Author: Trey Johnson - Saturday, October 07, 2006

Individual statistics are great achievements, but does putting up big numbers translate into wins for the team? With four weeks in the books let's take a look at the NFL statistical leaders and see if their performances translate into team wins.

After four weeks of play the top three rushers in the league are Willis McGahee, Steven Jackson and Warrick Dunn. McGahee has rushed for 389 yards with a 3.9 average and 1 touchdown. His Bills are currently 2-2 and in second place in the AFC East. Steven Jackson has racked up 367 yards with a 4.1 average and 1 touchdown and his Rams are tied for first in the NFC West with Seattle at 3-1. Warrick Dunn has rushed for 365 yards with a 4.5 yard per carry average while helping the Falcons to a 3-1 start and a tie for first in the NFC South.

The early receiving leaders are Marvin Harrison, Laveranues Coles and Andre Johnson. Harrison leads the league with 413 yards receiving and a 14.2 average. The Colts are a perfect 4-0 on the season and hold a two game lead in the AFC South. Coles has 412 receiving yards and a 13.7 average which hasn't translated into wins for the 2-2 NY Jets. Johnson has 410 receiving yards and a 13.7 average which has meant absolutely nothing for the 1-3 Houston Texans.

This season's early leaders at quarterback are Donovan McNabb, Peyton Manning and Jon Kitna. Donovan has thrown for 1248 yards, 9 touchdowns and 1 interception while leading the Eagles to a 3-1 record and the top spot in the NFC East. Manning has 1112 yards passing 6 touchdowns, 1 pick and a two game lead in the AFC South with a perfect 4-0 record. Jon Kitna has been one of the few bright spots on the 0-4 last place Lions by throwing for 1081 yards and 4 touchdowns. Kitna does lose points on his QB rating due to three interceptions.

On the defensive side of things we do have to take a look at the sack leaders. The trademark of a dominant defense is the sack and Bart Scott, Trent Cole and Tommie Harris have been the best in the business this season. Bart Scott has 5 sacks and 33 tackles while helping the Ravens to a 4-0 record and first place in the AFC North. Trent Cole has 5 sacks and 15 tackles for the 3-1 Eagles and Tommie Harris has 5 sacks and 10 tackles for the 4-0 NFL North leader Chicago.

So what have we learned? While a great quarterback and a game breaking receiver are certainly desired additions to your offensive attack a solid ground game and a dominating defense dramatically increases your chances of winning. If you can run and you can play defense you will win!

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