VIETNAM By the 1930s, some teams were experimenting with spreading the field by moving one end far out near the sideline, drawing the defense away from running plays and leaving them more open on passing ones. Occasionally wide receivers are used to run the ball, usually in plays seeking to surprise the defense, as in an end-around or reverse. Well-rounded receivers are noted for skill in both roles; Hines Ward in particular received praise for his blocking abilities while also becoming the Pittsburgh Steelers' all-time leading receiver and one of 13 in NFL history through 2009 with at least 1,000 receptions. Slot receivers are frequently targeted on short routes and are valuable in getting first downs. The primary objective of a wide receiver is to catch passes from the quarterback and gain yardage. Five-time All-Pro and ten-time Pro Bowl member Matthew Slater was a gunner for the New England Patriots who was likewise listed as a wide receiver, however he had only one reception in his career.|MacWorld. Vol. 4, no. 5. p