None of them were the best at their position -- though Smith comes close -- but they were the best tandem. Smith could catch the ball and block, Irvin was a great blocker and a forceful leader while Aikman exuded quiet confidence.
Putting together a team of great triplets is often a key to making a Super Bowl run. Here is msnbc.com's top tandems today.";
spt_NFL_top_tandems[i++] = new Array("","1. Colts","Colts quarterback Peyton Manning hands off Joseph Addai.","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/061231/061231_manning_hmed_5p.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Brent Smith", "Reuters", "273", "354", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_top_tandems[i-1].body = "
Tandem: Peyton Manning, Joseph Addai, Marvin Harrison
Why: Some thought the Colts might struggle last year when Addai replaced Edgerrin James, who had moved on to Arizona as a free agent. But Addai quickly got in sync with offensive coordinator Tom Moore’s system and became an integral part of the offense. He may not have James’ power, but he makes up for that with quickness and agility. Manning ranks with the best quarterbacks ever and Harrison works the sidelines like Criss Angel works a room full of models.
Click here for their season stats.";
spt_NFL_top_tandems[i++] = new Array("","2. Bengals","Chad Johnson burns the Vikings defense.","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/050918/050918_bengals_vmed_2p.vlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "David Kohl / Ap", "", "358", "278", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_top_tandems[i-1].body = " Tandem: Carson Palmer, Rudi Johnson, Chad Johnson Click here for their season stats. Tandem: Marc Bulger, Stephen Jackson, Torry Holt Click here for their season stats.";
spt_NFL_top_tandems[i++] = new Array("","4. Cowboys","Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens and quarterback Tony Romo watch the final moments of a win.","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/061101/061101_romo_hmed_5p.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Chuck Burton", "AP", "273", "381", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_top_tandems[i-1].body = " Tandem: Tony Romo, Julius Jones/Marion Barber, Terrell Owens Click here for their season stats.";
spt_NFL_top_tandems[i++] = new Array("","5. Chargers","Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson burns the Raiders.","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/060912/060912_ladainian_vmed_1205a.vlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Paul Sakuma / AP", "", "357", "278", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_top_tandems[i-1].body = " Tandem: Philip Rivers, LaDainian Tomlinson, Antonio Gates (tight end) Click here for their season stats.";
spt_NFL_top_tandems[i++] = new Array("","6. Seahawks","Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck celebrates with running back Shaun Alexander.","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/061117/061117_alex_hasselbeck_hmed6p.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Mike Blake", "Reuters file", "263", "423", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_top_tandems[i-1].body = " Tandem: Matt Hasselbeck, Shaun Alexander, Deion Branch Click here for their season stats.";
spt_NFL_top_tandems[i++] = new Array("","7. Saints","Saints running back Deuce McAllister eludes the Eagles.","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/070117/070117_mcallister_vmed_10a.vlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Hans Deryk", "Reuters file", "296", "278", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_top_tandems[i-1].body = " Tandem: Drew Brees, Deuce McAllister/Reggie Bush, Marques Colston Click here for their season stats.";
spt_NFL_top_tandems[i++] = new Array("","8. Steelers","Steelers receiver Hines Ward catches a touchdown.","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/060201/060201_ward_vmed_7p.vlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Michael Conroy", "AP file", "239", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_top_tandems[i-1].body = " Tandem: Ben Roethlisberger, Willie Parker, Hines Ward Click here for their season stats. Tandem: Tom Brady, Laurence Maroney, Randy Moss
Why: There’s little difference between the Bengals’ tandem and the Colts'. The only thing Palmer and the Johnsons lack is a championship ring. That may not change for a while because the Bengals’ defense has too many holes, but Palmer can make every throw and Rudi Johnson is powerful back who is tough to stop. Chad Johnson barely rates the edge over T.J. Houshmandzadeh, and only because opponents double-team him more often. Johnson’s presence even makes Houshmandzadeh more dangerous.
";
spt_NFL_top_tandems[i++] = new Array("","3. Rams","Rams quarterback Marc Bulger fakes a hand off to Steven Jackson.","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/050102/050102_ramsjets_hmed_230p.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Tim Parker", "Reuters", "273", "388", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_top_tandems[i-1].body = "
Why: Despite a poor showing in Week 1 against the Panthers, the Rams have all the offensive weapons necessary to win. Bulger does not have a strong arm, but he is accurate and senses where defense are vulnerable. Jackson has moved into the elite level of running backs with his power, explosiveness and surprising receiving ability. Holt is a brilliant pattern runner and has the hands to catch even the toughest passes.
Why: They're no Aikman, Smith and Irvin, but the current Cowboy skill-position players have their own swagger. Romo is a cocky leader who moves well and has a strong arm, but lacks experience. Jones has all the measurables and can break the long run while Barber brings toughness, goal-line savvy and the ability to come through in the clutch. Owens can be the league's most dangerous players. What holds this group back is Owens' temperament. He appears to like coach Wade Phillips, but that could take a turn as the season progresses.
Why: The Chargers don’t have any suitable receivers, but Gates is the game's best tight end and more than makes up for that defincieny. Tomlinson is the game's best all-around running back and is establishing himself as one of the all-time great. Rivers is a smart, agile quarterback who should only get better.
Why: This group seems less-inspired than others, which is because Alexander seems to lack the passion of great running backs. He is a good combination of speed and power and has had huge seasons, but he seems satisfied with that. Hasselbeck is a good quarterback who has gotten almost everything out of his limited ability. The Seahawks made a brilliant move when they acquired Branch a year ago, but his hunger and desire haven't carried over to his teammates.
Why: Forget about the poor start in Week 1, the Saints are loaded and can attack with the big play or drive down the field. Brees is one of the game's most accurate passers, has good vision, quick feet and usually makes good decisions. McAllister is a leader and pounding running back, while Bush makes opposing coaches hold their breath. Colston is not a burner, but he can get open and will catch the ball in tough situations.
Why: A healthy Roethlisberger one of the league's better quarterbacks -- and he is healthy, able to evade the rush and make big plays. Parker is a burner out of the backfield. He plays like a 230-pound back even though his game is speed and getting to the outside. If the NFL ever wanted to go with a player as its logo, Ward would be a great choice. No player does all the little things with more fervor than Ward, who's an excellent playmaker.
";
spt_NFL_top_tandems[i++] = new Array("","9. Patriots","Tom Brady","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/060824/060824_bradys_arm_v.vlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Jim Mcisaac", "Getty Images", "262", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_top_tandems[i-1].body = "
Why: The Patriots have a chance to challenge the Colts for the top spot, but their tandem isn't as good right now. Brady is at the top of his game and has been for the last three seasons. Second-year back Maroney has a chance to be a great. He runs with a purpose has the speed to break a long run, but he has to show he can take the punishment. Moss looked like an All-Pro against the Jets, but we need a bit more proof. If he can string productive games together, then the Patriots' offense will be as good as it gets.