Behind the numbers: Passes of at least 30 yards

January, 14, 2009
Jan 14
2:30
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By Kevin Seifert
Posted by ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert

Continuing our season-ending series of statistical analysis, we bring you one way to identify the top downfield passers and receivers in the NFL. The league tracks passes of 20 or more yards on NFL.com, but ESPN Stats & Information took it one step -- and 10 yards -- further.

Below are the 2008 leaders in passes and receptions of 30 or more yards. You wouldn't expect to find much representation in the seemingly run-oriented Black and Blue division, but you might be surprised. Take special care to inspect the list of receivers. Two of the top four, and three of the top eight, are from NFC North teams.

Pass completions of 30 yards or more
Quarterback Completions
Drew Brees 25
Kurt Warner 25
Jake Delhomme 23
Tony Romo 21
Aaron Rodgers 20
Philip Rivers 20
Matt Schaub 19
Jay Cutler 19
Matt Ryan 19
Donovan McNabb 18
Tyler Thigpen 17
Joe Flacco 16
Marc Bulger 14
Chad Pennington 14
Gus Frerotte 14
Jeff Garcia 14
Peyton Manning 14
Ben Roethlisberger 14
Brett Favre 13
Kyle Orton 13
Eli Manning 12
Trent Edwards 12
David Garrard 11
Dan Orlovsky 11
Kerry Collins 10
Matt Cassel 10
J.T. O'Sullivan 10
Shaun Hill 10

Pass receptions of 30 yards or more
Receiver Receptions
Calvin Johnson 15
Steve Smith 14
Larry Fitzgerald 12
Bernard Berrian 11
Roddy White 10
Vincent Jackson 9
Antonio Bryant 9
Greg Jennings 9
Terrell Owens 9
Lee Evans 9
Devery Henderson 8
Kevin Walter 8
Steve Breaston 7
Mark Clayton 7
Reggie Wayne 7
Donald Driver 6
Lance Moore 6
Hines Ward 6
Justin Gage 6
Muhsin Muhammad 6
Brandon Marshall 6
Andre Johnson 6
Owen Daniels 5
Mark Bradley 5
Dwayne Bowe 5
Isaac Bruce 5
Santonio Holmes 5
DeSean Jackson 5
Marques Colston 5
Randy Moss 5
Donnie Avery 5
Jason Witten 5
Ted Ginn Jr. 5
Devin Hester 5
Michael Jenkins 5
Jerricho Cotchery 5

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