NFL History: 50 greatest quarterback-wide receiver tandems in NFL history

DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 27: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions celebrates with teammate Calvin Johnson #81 after a first quarter touchdown the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Ford Field on October 27, 2013 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

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Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

The 4th greatest quarterback-wide receiver duo in NFL history: Troy Aikman & Michael Irvin

There’s a good chance owner Jerry Jones thought about pulling the plug before Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin got going.

As the number 11 overall pick in the 1988 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys quickly realized that Irvin, while extremely talented, was inconsequential in the grand scheme of things. In an effort to help get him the ball, Aikman was taken with the number one overall pick in the following draft.

Aikman would go on to give an apathetic effort, in arguably the worst season for a rookie QB. Aikman threw for just 1,749 yards, 9 touchdowns, 18 interceptions, completed 52.9 percent of his passes, and produced the worst record for a rookie quarterback, losing all 11 of his games.

Fortunately for the duo and for the Cowboys franchise, they didn’t give up hope. In just a handful of years, Irvin and Aikman gained ridiculous chemistry. The two would go on to win three Super Bowl titles, racking up over 11,000 yards together and 60 touchdowns.

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