DeSean Jackson or Steve Smith? The NFL Stat Breakdown
The career statistics tell a clear story in this WR comparison. Steve Smith holds the advantage in 5 of 6 key categories, with Receptions representing the most decisive gap — a 60.8% difference that separates these two NFL players. This is not a close debate on the numbers.
Steve Smith's Receptions of 1031 compared to DeSean Jackson's 641 represents a 60.8% advantage — dramatically better than their counterpart in this critical category. Both players exceed the WR career average of 550 in this category, but Steve Smith leads by 60.8%. It is the single most decisive number in this comparison and the clearest statistical argument for Steve Smith's edge.
The most competitive category in this matchup is Targets, where DeSean Jackson posts 1145 against Steve Smith's 1335 — a gap of just 16.6%. DeSean Jackson can point to this as evidence that the overall comparison is closer than the final 5-1 tally suggests. In any debate, Targets is the statistical ammunition for the DeSean Jackson side.
Wide receiver evaluation centers on yards and touchdowns, but yards per reception reveals explosiveness while receptions indicate target volume and reliability. The greatest receivers in NFL history excel in all three.
Steve Smith wins this head to head comparison decisively — 5 categories to 1. The 60.8% gap in Receptions alone makes a compelling case, but the consistency across multiple categories confirms Steve Smith's statistical superiority in this NFL career comparison.
Who is better, DeSean Jackson or Steve Smith?
Steve Smith holds the statistical edge, winning 5 of 6 categories in this career comparison. Steve Smith's Receptions of 1031 versus DeSean Jackson's 641 is the most decisive factor — a 60.8% difference.
How do DeSean Jackson and Steve Smith compare in Receptions?
DeSean Jackson career Receptions: 641. Steve Smith career Receptions: 1031. Steve Smith leads by 60.8% — dramatically ahead in this key WR metric.
Who had the better overall career, DeSean Jackson or Steve Smith?
Based on career statistics, Steve Smith edges DeSean Jackson 5-1 across key categories. Steve Smith's Receptions of 1031 leads DeSean Jackson's 641 by 60.8%, providing the clearest statistical evidence of the career advantage.