Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins is on the brink of making NFL history. He currently holds a remarkable streak of catching a touchdown pass in nine consecutive home games. This accomplishment ties him with Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice for the second-longest streak in the league’s history. With just one more touchdown catch against the New England Patriots, Higgins could surpass legendary players Cris Carter and Bob Hayes, setting the longest streak of all time.
Tee Higgins’ Record-Setting Potential
Last week, Higgins secured a 28-yard touchdown pass from Joe Flacco, moving him ahead of greats like Antonio Gates and Terrell Owens. Reflecting on his streak, Higgins mentioned, “It’s been pretty cool. I haven’t really kept up with it, but obviously a lot of people have come up to me.” He expressed hope to continue this impressive run.
Bengals’ Historical Context
The Bengals have a rich history of players with notable touchdown streaks. Former Bengals receiver Carl Pickens had an eight-game streak from 1994 to 1995, a part of a record-setting total of ten consecutive games with a touchdown, still unmatched within the franchise. This record ties him for the second-longest streak in NFL history, only behind Jerry Rice’s remarkable thirteen-game streak.
- Notable Streaks in Bengals History:
- Carl Pickens: 10 games (1994-95)
- A.J. Green: 9 games (2012)
- T.J. Houshmandzadeh: 7 games (2007)
- Tee Higgins: Currently at 9 games
If Higgins scores a touchdown on Sunday, he will join an elite group of players in Bengals history, becoming the seventh to achieve a five-game streak. In addition to Pickens, Terrell Owens, Eddie Brown, and Darnay Scott have also reached this milestone.
Competitive Landscape
As the Bengals face the Patriots, Higgins is poised to receive more targets, especially with Ja’Marr Chase’s suspension. However, he’s also likely to attract significant defensive attention from New England’s star cornerback, Christian Gonzalez.
Touchdown Streaks: A League Perspective
Currently, two players lead the NFL with active streaks of five games: Trey McBride from the Arizona Cardinals and Jalen McMillan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Notably, if Higgins scores, he will become the ninth player in NFL history to achieve ten consecutive games with a touchdown. Pete Johnson previously set this record for the Bengals from 1982 to 1984.
- NFL’s Longest Consecutive Touchdown Streaks:
- Emmitt Smith: 22 games
- LaDainian Tomlinson: 17 games
- Curtis Martin: 13 games
- Stephen Davis: 12 games
- Marcus Allen: 11 games
- Dalvin Cook: 10 games
- Cris Carter: 10 games
As Tee Higgins aims for this historic accomplishment, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely during Sunday’s game against the Patriots. One catch could etch his name in the annals of NFL history.
