"Looking at stats only, how do you keep him out.
Still on the issue of stats, Art Monk's stats sure look impressive, but he is still on the outside looking in."
Stats are misleading and I am in total agreement with MDH.
I have the hindsight (or handicap) of being a little older and remembering a very different NFL - long before expansion diluted the talent pool and the stats. I guess my criteria for the HOF is based more on player "impact" than stats.
Who did the other side have to game plan against ?
I grew up watching Fran Tarketon - he was "feared" by the other side
Walter Payton - Barry Sanders drove the defense nuts
Bruce Smith is a sure first rounder based on my criteria and much as I dislike him as a selfish player
Warren Moon had his time - just like Mr. Kelly - but IMHO opinion neither had first year selection written on them - part of the selection process involves some marketing and scheming - do they deserve to be there - hell - yes - first time - probably not.
That all being said - I did not expect TT to be a first rounder - he had a great career - but he was part of a machine - not the driving force.
And for what it matters - Michael Irvin (can) and Andre (will) cry all they want but Art Monk on the outside looking in is a disgrace to the HOF selectors