From the NFL and NFL.com, first up is the AFC and the NFC follows after the 'Jump.'

      AFC NEWS ‘N’ NOTES

QUARTERBACKS-RECEIVERS SHARE UNIQUE BOND

Chemistry between a quarterback and receiver is mandatory for NFL passing attacks dependent on timing and precision.

"Every receiver and quarterback have a couple of routes that they do best, the routes they can complete in their sleep," says newly-acquired New York Jets wide receiver BRAYLON EDWARDS, who is developing a connection with rookie quarterback MARK SANCHEZ.

NFL Network analyst and Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver MICHAEL IRVIN says that comfort level is built around a common desire to win.

"The quarterback and receiver relationship begins with the mindset of winning football games," says Irvin, who shared a strong chemistry with former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and Pro Football Hall of Famer TROY AIKMAN.  "You have to start on that same base and the primary goal is always winning."

Quarterback PEYTON MANNING and wide receiver REGGIE WAYNE of the Indianapolis Colts have formed one of the NFL’s most dynamic duos.  The tandem leads the NFL in receptions and touchdowns among active quarterback-receiver combinations.  Manning says that developing confidence, timing and chemistry with a receiver is not instantly attainable. 

"It takes years to get true timing down," says Manning.  "Every route is going to have something a little different to it and something you can study on film.  You try to work as hard as you can in the offseason and in practices and in preseason to try to get that comfort level like you had it.  I learn about them.  They might learn about me.  That’s why every practice, every walkthrough and every meeting is valuable.  You can't just take it for granted."

The most completions/receptions among active quarterback-receiver duos:

Following are the most touchdowns among active quarterback-receiver duos:

Houston Texans Pro Bowl wide receiver ANDRE JOHNSON hopes that his synergy with quarterback MATT SCHAUB will continue to develop.  Johnson is currently third in the league in receiving yards (800) while Schaub ranks third in the NFL with 2,653 passing yards.  Johnson says the learning process between him and his quarterback started immediately after Schaub signed with the Texans in 2007.

"Since the day he got here, we’ve just been communicating a lot," says Johnson.  "We talk about everything we see on the field.  I have a bond with him."

San Diego Chargers All-Star quarterback PHILIP RIVERS certainly recognizes the importance of a connection with his top two pass-catching options, Pro Bowl tight end ANTONIO GATES and wide receiver VINCENT JACKSON.  The duo of Jackson and Gates has combined for 92 receptions, 1,400 receiving yards and nine touchdowns this season.

"I think it’s huge," says Rivers.  "It takes great schemes, X’s and O’s, and many other things to make a pass game work. Aside from pass protection, chemistry is probably the most crucial factor."  

"Here, we have a bunch of guys, who have a great feel for the game," Rivers continues.  "That always helps, but we also have a lot of time on the practice field and in our meetings that allows us to be on the same page."

      NFC NEWS ‘N’ NOTES

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"When you have more big plays than the other team," says NFL Network analyst and former running back MARSHALL FAULK, "your chances of winning are that much greater."

So far this season, there have been 95 touchdowns of at least 50 yards, the second-most through the first 10 weeks of a season since 1970 (98 in 1998).  The league is on pace for 168 50-yard touchdowns, which would be the second-most in a single season in NFL history (173 in 1998). 

                                                             *Projected for entire season

These explosive plays not only put points on the board quickly, they can shift momentum and change the complexion of the game. 

"It’s a huge momentum boost when you can get a touchdown on one big play," says Arizona Cardinals quarterback KURT WARNER.  "And it’s fun."

Over the past few seasons, an influx of young talent has produced 50-yard touchdowns at an increasing rate.  Among these playmakers are Chicago’s DEVIN HESTER and Philadelphia’s DE SEAN JACKSON.  Both players will meet this Sunday night when the Bears host the Eagles. 

"These guys mean a lot to their teams," says NFL Network analyst and former cornerback DEION SANDERS.  "These type of players mean a lot because they can score from anywhere on the field.  Players with this type of talent and ability are tough to come by."

In 2007, Hester tied the NFL record held by Pro Football Hall of Famer ELROY "CRAZYLEGS" HIRSCH with eight 50-yard touchdowns in a single season. 

"When Devin gets the ball in his hands, he’s magic," says Bears linebacker LANCE BRIGGS.  "You don’t see a player like him very often.  He’s a special type of playmaker."

Jackson has already scored six touchdowns of at least 50 yards (four receiving, one punt return, one rushing) through the first nine games of this season and is poised to challenge the standard set by Hirsch and Hester. 

"That kid’s explosive," says Eagles head coach ANDY REID of Jackson.  "He’s exciting to watch and he loves to play the game."

The second-year player out of California needs one 50-yard touchdown to become the seventh player in league history to score seven such TDs in a season. The six players to accomplish the feat are Hester, former Eagle TIMMY BROWN, who holds the club mark, and four Pro Football Hall of Famers – LANCE ALWORTH, JIM BROWN, Hirsch and GALE SAYERS.   

The players with the most 50-yard touchdowns in a season:

                          *Through first nine games

"I’ve just been put in a great position by the coaching staff to go out and make big plays," says Jackson.  "They’ve done a great job of creating opportunities for me to use my speed and ability to take advantage of the defense.  Any time you’re able to get big plays, it takes away from the defense’s momentum and brings energy to our team, and that’s a good thing."