Well I can tell you the difference. These guys in Givens, Brown and Patten really didn't disappear in big games, and were one of the most clutch core of receivers that I've ever seen. Experts say that collectively Branch, Givens, Brown and Patten as a core are in the top 10 as far as groups of "clutch" championship receivers ever. These guys were extremely consistent, polished, knew their job, knew their responsibility and gave 100% effort into every detail and every inch of each route. They simply knew how to give oposing defenses hell on Sundays because of their preparation, route running and underrated hands. On any given day you could not convince me that even some of the best Corners in the league at that time could line up in front of David Patten and lock him down for the entire game, or line up in front of Givens and lock him down for the entire game, or better yet Troy Brown. I mean, I've seen it time and time again where guys like Champ Bailey, Nate Clements, Sheldon Brown, Patrick Surtain, Chris McAllister back then would even get beat one on one by Patten and Givens, and Brown and Branch at some point in the game and yes I've seen it happen . The name had nothing to do with it, not being a Hines Ward, T.O or Marvin Harrison because they didn't have to be yet IN MY OPINION THEY POSED THE SAME THREAT and simply had a Championship mentality at their position for those years, defense or not.
You can't tell me that the 07 defense was not good enough to win a Championship that year or any other years with the exception of last year and 09. As great as we were during the 07 season at that WR position, we were forcing it to Randy because they had three guys on Welker, and Gafney and Stallworth during the Superbowl that simply could not spell and work defenders like Troy, Givens or Pattens could that would've took off of Moss and Welker. That "old" knew how to read defenses, knew how to get open and were extremely smart crafty at beating one on one coverage... and did I mention tough? Just something to think about, but I think this year's group could be our best yet. Especially with Woodhead coming out of the backfield, Chad to distract from Welker, and Branch, Edelman serving as an extra Welker and those freakish talented TightEnds adding on another Year of experience.