Mark Madden: True measure of all-time great Steelers WRs transcends stats, analytics

Sports have become driven by stats and analytics. That’s understandable. See, Joe, the numbers don’t lie, and they spell disaster for you at Sacrifice.

But the eye test should never be taken totally out of the equation.

Take Lynn Swann, for example.

The Steelers wide receiver played only nine seasons: 1974-82. His season high for catches was just 61.

But the NFL was different then. Running the ball was much more emphasized. Swann left behind a litany of big catches, four Super Bowl rings, Super Bowl X MVP, three Pro Bowls and a spectacular highlight reel.

The eye test got Swann in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and deservedly so.

Louis Lipps is another example.

Lipps, another Steelers wideout, also played only nine seasons: 1984-92. His season high was 59 receptions.

But if Lipps wasn’t as spectacular as Swann, he was close. He had quickness, hands, grace and agility. He was a terrific return man, too — but when his importance as a receiver grew, Lipps was less often used to run back kicks. (He got injured a few times, too.)

Lipps was fun to watch. His highlight reel was impressive.

But Lipps played on Steelers teams that mostly were mediocre. Some were worse. Lipps played in only four playoff games.

So much of how athletes are perceived individually depends on who they play for and when. Hall of Fame linebacker Jack Ham once said if he’d been drafted by New Orleans, nobody would have ever heard of him. That’s an exaggeration but not a gratuitous one.

Lipps’ career wasn’t without recognition. He made two Pro Bowls, got All-Pro twice and was the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1984.

If Lipps had played on the Steelers during the 1970s, he would be in the Hall of Fame. Lipps might be remembered as the Steelers’ greatest receiver.

At least Lipps made the Steelers’ Hall of Honor. He’s part of the latest class along with Tunch Ilkin, Jon Kolb and Carnell Lake. That’s a solid group.

Ranking Steelers receivers has always been a hot-button topic because different styles played in different eras put the stats and criteria all over the place.

I didn’t see Buddy Dial, so he’s ineligible for these rankings. But I saw everyone else, so it’s a credible list (with the eye test weighing heavy).

1. Antonio Brown

2. John Stallworth

3. Lynn Swann

4. Louis Lipps

5. Hines Ward

Lest it be thought that any personal negativity put Ward lower than he deserves, I abhor Brown, but I’ve got him at No. 1. Brown’s numbers are overwhelming, and he certainly looked the part. (His divisive antics also made it impossible to win.)

Of the two receivers from the ’70s, Stallworth had the longer career and better numbers. Lipps’ credentials are discussed above.

Ward is the Steelers’ all-time leader in catches, receiving yards and touchdown receptions. He’s got two rings and was Super Bowl XL MVP. He might be the best blocking wide receiver ever.

But he was a possession receiver. His numbers were inflated by the era and by playing 14 years. Brown and Lipps were true No. 1 receivers. Stallworth and Swann were co-No. 1 receivers. Ward’s blocking was romanticized, but how often did it really make a difference?

Ward won’t make the Hall of Fame. Stallworth and Swann did. Brown will.

If you transposed Lipps and Ward, I wouldn’t be outraged. Ward would be the ideal complement to any of the wideouts listed above him.

JuJu Smith-Schuster gets honorable mention for best dancer and is No. 1 for season-altering fumbles.