Hines Ward's 2008 Season One Of His Best In An Illustrious Hall of Fame Worthy Career

by Michael Bean on Feb 8, 2009 10:38 PM EST

In my most recent post talking about the most improved Pittsburgh Steelers players from last year, I originally included Hines Ward in my poll. After the first 40 or so votes came in and not one had been registered for Hines, I removed the option and decided to devote a whole post to explaining just how solid of a year he had in an already stellar career littered with fine statistical seasons.

**Hines Ward's Career Numbers**
Year	Games	Rec	Yards	Yards/Rec	Yards/G	TDs	10+ Rec Gs/100+ Y Gs
1998	13	15	246	16.4	15.4	0	0/0
1999	14	61	638	10.5	39.9	7	0/0
2000	15	48	672	14	42	4	0/0
2001*	16	94	1003	10.7	62.7	4	1/2
2002*	16	112	1329	11.9	83.1	12	2/4
2003*	16	95	1163	12.2	72.7	10	1/2
2004	16	80	1004	12.6	62.8	4	0/2
2005*	15	69	975	14.1	65	11	0/4
2006	14	74	975	13.2	69.6	6	0/2
2007	13	71	732	10.3	56.3	7	1/0
2008*	16	81	1043	12.9	65.2	7	1/4

Keep reading for analysis and more numbers after the poll and the jump.

The seasons with an asterisk represent the top 5 statistical seasons in Hines' illustrious career. In 2001-2004, Hines made four straight Pro Bowls, but I think 2005 was a better season than 2004 because of the high number of TDs and YPC. 2002 and 2003 were the gun slinging years of the Tommy Maddox era. But it was 2008 that stood out to me as one of his better seasons.

In the context of improvement from the previous year, 2008 was only bested by his first year playing WR full time in 1999 and his break through year in 2001, where he nearly double his receptions total and added a healthy 30% to his yards from the 2000 season. For the purposes of this, I will exclude 1999, his 2nd year in the pros if only because it's inherently obvious that Ward would make a huge leap in his WR numbers from year 1 to year 2 after making the transition to WR from QB in the NFL.

Let's take a closer look at the only years in which Hines increased his statistical output in either the receiving or receiving yards categories from the previous year. Rather than giving what the

**Season With Statistical Improvements**
Year	Receptions: % Delta	Receiving Yards % Delta
2000	-21%	+5.3%
2001	+95%	+49%
2002	+19%	+32%
2006	+7%	0%
2008	+14%	+42.3%

As we can see, 2008 was bested only by his second year in the league, his breakthrough year in 2001 and his follow-up huge year in 2002 when the Steelers offense was throwing the ball on what seemed to be every down.

Now let's consider the season from a yards per reception stand point. I will exclude his 1998 totals where he had a healthy 16+ yards per catch, but only saw limited playing time. Of course, in Hines' monster years, his YPC was a bit lower as he was Maddox's go to guy in the slot in the quick hitting passing game. Nobody would deny his greatness those years, but it's still interesting to take a look at his better YPC years whil juxtaposing the figure with his receptions total that year.

**Top 5 YPC Season w/ DVOA Rank Included**
Year	YPC	Receptions	DVOA Rank
2005	14.1	69	6th
2000	14	48	29th
2006	13.2	74	40th
2008	12.9	81	11th
2004	12.6	80	12th

In case you were wondering, those 2001 and 2002 season only saw Ward ranked 40th and 12th respectively in DVOA, meaning his 2008 season was his second best in his career.

Throw in the fact that his five combined games of at least 10 catches or 100+ receiving yards - bested only by his six such combined games in 2002 and we get an even better idea of just how productive Ward was this past year. In fact, I'd argue that when one factors in just how inconsistent our offense was for the better part of this year, Ward's 2008 season should be remembered as one of the better ones in his Hall of Fame worthy career. Perhaps even as high as his 3rd best.

Hines Ward. One of my all time favorite athletes in any sport and the one subject here on BTSC that I absolutely can not grow tired of writing about. Next time I do so, I'll look at Ward's contract status compared to other high-profile WRs around the league to show that he more than earned his paycheck in 2008 and should not necessarily be forced to take a pay cut just yet when you look at what he brings to the table compared to his high priced peers, even at this late stage in his career

Poll

I know YOU THINK Hines Ward is worthy of a Hall of Fame bid, but do you think that he actually WILL get the nod?

Yes

752 votes

No

143 votes

895 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 22 comments | 1 recs |

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Comments

Yes, but...

I think he’ll need to stay active for 2 more years, put up some more decent numbers and win one more SB. With three rings he’d be a lock!

by Chicago Steeler on Feb 8, 2009 10:49 PM EST reply actions

I agree.

Too soon to tell. If he were to retire tomorrow, which he isn’t, I don’t know that he he gets in. Four pro bowls is pretty low. Like it or not, one of the “qualifications” voters always cite are the number of Pro Bowl appearances.

by Jonny B. on Feb 8, 2009 11:14 PM EST up reply actions

agreed

Althought that Super Bowl MVP should make up for the low number of Pro Bowls Apperances. He’ll still need to have a couple of more years in him, which I think he does, and win another superbowl (but play a little more significant role in it – he only had like 3 catches – although he was injured he was big).

by tannofsteel84 on Feb 9, 2009 8:55 AM EST up reply actions

Anyone see the Pro Bowl game today?

My brother thought he saw a segment where Peyton Manning was going on about which players the colts were going to go after (trade, steal, recruit?) He said Hines was one of the names mentioned. I didn’t see any part of the game though.

by SteelersVT on Feb 8, 2009 11:21 PM EST reply actions

Wow

I didn’t realize Hines had hit 1,000 yards this year! I guess I’m just spoiled seeing him out there lighting people up and coming up with the tough catches.

It’s gonna be a rough transition period when he retires.

by Romain El 82 on Feb 9, 2009 1:52 AM EST reply actions

Hines is the shiz-nittle-bam snip-snap-sack!

And I mean that sincerely.

by worldtrip on Feb 9, 2009 2:12 AM EST reply actions

In my book, put the man in now. Clutch catch after clutch catch. Great career, and simply tough as hell. But given that the hall of fame “voters” let Art Monk twist for years (despite multiple superbowl titles with the Skins) and recently denied Chris Carter entry (absurd – he was the 2nd best in his era behind Jerry Rice), I am concerned with how the “voters” will remember Ward’s career in 10 years when he is eligible. I hope for the best.

by bv33 on Feb 9, 2009 4:14 AM EST reply actions

Actually Hines compares quite favorably to Art Monk

Pro Bowls: Monk 3 Ward 4
1000 Yard Seasons: Monk 4 Ward 5 (2 seasons of 975 yards)
SB Appearances: Monk 3 Ward 2

by Jonny B. on Feb 9, 2009 9:11 PM EST up reply actions

Hines Ward...

Hines Ward definitely is one of the greatest receivers to put on a Steelers uniform.. Just for the way he hustles on the field, he should get in the HOF.. The stats only prove that he belongs.. He’s been one of the Steelers main figure’s in their offense for the last 10 seasons and for 10 seasons Hines Ward has responded, whether it be blocking , running routes, or getting his teammates ready to play, and most of all a class act off the field.. He’s been the go to guy for Ben Roethlisberger since Ben’s rookie season in 04’ and Steelers go to guy since 01’ and in his first 3 seasons he respectably Averaged 16.4, 10.5, 14 YPC, 11 Td’s, and 124 catches and for his career he has averaged 12.6 YPC… It would be great to see him get 1000 catches for his career and it’s been a great pleasure to watch him for the last 11 seasons…

by Steelers513 on Feb 9, 2009 6:49 AM EST reply actions

fitz.td

not really sure how to post a pic i have. Its of fitz clearly dropping that first td. any help you all could give me in posting it would be appreciated. Or I can email to you and you can post.

by GotSix! on Feb 9, 2009 10:53 AM EST reply actions

hey got six,

Acrollet did a great post on the Fitx touchdown that wasn’t right here….

http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2009/2/6/751983/the-td-that-wasn-t

if you have another picture email me at frankrmineo@yahoo.com & I will post it to the boards there…

I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!

by Frank Mineo (DYMS) on Feb 9, 2009 11:02 AM EST up reply actions

fitz td

thanks man, just emailed you. whoever took those shots needs to follow it through a little more.. the ball is clearly on the ground between his legs. Only 1 replay shows this and its the one after the commercial before the kickoff. Id love to get a couple still frames if somebody can follow it through further

by GotSix! on Feb 9, 2009 11:27 AM EST reply actions

Tomlin could have challenged. He didn’t. We won. Lets show that we can move along.

Don't worry about the haters. Haters only hate.

by steelguy99 on Feb 9, 2009 11:28 AM EST up reply actions

i agree steelguy..but trust me..if you use the right replay..this ones not even close..the ball hits the ground..squirts out , hits his leg and rolls about halfway onto its point before larry rolls over and scoops it up….i dont blame refs, i blame our replay people..

by GotSix! on Feb 9, 2009 11:31 AM EST reply actions

Unique

I doubt Ward would get into the hall based solely on his ability to catch the ball. He has good numbers, but not great numbers. However, he has earned genuine recognition for what he does when he is not catching the ball. No one talks about other wide outs blocking the way Ward does. I’ve never even heard, “Wow, that guy blocks almost as well as Hines.” There is no other wide out who compares to Ward.

In short, I think Hines does get credit for things like busting River’s jaw. It’s not worth as much as a pro bowl appearance, but his style of play makes him unique. That, combined with solid receiving numbers, is what gets him in.

by Varmint on Feb 9, 2009 11:56 AM EST reply actions

is there anyway to send a message directly to another member? Im new so bear with me.

by GotSix! on Feb 9, 2009 12:07 PM EST reply actions

Pappa Smurf

I missed this amidst the superbowl hype, but someone sent it to me. Apparently Hines has a nickname:

From espn.com:

Eleven-year veteran Hines Ward has a unique nickname amongst his peers.

His Pittsburgh Steelers teammates fondly call him “Papa Smurf.”

“He definitely has the same head,” said a laughing Nate Washington, who based the moniker on the cartoon character. “He’s the person that’s going to keep us all sane and keep us all level. But at the same time, when the fight breaks out he’s going to be the first one to swing. That’s the type of guy that you need leading your team.”

“Papa Smurf is like the character that looks over all the little young smurfs,” Ward added proudly. “You have Vanity Smurf and all different type of personality smurfs, and everybody comes to Papa Smurf for advice.”

Which raises the question: “Who is Vanity Smurf?” If you watch the limewire re-cap of the Super Bowl you can see that Tone certainly would fill the role of confident smurf.

by SteelerBuddha on Feb 9, 2009 3:15 PM EST reply actions

Who is Vanity Smurf?

Ike

by Varmint on Feb 9, 2009 5:34 PM EST up reply actions

Jeff Reed?

I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!

by Frank Mineo (DYMS) on Feb 9, 2009 6:11 PM EST up reply actions

big ben! for sure

by Michael Bean on Feb 9, 2009 7:06 PM EST up reply actions

Hines Ward is in there!!!!!!

No doubt about it. Whenever the talking heads on TV go on about him, or anyone writes about him, they GUSH about how this man is a ONE OF A KIND player! That he’s a football player first, WR second, that he plays with passion, he’s a leader, and he leads by example, not just running his yapper.

THAT is why he gets in there even if he retired today.

He’s one of a kind! If that doesn’t get you in the HOF, then nothing should.

Have I mentioned Hines Ward is my favorite player??? ;)

by Ragnar808 on Feb 9, 2009 9:31 PM EST reply actions

When 250-260lb Linebackers fear a 200 lb WR

then you have a special player. The way he knocks the shit outta people coupled with his stats makes him a complete no-brainer for the HOF, but then again Lebeau isn’t in there (yet). You can ask Ed Reed, Bart Scott, Keith Rivers, etc. what they think i guess! hahaha

by SteelersFnRule on Feb 24, 2009 6:23 PM EST reply actions