With five games remaining in the regular season, Nelson and his teammates figure they have no margin for error in their quest to reach the postseason.
View full sizeGladiators receiver Ben Nelson, right, has caught at least one touchdown in 19 consecutive games."I consider goals limits," he said. "If you say you want to score four touchdowns in a game and you score four in a half, you might feel satisfied that night," he said. "I don't want to feel satisfied. There's always more to do."
Good thing Nelson did not box himself in this season. He entered the weekend ranked among AFL leaders in numerous receiving categories, including first in yards (1,526) and points (234) and second in receptions (118).
Nelson (6-2, 190) has caught at least one touchdown in 19 consecutive games -- including playoffs -- dating to the AFL's previous season, 2008. The run began when he caught three for San Jose against the Gladiators. He has two or more receiving TDs in 12 straight games dating to the 2008 playoffs.
Nelson's next opportunity to extend the streaks comes tonight, when the Gladiators (5-6) visit the Tulsa Talons (6-5). The Gladiators defeated Tulsa, 68-55, at The Q in Week 7.
With five games remaining in the regular season, Nelson and his teammates figure they have no margin for error in their quest to reach the postseason.
"We put ourselves in trouble with tiebreakers, so if we don't go 5-0, it's not looking good for us," he said. "There's no reason we can't go 5-0, then see what happens."
As long as Nelson takes the field, the Gladiators have a chance. He is on pace to break the AFL single-season records for catches (166) and receiving yards (2,129). Both were set by Siaha Burley with Utah in 2007.
"I'm aware of the numbers, but the most important things for me are winning games and staying healthy," he said. "You're always dealing with something physically, but I've been pretty much 95 to 100 percent all season."
Knee injuries cut into Nelson's seasons in 2007 and 2008, but he still managed to combine for 227 receptions and 55 TDs in 25 games. He played for San Jose in 2007 and Colorado in 2008, the latter with John Dutton as quarterback. Dutton and Nelson have brought their act to Cleveland this year.
"Anyone will tell you that being hurt is the worst," Nelson said. "You see your teammates practicing and playing and you can't help them. It's no fun."
When healthy, Nelson has been one of the league's best players since breaking in with San Jose in 2006. At 6-2, 190, he is not physically imposing but is as tough as they come.
"I really don't mind getting hit, to be honest," he said. "I'd rather get hit than deliver hits, which sounds weird. The guys doing the hitting aren't that big, so I'm not worried about it."
When Nelson does get blasted, he almost always holds onto the ball. In addition to the toughness, his hands, body control and concentration set him apart. Nelson said he also benefits from the league rule that allows for one receiver to get a running start at the snap.
"I'm very fast with a running start," he said.
Dutton has raved about Nelson's ability to read coverages. Nelson, in turn, appreciates Dutton for seeing what he sees.
"When you're on the same page as your quarterback, it makes it a lot easier," Nelson said.
Dutton is 308-of-472 passing for 3,511 yards and 68 touchdowns in 11 games. He has been intercepted 12 times, with a rating of 112.9. Entering Friday's games, Dutton ranked second in the league in passing yards and total offense (3,499 yards).
Dutton has started 91 consecutive AFL regular-season games dating to 2004. It is the longest streak among active players.
In the Week 7 victory over Tulsa, Dutton was 28-of-48 passing for 397 yards and nine TDs. He was not picked. Nelson caught 13 for 202 yards and six scores.