 1000 yard plus seasons plus three more 800 yard years. (I'm assuming a few of those will be 1200-1700 yard years to make up the difference).
With that said, since Brown isn't a speed receiver and he's had really good health this far, I do think it is possible. It is still unlikely at this point, but it is possible.
EDIT: Comparing the last three years of Rice to Brown, Brown beats Rice across every category except yards per catch and touchdowns. That's pretty impressive.