Chris Carter on Art Monk and Hall of Fame Denial

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by 724Skinsfan

Thought it fitting to post this bit of NFL history. Interesting score:

October 12
1992 — Washington wide receiver Art Monk becomes the NFL's all-time leading receiver when he makes his 820th career reception in a 34-3 victory over the Broncos.

Nice. Very nice. I remember that game like it was yesterday

[jsarno]

Originally Posted by Bill B

Jsarno - one other thing to consider - Irvin had Troy Aikman throwing to him while Monk had a bunch of different qb's thowiing to him. Imagine if during Monk's career he had one hall of fame QB the whole time - he'd probably have even better stats. During Monk's time in Washington how many different qb's were throwing him the ball? To me this proves he is even a better reciever since he had to adjust to so many differnt qb's during his time in Washington.

Not to mention Emmitt Smith being in Dallas didn't hurt Irvin's stats either. I can't imagine how many different running backs were on the Redskins during Monk's tenure with the team.

I absolutely agree! I still get all flustered when he doesn't make it in cause he's such a clear cut case. Makes me wonder if something is going on behind the scenes. It's not like you find many announcers or reporters saying "Monk doesn't deserve it", you always here them say why Monk should be in, and he was snubbed. Well if so many people think he should be in, then get him in!
There is no one more deserving of the hall (that is eligible and not in right now) in any sport more so than Monk. Jim Rice is the closest in Baseball, but still, he's no Art Monk. This is something that football needs to correct. What message is this sending to our youth?

[jsarno]

Look at Lynn Swann.
Played 115 games over 9 seasons, 3 time pro bowler. Has 336 catches for 5462 yards and 51 tds. Career high was 61 catches in a season, and 880 yards and 11 tds (that's right, Swann NEVER had a 1000 yard season...never had a 900 yard season). Swann is not in the top 50 in ANY major catagory.

Monk played 224 games over 16 seasons and was a 3 time pro bowler. He had 940 catches for 12,721 yards and 68 tds. Career high was 106 catches (then a record) and 1372 yards, and 8 tds. Monk has gone over 1000 yards 5 times, he's gone over 880 yards (swann's career high) 7 times. He's gone over 61 catches in a season (swann's career high) 7 times. His receptions mark was #1 all time when he retired, and his yards was #2 all time when he retired. He now ranks 6th all time receptions, 11th in yards, 30th in rec. tds (was top 15 when retired), and 32nd is yards from scrimmage all time.

I just don't get it.

[warriorzpath]

Glory and recognition is nice, but as long as the redskins fans know how valuable he was, I think that may be good enough.

Non-redskins fans and even redskins fans that aren't old enough to remember his playing days can't appreciate what he gave to the team. It goes beyond his stats, his games, and even the superbowls he helped win. Even when he was playing for the team, I remember taking him for granted because I thought he wasn't flashy or explosive enough. But after he left the redskins, I saw the difference with his absence and I realized how stupid I was.

And as stupid as it may sound - it doesn't matter if he doesn't get in the Hall of Fame, he doesn't need it to validate how great he was.

[jsarno]

Oh, forgot to do averages:
Swann,
averaged 33 catches a season, and 607 yards with 5.67 tds per season.
Monk,
averaged 59 catches a season, and 795 yards with 4.25 tds per season.

So Monk averaged 26 more catches, and 188 yards more per season. That's a huge difference! Swann averaged only 1.42 more td's per season. Not a whole lot more.