Fansided

10 best receiver-defensive back rivalries in NFL history

By Kinnu Singh

IRVING, TX - NOVEMBER 12: Wide receiver Jerry Rice #80 of the San Francisco 49ers runs a pass pattern against cornerback Deion Sanders #21 of the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas on November 12, 1995. The 49ers defeated the Cowboys 38-20. (Photo by Joseph Patronite/Getty Images)
IRVING, TX - NOVEMBER 12: Wide receiver Jerry Rice #80 of the San Francisco 49ers runs a pass pattern against cornerback Deion Sanders #21 of the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas on November 12, 1995. The 49ers defeated the Cowboys 38-20. (Photo by Joseph Patronite/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA – DECEMBER 7 : Safety Pat Fischer #37 of the Washington Redskins returns an interception against the Altanta Falcons at Fulton-County Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on on December 7, 1975. The Redskins defeated the Falcons 30-27. (Photo by NFL Photos/Getty Images)
ATLANTA – DECEMBER 7 : Safety Pat Fischer #37 of the Washington Redskins returns an interception against the Altanta Falcons at Fulton-County Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on on December 7, 1975. The Redskins defeated the Falcons 30-27. (Photo by NFL Photos/Getty Images) /

10. Pat Fischer vs. Harold Carmichael

Even though it took place in the early 1970s, Fischer vs. Carmichael stands out among WR-DB rivalries namely because Carmichael towered over Fischer.

Safety Pat Fischer was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1961, later signing with Washington in 1968. In Washington, Fischer teamed up alongside Hall of Fame free safety Larry Wilson, who often tore off to tackle the quarterback. Fischer leaned into what he did best, being credited for perfecting the “bump and run” technique. Fischer was focused on diving forth and tackling a receiver’s leg, known as his “one leg up” technique. Fischer was uniquely suited to throw off the balance of the game’s tallest receivers, including Philadelphia Eagles star Harold Carmichael.

In 1973, Carmichael’s first season regularly starting for the Eagles, he became a second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler who led the NFL in receiving yards and receptions. Even though he accomplished all this, he still had to face Fischer twice that year as a divisional rival.

Fischer was able to hold his own against Carmichael, and the two continued to face each other until Fischer’s retirement in 1977.

Considering the fact that Carmichael is still the tallest wide receiver to ever play in the NFL, it’s unlikely fans will ever see a rivalry with the same size discrepancy and technique that Fischer utilized when lining up against Carmichael.

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