Blaq Optic's NFL Blog

Blaq Optic's 3rd Annual NFL's 100 Most Impactful Players

2009-05-24T08:19:00.007-05:00

June 11th, 2007 on Football's Future's Forums, IGN, Helmet2Helmet Forums, ESPN Forums, GameFAQs Forums, a little no-named poster and blogger made a list entitled "The NFL's 50 Most Influential Players..." The response to the topic went on for numerous pages on each forum and resulted in various arguments and even won an award. However, it cemented the poster's legacy on a few of those forums. That blogger/poster was none-other than yours truly and 365 days after that post, on June 10th, 2008 the topic returned for a second consecutive year, adding an addition 30 players to make it "The 2nd Annual NFL's 80 Most Impactful Players". This one was met with much less criticism and was an even more renowned hit than the previous incarceration. Just like the 2008 incarnate, this list will be posted in descending order, Of the three years that I have done this, the 2009 incarnate is the hardest list to compile. There were so many individuals that emerged onto the impact scene over the past one or two seasons. Additionally, there are a few players that have fallen out of grace or on the verge of doing so, thus making it hard to perfectly place individuals on the list. Furthermore, let me reiterate what I have to every year... this is not a "Best Players" list. This is a "Most Impactful" list in which the 100 players explained, and the additional honorable mentions, don't have to be the best at their position, but rather have a considerable impact on the other 21 players on the field during the majority of the snaps that they take.

Here are some key things to consider when viewing this list before going off on me about my decisions...

- In order to make the list, as stated above, they don't have to be the best at their position (though most are).
- The key aspect is that the player has some large form of impact on the other 21 players on the field.
- Consistency is very important, however, recency and severity play a larger role in this year’s list than any other year's list
- I did not compile this list fully of my own wishes, but rather also incorporated some aspects of popularity/general consensus in including certain players at high levels, or including them at all
- Importance to the team is important once again. If there are numerous other people on their unit on the list it could affect their positioning
- Position plays an important role... QuarterBacks, Left Tackles, Nose Tackles, etc have gotten somewhat of a preference over others.
- Like last year, positioning isn't as important as the number purely seems. Player 84 isn't much more impactful than player 89. A large distance between players is where there's an obvious difference.

Key:
#. Name, Pos, Team('08 Ranking, '07 Ranking)
Impact:
Argument:

With that said, here come the honorable mentions...
Honorable Mentions:
Antoine Winfield, CornerBack, MIN - Rashean Mathis, CornerBack, JAX - Leon Washington, Specialist, NYJ - Thomas Howard, Outside LineBacker, OAK - Brian Dawkins, Free Safety, DEN - Luis Castillo, 3-4 Defensive End, SDG - Devin Hester, Kick Returner, CHI - Bradie James, Middle LineBacker, DAL - Marques Colston, Wide Receiver, NWO - Mike McKenzie, CornerBack, FA - Joshua Cribbs, Special Teamer, CLE - Chad Pennington, QuarterBack, MIA - LaMarr Woodley, Outside LineBacker, PIT - Owen Daniels, Tight End, HOU- Gary Brackett, Middle LineBacker, IND- Dallas Clark, Tight End, IND- Bob Sanders, Strong Safety, IND - Chris Hope, Strong Safety, TEN - Chris Johnson, HalfBack, TEN - Casey Weigmann, Center, DEN - Dwayne Bowe, Wide Receiver, KNC - Tanard Jackson, Free Safety, TAM - Aaron Rodgers, QuarterBack, GNB - David Stewart, Right Tackle, TEN - Torry Holt, Wide Receiver, JAX - Greg Jennings, Wide Receiver, GNB - Matt Hasselbeck, QuarterBack, SEA - Reggie Bush, Specialist, NWO -

100. James Farrior, Middle LineBacker, PIT(NR,NR)
Impact: Unquestioned Leader Of 2-time Super Bowl Winning Defense
Argument: James Farrior may very well be the most underrated Defensive Leader in the NFL. While everybody knows the big name players on the Steelers, James Farrior is the cog that makes this defense work. Since Farrior has joined the Steelers in 2002 and became their Defensive Captain they’ve finished 1st in Defense three times. In that span Farrior has received votes for Defensive Player Of The Year twice, once finishing in second. Additionally, no Inside/Middle LineBacker has made more tackles near or behind the Line of Scrimmage during that span, including a ridiculous 14 Stuffs in 2003. But it’s not just Farrior’s ability to make plays near the Line of Scrimmage that makes him so impactful; Farrior has a knack for coverage within the tackle box making him one of the elite coverage LineBackers in the league. Additionally, within the past three seasons, Farrior has been asked to help provide pass rush up the middle, and has done so very well. Farrior has a huge arsenal at his utilization that makes him, in my opinion, the 2nd best 3-4 ILB behind future Hall-of-Famer Ray Lewis.

99. Matt Forte, HalfBack, CHI(NR,NR)
Impact: An Entire Offense By himself/A Franchise Focal Point
Argument: If Matt Forte repeats the success of his rookie campaign, you may very well see Mr. Forte becoming the quickest person to make the top 10 of this list. Conversely, you may not see Matt on next off-seasons’ rendition. Regardless, as it stands right now, the only reason he is this low is because it has only been one season… but what a season it was. In his first NFL season Matt Forte may not have had a flashy Yards per Carry number, but he finished in the top 3 players in Yards from Scrimmage with a grand total of 1,715 and only fumbled once. However, it should be noted that the two individuals that placed higher than him only had 4% of their Yards from Scrimmage come from Receiving Yardage. Perhaps even more impressive is that Forte finished 12th in Touchdowns from Scrimmage on an anemic offense. Forte was the most versatile player in the NFL in the 08-09 season. In fact, Forte was the Bears’ number one rusher, as well as their best Receiver. What’s most impressive about that latter fact is that a significant number of his receptions came when he was lined up as a Wide Out.

98. Zach Miller, Tight End, OAK(NR,NR)
Impact: Future Of The Raiders Offense
Argument: Let me begin by stating that if the criteria to make this list weren’t what they indeed are, then this would probably be Owen Daniels’ spot. However, this isn’t meant to be a 100 best players list, but rather the 100 most impactful. Zach Miller is a young Tight End on an offense that is focused around a young QuarterBack and HalfBack. What is the biggest friend to a young QuarterBack and also to a young HalfBack? None other than a Tight End, and that is exactly what Miller is… a friend to JaMarcus Russell and the stable of HalfBacks that reside in Oakland. Miller is an excellent short yardage target for Russell (made evident by his 74 targets within 20 yards), and a reliable one at that (made evident by the 48 grabs). In the JaMarcus Russell era of the Oakland Raiders, Zach Miller has been his favorite target, bar none, and has rewarded him with 1,200 yards and 100 receptions. Miller, however, isn’t just a reliable receiver. He is an excellent blocker… one of the better blocking receiving Tight Ends, made evident by the success of the Raiders rushing attack, mainly Justin Fargas’ success since Miller was drafted.

97. Brandon Marshall, Wide Receiver, DEN(78,NR)
Impact: A Young Wide Receiver That Makes His QuarterBack Look Elite
Argument: Newsflash to Jay Cutler… if you want to be in the NFL in five years, you’ll stay in Denver. If you get traded, hope you find a WR as talented as Marshall because he is your security blanket. Want proof? Look at the number of targets per Wide Receiver over the last two seasons… Brandon Marshall finishes 1st in 2007 and 1st in 2008. That’s because Cutler forces passes into him, and Marshall just comes down with them, even if he’s getting facemasked. In ’07 Marshall accounted for 36% of Jay Cutler’s passing attempts, and even though Eddie Royal was targeted 128 times in 2008, Marshall accounted for 29% of Jay Cutler’s passing attempts. Perhaps what makes this most impressive is the fact that Marshall missed two games in ‘08, and still led the league in targets. Perhaps more impressive is that 73 of those targets were with Jay facing a blitz, pressure, or getting hit and 39 of them were grabbed for 539 Yards and 28 accompanying First Downs. Brandon Marshall’s athleticism makes Jay Cutler look elite.

96. Kellen Winslow II, Tight End, TAM(23,HM)
Impact: Young Versatile Tight End That Spreads The Field
Argument: It is no coincidence that Kellen Winslow was disgruntled with the Cleveland Browns organization, underperformed, and then Braylon Edwards fell short of proposed goal of 1,300+ Yards and 16+ Touchdowns. In fact, Edwards fell way short, and that was because Winslow wasn’t there to take the heat off of him. Unfortunately because of Winslow’s lack of play in the 2008 season, and a lack of understanding as to how he’ll be utilized on the Buccaneers offense, his positioning on the list has drastically fallen. However, at the end of the day, what Winslow brings to the table keeps him on the list. Winslow averages four Receptions per Game, as well as an additional 55 Receiving Yards per Game for his entire career. His ability to run every route in the tree and stretch defenses aided in turning the Browns Offense into an elite one in 2007, and will aid in the development of a Buccaneers offense that currently has no designated QuarterBack and a stable of capable HalfBacks that Winslow can block, greatly I might add, for. Bringing in 60% of his targets and 35% of those for first downs for his career don’t hurt either.

95. Yeremiah Bell, Strong Safety, MIA(NR,NR)
Impact: The Best Pure In-Box Safety In The NFL
Argument: If Bob Sanders gets credit for revolutionizing the Colts Run Defense, than Yeremiah Ball should get credit for doing the same for the Dolphins Run defense. Bell has been with the Dolphins for five seasons, mostly on a string of one-year contracts, and started all 16 games in two of them. It is no coincidence that when he didn’t start all 16 games the Dolphins field a bottom-half-of-the-league run defense. In 2005 in which Bell was primarily a special teamer, the Dolphins were ranked 17th against the run. The following year, when, after five games Bell became a starter and the Dolphins shot all the way up to 8th. The following season Bell would be injured in the first game of the season, and the Dolphins would go on to become one of the worst Run Defenses in NFL history. The following year with Bell back as a starter? 10th. Last season Bell attributed 45 tackles in the box vs. the run. All together, in his last 33 starts Bell has contributed 190 Tackles, 23 Passes Defensed, 3 Sacks and 6 Forced Fumbles.

94. Terrell Suggs, Outside LineBacker, BAL(NR,NR)
Impact: Versatile X-Factor In An Elite Defense
Argument: Everybody loves to talk about Ed Reed, Ray Lewis, and to a lesser extent, Haloti Ngata as a key focal point of why the Ravens Defense is so good, but numerous people tend to forget Terrell Suggs. In fact, let me take this chance to acknowledge that Ed Reed doesn’t have to be versatile because of the versatility presented in the front seven in Baltimore, mainly by Suggs. Under Rex Ryan, the Ravens were the only NFL Defense capable of fielding any formation that they wanted due to the versatility of Suggs and others. Capable of playing the 3-4 OLB, 4-3 DE and 4-3 SLB, Suggs provides matchup problems for Offensive Lineman around the league. Suggs may not be an elite pass rusher, but he is the most consistent 3-4 OLB against the run. Ignoring his rookie campaign as a situational pass rusher, Suggs averages 8 stuffs per years. Over his six year career Suggs averages 15.5 plays behind the Line-of-Scrimmage per year… that may very well be a Hall-of-Fame pace.

93. Julian Peterson, Outside LineBacker, DET(62, NR)
Impact: Versatile 4-3 OLB With Impact At Three Levels
Argument: Seahawks fans can say whatever they want to say, but the fact of the matter is, at the Strongside LineBacker position, Julian Peterson gets the job done. Peterson was recently traded to the ailing Lions in order to fix their obviously week back seven on the Defense, and looks to do so immediately. Usually with a trade, one team wins out, however, as Corey Redding is emerging as an elite DT, I would say the trade was fair, regardless of what those in Seattle think. Peterson, when playing the SLB position provides plays behind the Line-of-Scrimmage, in the box, and downfield in coverage. Now, admittedly, he has lost a step, but even with all the wear and tear on his body, Peterson is still one of the best 4-3 Outside LineBackers, SAM or WILL, in the NFL. While he won’t prevent the pass from getting to the TE or Receiver anymore, he won’t give up the yardage after the catch like the Lions LineBacking Corp was notorious for doing all last season. However, because of this decline, he declines 31 spots.

92. Richard Seymour, 3-4 Defensive End, NWE(NR, 22)
Impact: Versatile 5-Technique Capable Of Providing Pass Rush
Argument: I can only think of two truly great 5-Technique with pass rush skills; all-time Sack leaders Reggie White and Bruce Smith. While Seymour is no Bruce Smith, please believe that he has a great skillset for pass rushing, as evidenced by his average of 5 sacks per season, excluding his injury-filled 2007 campaign. However, as we all know, a 3-4 Defensive Ends primary job is to occupy blockers for the Outside LineBacker to get to the QuarterBack and close the running lanes in order to tackle the HalfBack. Seymour has done this well through his entire career, minus a short period in late 2006 and most of 2007. His and Vince Wilfork’s ability to occupy 3 or 4 blockers per play have allowed Ty Warren to look better than he actually is. Additionally to this, since 2001, players playing the ROLB position behind Seymour have put up 44 QB Sacks, or 5.5 per season. In combination to his 5 sacks per season, this allows for Seymour to be responsible for 10.5 Sacks per season in addition to helping make Ty Warren look elite.

91. Michael Griffin, Free Safety, TEN(NR, NR)
Impact: Young Safety With Range At 2 Of The 3 Levels
Argument: First let it be known that, like Matt Forte, Michael Griffin’s position on this list is based on last season, but completely contingent on his success in the 2009-2010 season. If he doesn’t mirror his success he will not make the list next season, however, if he does he could see a 50+ spot jump in positioning. Additionally, it was hard to pick between Griffin and Finnegan. However, Griffin was very impressive with his range, whether he was responsible for half of the defensive back field in Cover 2 responsibilities, or almost all of it in Cover 3 responsibilities. Griffin was also capable of playing effective man coverage in the few times he was asked to in 2008-09, and did so almost exclusively in his rookie campaign spending a lot of time at the CornerBack position. Griffin brought in 7 Interceptions, tying him for second in the NFL last season. Once Griffin can get a well-rounded game that includes of all the skills required of an elite Hybrid Safety, he could be the future at the position.

90. Wes Welker, Wide Receiver, NWE(67,NR)
Impact: Far And Away The Best 3rd Down Chain Mover In The NFL
Argument: For some reason I don’t really like Wes Welker, but you have to respect him. I didn’t really think he would find his way back onto this list this year, but he sure proved me wrong. Wes Welker, while not one of the better overall WRs in the NFL, still manages to be one of the best in the league due to his ability to catch the ball, move in traffic, and move the chains. You can look at last year’s numbers in order to see how ridiciulous he was in 2007, but even with Matt Cassell at the helm, Welker still kept producing to the tune of 111 receptions for 1,165 Yards and 3 Touchdowns. However, on 3rd Down Welker gave Defenses fits by hauling in 25 receptions on 33 Targets for 258 Yards, 18 First Downs and 2 TDs. Additionally, against the Blitz, Welker brought in 41 of 57 targets for a ridiculous 493 Yards and 24 First Down which doesn’t seem impressive until you realize that of those 493 yards 342 of them were after the catch. Welker has quickly become one of the two most reliable WR in the league.

89. Reggie Wayne, Wide Receiver, IND(66,NR)
Impact: Only Elite Skill-Position Player Left In Indianapolis For Manning To Work With
Argument: I will admit it. Reggie Wayne did not originally make this list. In fact, I’m still not sure if I truly feel he deserves to be on this list, but I know the general public does feel as if he deserves it. However, after further evaluation, I figured that, Wayne does have the credentials to be on the list, and, as of last year, he is the only truly elite skill-position weapon that Peyton Manning has anymore. Addai is rumored to not be renewed, Anthony Gonzalez doesn’t have the makings of a superstar, and I can’t tell you who’s in the slot. That leaves rookie Donald Brown who’s success came in college… So who is Manning left to depend on to place the ball in their hands? Reggie Wayne. Over the past two seasons as Peyton Manning’s Flanker/No. 1 WR, Wayne has been thrown at 286 times and brought in 186 of them for 2,655 Yards, 135 First Downs, and 16 TDs. Throw in the fact that Wayne still has a top 5 pair of hands in the NFL and he, alongside Manning, is the reason that the Colt’s Offense remains great.

88. TJ Houshmandzadeh, Wide Receiver, SEA(76,NR)
Impact: NFL’s Best Possession WR That Makes Other Skill-Position Players Look Better
Argument: All off-season I’ve been hearing about how Carson Palmer is going to return to greatness now that his arm is healed and how he’ll lead the Bengals back out of below-mediocrity. I’m sorry, but I don’t see that happening now that this guy has left for the city of Coffee and Rain. Palmer is an elite talent, but it was Houshmandzadeh’s ability to go over the middle, run picture-perfect routes and catch just about anything thrown at him that helped make Palmer look so good. Housh doesn’t exactly spread the field like the other WRs on this list, but he does make it possible for the other Wideouts on his team to do so. Housh was targeted 46 times for 31 Receptions on 3rd Down and gained 344 Yards and 3 TDs. Against the Blitz Housh was targeted 54 times for 30 receptions, 338 Yards and 3 TDs. This means most of his production was on 3rd Down vs. The Blitz. That’s a security blanket. His 16 Receptions for 225 Yards on 22 Targets over the middle is far and away better than the next guy.

87. DeAngelo Williams, HalfBack, CAR(NR,NR)
Impact: Young Staple of The Panthers Run Game For Years To Come
Argument: Like Matt Forte, Mr. Williams needs to repeat his success from the 2008 season in order to remain on this list, and possibly move up. In fact you might call me a hypocrite for allowing Adrian Peterson to move all the way up to the number 15 position after his rookie season when Williams’ first year as a starter saw him produce totals of 1636 Yards From Scrimmage and 20 Touchdowns From Scrimmage on a mere 295 Touches. Hell, that production, if mirrored is worthy of a top 10 position on this list. However, Williams’ ranking on this list is affected by a few things, the first of which has already been mentioned in that it was his first time doing it, making it an anomaly at this point. The second factor effecting his positioning is that he split carries. But let’s not use this paragraph to get down on Williams; let’s explore what he actually did. The aforementioned numbers posted would be worthy of MVP and OPOTY honors in any other season. Williams’ running single-handedly kept the Cats in their two biggest games of the year(TB and @NYG)

86. Plaxico Burress, Wide Receiver, FA(HM,NR)
Impact: Security Blanket/Lynch Pin For A Super Bowl Caliber Offense.
Argument: Be honest, last season, prior to Week 12, when Plaxico Burress shot himself, did it not look like the Giants had the making of a small dynasty? I mean, they’re a young team, with a strong defense, strong run game, and Eli Manning had finally become something other than “Peyton’s Brother”. They were 10-1, best in the league, averaged 29.9 Points Per Game, best in the league, and 367 Yards Per Game, 3rd in the league. Along the way they had beaten the four teams that would play in the Conference Championship Games as well. They were, factually, the best team in the NFL at that point. However, once Burress went down, things changed. The Giants began to lack a deep threat and strong run blocker. After he went down the Giants averaged 18.2 Points Per Game and 326 Yards Per Game and went 2-4. Based on his individual numbers alone, Burress probably doesn’t even make this list, but when you look at the end result of a potential dynasty falling flat on its face, one could argue he’s way too low.
*As a footnote, let me apologize for the NYG logo in the background, but it was the only one available.*

85. Darnell Dockett, 3-4 Defensive End/4-3 Defensive Tackle, ARI(NR,NR)
Impact: Versatile D-Lineman That Allows The Cardinals To Employ Their “Multiple Defense”
Argument: Admittedly, coming into the season, I wasn’t really aware of who Darnell Dockett was. I mean, he made my 2nd-Team All-Pro list last year, but I thought it was just a stop gap in which he would have one outstanding year like a lot of guys do. But, boy I was wrong. Dockett is, quite possibly, the league’s 2nd most versatile Defensive Lineman, and while the first two get props here and there, nobody is really singing Dockett’s praises. However, Dockett is a player with immense versatility in his game, capable of playing the 3-4 Defensive End, the 4-3 Under Tackle, and the Nickel Package Defensive Tackle. Not many players, if any other ones, in the NFL can do that. His rare blend of size and speed allow him to kick inside to be a good run defender and pass rusher in the 4-3, kick outside to be a good run defender in the 3-4, or remain as an outside defender in Nickel packages and play the run and the pass effectively. His 19 Sacks, 24 Stuffs and 3 Interceptions throughout his career should emphasize these points.

84. Lance Briggs, Outside LineBacker, CHI(NR,NR)
Impact: The Prototypical Weakside LineBacker That Makes Chicago’s Tampa 2 Run
Argument: Let me begin my stating that I don’t know how Lance Briggs has been excluded from this list two years in a row. Oh wait, now I remember… strong lobbying from Chicago Bears fans telling me that because Briggs couldn’t play the MIKE in the Tampa 2 he isn’t as good as Urlacher. Well I’m going to sit here and tell you that, Lance Briggs was the better of the 2 LineBackers in 2006 and here again in 2008. The WILL LineBacker’s role is to slip in and out of traffic at the Line of Scrimmage against the rush, and play coverage against HalfBacks and Tight Ends in the passing game. Nobody in the NFL does this as well as Lance Briggs. Briggs is capable of making plays behind the Line of Scrimmage against ball carriers (44.5 Career Stuffs), and is stout in coverage, as evidenced by being number one in pass defense metrics in the NFL during the Bears’ Super Bowl appearance year. Briggs also has a propensity for making big plays, evidenced by his 48Passes Defensed, 9 Interceptions, and 4 TDs in his career.

83. Michael Turner, HalfBack, ATL(NR,NR)
Impact: Franchise Staple That Betters The Franchise QuarterBack
Argument: Allow me to be the first to apologize to Michael Turner. As I said when I named him to one of my All-Pro team’s this post-season, Turner proved me wrong in thinking he could not handle the load as a #1 in the NFL. Turner came out in his first game as the Falcon’s franchise HalfBack and took the league by storm, and never looked back. Like Williams and Forte, his positioning is only so low because it’s only been one year. Don’t get me wrong, Matt Ryan did one hell of a job this past season, but don’t kid yourself in thinking he was not helped by Turner’s 383 Touches last season. That’s a ridiculous number of touches for a HalfBack, and is almost guaranteed to make a QuarterBack look good. His 1,700 Yards and 17 Touchdowns didn’t hurt either. Turner provides a franchise that was in turmoil with a staple next to it’s QuarterBack for years to come. With Tony Gonzalez added to the mix, and Ryan having a full grasp of the playbook next season, look for Turner to do more on less touches. Oh, and Panther’s fans, he’s higher than Williams because he carries the load alone.

82. Aaron Smith, 3-4 Defensive End, PIT(68,NR)
Impact: One Of The League’s Best Run Defenders, Regardless of Position
Argument: In case I need to refresh your memory on just how good Smith is, perhaps you need to check out the link to last year’s list and read his criteria for the 68th spot last season. Smith is on that elite level with about 4 or 5 other guys when it comes to stopping the run, where, you’re better off not running in their direction at all. But, the argument existed that last season might have been a fluke because there was nothing really ever to measure it against. To that I provide evidence of the Steelers 2004-05 15-1 campaign and their recent Super Bowl run in which Smith played an integral role in both years. In 2004-05, despite losing Casey Hampton for 9 games, the Steelers Defense only allowed 83 Yards Per Game on the ground. They mirrored something similar to these stats this past season when Casey Hampton and Brett Keisel were down for a few games. Despite being the only starter left on the D-Line for the Steelers during that run, they were still one of the league’s 3 best Rush Defenses. Aaron Smith is an incredible run defender.

81. Kris Jenkins, 3-4 Nose Tackle, NYJ(NR,NR)
Impact: Focal Point Of The Jets Defense, Regardless Of What They’ll Run
Argument: We all know the story by now… Kris Jenkins is traded to the Jets in order to become their Nose Tackle and succeeds. Heck, that’s evidenced by the fact that the Jets Defense went from allowing 135 Yards Per Game on 4.2 Yards Per Carry(bad enough to rank 29th) to allowing 94 Yards Per Game on 3.7 Yards Per Carry(good enough to rank 7th). That’s about as drastic a change as you can make at the Nose Tackle position. However, as you know, Jenkins has previously been playing the 4-3 Nose Tackle, and at one point was very elite at the position. Rex Ryan is very adept at employing Defenses capable of giving the opposition multiple looks. Kris Jenkins is no Haloti Ngata and while he hasn’t said anything about doing such a thing in New York, there is a very real chance that he might attempt such a thing due to Jenkins’ abilities in both systems, therefore making the Jets a Defense to look out for in 2009-10 thanks to Jenkins. Look for him to make an impact as a Pass Rusher and Run Stopper next year.

80. Robert Mathis, Defensive End, IND(NR,NR)
Impact: One of Two Consistent 4-3 Right Ends; But He Can Silently Take Games Over
Argument: I’m going to go ahead and say that I, like many people, tend to forget about Robert Mathis. Not only may he be the best Defensive End in Indy(I’m not saying he is), he may be one of the best overall Defensive Ends in the league, regardless of side. As many people know, the success of the Tampa 2 Defense is contingent on quite a few things, and one of those two things is that the book ends are capable of providing pressure on the QuarterBack without receiving lots of help, if any. The two guys in Indianapolis manage to do that, and do it very well. Everybody knows about Dwight Freeney and his infamous spin move, but many don’t remember Robert Mathis and his combination of finesse and power moves that make him the most consistent Right Defensive End in the NFL. Mathis averages 10 Sacks, 3 Stuffs, 5 Forced Fumbles, and 2 Passes Defensed Per Season as a starter. Mathis is a turnover producing machine that keeps the Colts anemic Defense in many games, like the Week 13 contest @ Cleveland.

79. Casey Hampton, Nose Tackle, PIT(49,42)
Impact: Still An Elite Nose Tackle That Continues To Anchor Pittsburgh’s Run Defense
Argument: First, First, Thirteenth, First*, Third, Third, Third and Second… These numbers represent the respective rankings from 2001 to the present for the Pittsburgh Steelers Rush Defense. It’s no secret that, since 2001, the anchor behind such a Defense has been Casey Hampton. While Hampton may no longer be the premier prototype at the position, he still remains a prominent Nose Tackle in today’s NFL and does his job very damn well. His ability to clog the A-Gaps allows for player no. 100, James Farrior, to make so many plays near the Line of Scrimmage. His ability to occupy Pulling Guards also allows for the Steelers Outside LineBackers to make plays against the run all over the place. While Hampton doesn’t provide the versatility of a Kris Jenkins, there is no denying that he is one of the league’s 10 best Run Defenders that requires a double team on 40+ Offensive Snaps per game.

78. Dwight Freeney, Defensive End, IND(NR,NR)
Impact: In The Opposition’s Backfield Every Single Game
Argument: I know, I know, I know Colts fans… you guys feel that, in reality, Dwight Freeney is a much better book end than Robert Mathis due to a multitude of factors. But, due to Freeney’s inability to produce for the past two seasons before this one, whether it was due to injury or just down play, in contrast to Mathis’ consistency, they’re going to remain close on this list. Freeney is a guy who made me think about making this list in the first place, but then proceeded not to make the last two because of his down years in which it looked as if his career might have been on the downslide. As with Mathis, in the Tampa 2, great pass rushing book ends are very important, and Dwight Freeney, since coming into the league, has been one of the better ones, even with his two down years. Freeney has 99.5 plays behind the Line of Scrimmage for his 89 Career Regular Season games. That means that, at least once per game, Dwight Freeney is making a play behind the Line-of-Scrimmage. Those are Hall of Fame pace numbers if he can keep it up.

77. Mario Williams, Defensive End, HOU(HM,NR)
Impact: A Franchise Player With A TRUE High Motor.
Argument: Last season Mario Williams enjoyed breakout success and Texans fans were lobbying as hard as possible in order for him to make the list, to which I replied that Williams needed to do it again… and he did, so here he is boys. While I can’t be convinced he’s the best Defensive End in the league, I was convinced by his play that he’s worthy of this list. Williams is a young superstar with a lot of time in this league, and I expect him to spend all of that time in Houston playing for this franchise because that’s the type of character he has. While I don’t think that Williams is as complete as most seem to do, it doesn’t change the fact that, he is one of the few players who’s play remains good throughout the entire game, rather than tail off. In fact, Williams did his best against the run when the opposition’s HalfBacks got more carries. Additionally, Williams recorded all of his Sacks from the 2nd Quarter and on. I don’t believe in the term “high motor”, but if it did exist than Mario Williams is the guy with it.

76. Brian Urlacher, Middle LineBacker, CHI(43,29)
Impact: Versatility Allows Him To Become An In-Box LineBacker And Still Succeed
Argument: I’m going to say that, at this point, Urlacher’s placement on the list is to avoid backlash from Chicago fans. A year after he had the best year of his career through actually living up to his coverage abilities from college, Urlacher regressed last season, but was still a force to be reckoned with in the box. Urlacher still fulfilled his duties as the MIKE in the Tampa 2 last season by making a few plays 20+ yards downfield, and even picked off an underthrown pass 40 yards downfield, but Urlacher’s domain at this point in his career is a 15 by 6 Yard area from 5 Yards behind the Line of Scrimage to 10 Yards away in between the hash marks. Despite not being able to rush the passer this past season, Urlacher supplanted that with the ability to get to the ball carrier behind the Line of Scrimmage. Inside the “box” defined by the Hash marks and 10 yards away from the Line of Scrimmage is where Urlacher works best and will spend the rest of his career succeeding.

75. Vince Wilfork, 3-4 Nose Tackle, NWE (51,NR)
Impact: The Staple Of The Patriots Defense
Argument: Excluding last season, the Patriots have finished top 10 against the run every season since Vince Wilfork has arrived in town. Now the end position isn’t as impressive as Casey Hampton’s totals, so why is Hampton not above Wilfork? It’s simple actually, while it doesn’t seem impressive, Vince Wilfork is capable of doing more than simply corralling blockers and freeing up holes for the other Linemen and LineBackers in New England. He is capable of making plays himself, which is something most other Nose Tackles don’t do. Wilfork manages to make it to the QuarterBack about twice a season from the 3-4 Nose Tackle position which is ridiculously hard to do. However, the most important aspect of Wilfork’s play is that he’s been the only good, consistent and healthy factor in New England’s Defense for the past 2 and a half seasons. When you consider that hey, like Seymour, makes Warren look elite as well, then his impact is a no brainer.

74. Anquan Boldin, Wide Receiver, ARI(NR,NR)
Impact: The Best Red Zone Target In The NFL
Argument: It’s easy to overlook Anquan Boldin with the recent “emergence” of Larry Fitzgerald… in fact, I did so in compiling this list. It wasn’t until a very convincing argument from MVP Khodder that I realized what an egregious mistake I made by not placing Q onto this list. Like two receivers previously mentioned, Welker and Houshmandzadeh, Boldin has been the “other guy” on his team this past season or two, despite being very good in his own right. In fact, Boldin provides third down and Blitz efficiency that rivals that of Houshmandzadeh and Welker with 37 Receptions on 53 Targets for 442 Yards, 22 First Downs, and 4 Touchdowns against the Blitz and 25 Receptions on 34 Targets for 201 Yards and 4 Touchdowns on 3rd Down. But the reason Boldin, a late comer onto this list, isn’t positioned in the same place as the aforementioned Wide Receivers is because he provides a threat that the other two haven’t consistently … in the Red Zone. Boldin has produced 16 Red Zone TDs in his past 24 games. 3 Times in his career he has posted at least 5 in a Season.

73. John Abraham, Defensive End, ATL(NR,NR)
Impact: This Generation’s Best Pure Pass Rusher
Argument: John Abraham could very well be in the top 10 on this list like Jason Taylor was in 2006 or Jared Allen was in 2007… but the problem is he is a one-dimensional player. However, that one dimension is ridiculously good. I don’t’ think that it is too farfetched to say that Abraham is this generation’s best pure pass rusher. Unfortunately, he is often-injured and plays lackadaisically against the run. However, when Abraham plays a full season he averages 12 Sacks a season. Even in his incomplete seasons he averages 6 Sacks. Per every 16 Games in his career Abraham averages 11.89 Sacks a season. That is a ridiculous pace. Any team that can get John Abraham healthy for an entire season is guaranteed to receive a guy that will produce double-digit Sack totals, and as a result will generate considerable double teams. Those double teams allow players such as Jonathan Babineaux to look much better than they actually are, even when watching them in game.

72. Kirk Morrison, Middle LineBacker, OAK(41,NR)
Impact: Versatile Coverage LineBacker Capable of Playing The Run Effectively
Argument: I know, I know Raiders fans… Kirk Morrison had a down year. Heck, I’ll even acknowledge that last Season he missed a few tackles, however, those were a result of him attempting to recover due to the front four not doing its job. Keeping this in mind, in combination with his 2006 and 2007 campaigns, Morrison deserves this list. Honorable Mention, Thomas Howard was the team’s best Run Defending LineBacker last Season, but Morrison was no slouch, and still provided excellent coverage against the run. Despite the absolutely horrid play of Kelly, Warren and Sands in front of him, the Raider’s only allowed slightly under the team average for Yards Per Carry up the middle thanks to Morrison and his 93 Tackles in the box against HalfBacks. While Howard could make this list, it’s Morrison’s role as a MIKE combined with his 2 previous campaigns that keeps him on the list.

71. Tommie Harris, Defensive Tackle, CHI(52,HM)
Impact: 3-Technique That Makes His LineBackers Look Great
Argument: The last Bear that will make this list, Tommie Harris’ impact can be seen in the production that Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs bring to the table. Without Harris in the starting Lineup Urlacher begins to look lost or scared when approaching the Line of Scrimmage and Lance Briggs’ production in the box begins to fall. Harris is the premier 3-Technique/Under Tackle in the NFL when it comes to creating lanes to rush the passer, because he, himself, does it better than everyone else and does is consistently. Harris, despite not being healthy for an entire Season for the past three Seasons has had the pass rushing effect of any other Defensive Tackle in the NFL. Harris is also no slouch against the run either. When it comes down to it, Harris is an elite D-Lineman in today’s NFL; He’ the best Pass Rushing 3-Technique in the league, and he has a good presence against the run that aids Briggs and Urlacher tremendously.

70. Asante Samuel, CornerBack, PHI(33,45)
Impact: The Best BallHawk At The CornerBack Position In the NFL/Capable of Scoring/Best Post-Season CornerBack
Argument: Should I even really have to make an argument for him? Samuel made the list two years ago because of a tremendous “breakout” Season in which he moved from coverage CornerBack to Ballhawk CornerBack and he has never looked back. Asante Samuel just has a nose for the ball when it is in the air. Sure, he may give a Touchdown here or there, but he makes up for them numerous times by giving his offense opportunities by taking the ball away. As stated in his impact last Season, Asante Samuel is a guaranteed 4 to 8 turnovers per Season, and turnovers change games. Additional to those Interceptions is the fact that you can throw in Samuel’s gambling style to bat down 18 or so balls a Season as well too. But it’s not as if Asante Samuel is an Antonio Cromartie-type player, because he can cover as well when he’s in a Zone system. He picks off well thrown passes and has a knack for returning them. Should post-Season and regular Season statistics merge, Samuel would be amongst the top for return TDs, but since they don’t, he’ll settle being at the top for post-Season return TDs.

69. Maurice Jones-Drew, Specialist, JAX(63,NR)
Impact: The League’s Premier Specialist
Argument: What the hell is a “Specialist” you might be asking. Well, that’s why MJD is on this list, despite only having started 4 games three years into his career. I fully expect MJD to leap into the top 40 next Season now that he is a full-time Starter. In short, he is worth that new incredibly high contract that he just received. Why? Well it’s because, as one of only two good/great specialists in the NFL, Jones-Drew does it all. However, unlike the other Specialist, Leon Washington, Jones-Drew is provided numerous opportunities and, as a result, posts large numbers as well. Maurice Jones-Drew, or MJD as he’s known around forums around the net, has posted 1389, 1175 and 1377 Yards From Scrimmage over the past three seasons. Additionally, when you throw in his return yardage to the mix, Jones has provided 1670, 1986 and 1801 total Yards, for an average of 1,819 total Yards and 13 Touchdowns per season . The return numbers will dwindle as he becomes a full-time starter, but the total Yards and TD totals should remain high.

68. Jon Beason, Middle LineBacker, CAR(NR,NR)
Impact: A Premier MIKE with Sideline-to-Sideline Range That Isn’t Afraid To Be A Leader Vocally And Via Performance
Argument: Last season you may recall when compiling this list that a young guy by the name of Patrick Willis made this list because he was one of the true “Sideline-to-Sidline” LineBackers in the NFL, when the term gets thrown around way too often for guys who rarely make plays outside of the box. Well, there must be something in the water, because his draft-class mate, Beason, had a season similar to Willis’ rookie year along the sidelines in ‘08, and did it with tremendously less opportunities to do so. Jon Beason, last season made a ridiculous 36 Tackles along the Left and Right Sidelines, 1.5 of which were plays in which he tackled the ball carrier behind the Line of Scrimmage. He also recovered a fumble and defended a pass along the sidelines. Beason provides Carolina with a young staple on it’s Defense that is capable of tracking down any ball carrier, as well as letting his teammates know that he’s leading them into battle.

67. Chad Clifon, Left Tackle, GNB(28,30)
Impact: Fleet-Footed Finesse Left Tackle That Protected The Franchise’s Hero And Now The Future
Argument: Prior to last season it was believed that Chad Clifton was the best pure pass-blocking Left Tackle in the NFL, but many debated this with the belief that Brett Favre’s quick release had a huge impact on his Sack totals. After looking at his 2008-09 Sack totals one might be inclined to believe that, but if you view the film on the season, than it’s just not true. Even when you factor in his 7.5 Sack season last year, Clifton only gives up a Sack once every four games. Hell, even with giving up 7.5 Sacks on the season, Clifton only allowed Rodgers to be Sacked once every 77 drop backs, while being on an island every game except for the Texans game. That is what you want and need in a Left Tackle when they are blocking for your Franchise QuarterBack, whether it’s the Franchise Legend, or the upcoming Super Star.

66. Nick Barnett, Middle LineBacker, GNB(47,NR)
Impact: Leader Of A Strong Defensive Unit With Impeccable Range
Argument: As I said last season, Nick Barnett is one of the few Sideline-to-Sideline LineBackers in the NFL, and even though he only played in 7 games this season, he still managed to make plays along the sidelines. With that said, Nick Barnett isn’t merely on here simply because of that. Nick Barnett is on here because he’s a difference maker. The second he went down, the Packers Defense looked markedly different with AJ Hawk at the Middle LineBacker position. That’s because Nick Barnett, is a coverage LineBacker, like Hawk, but has the ability to make plays near the Line of Scrimmage, and is better than every other LineBacker in the NFL at reading the screen pass and stopping it before it makes it back to the Line of Scrimmage. The second Barnett went down the Packers began to allow 2.5 more Points Per Game. However, Barnett must return to form after this injury or he, like Morrison, could find himself no longer on this list.

65. DeMeco Ryans, Middle LineBacker, HOU(26,NR)
Impact: Is His Respective Organization’s Defense
Argument: With all due respect to Mario Williams, who’s versatile ability to line up on either the left or right side is, quite possible, the best thing the Texans Defense has going, the Texans Defense goes and comes, like most Defenses with it’s Middle LineBacker… in this case DeMeco Ryans. It’s no coincidence that, despite fielding it’s best offense in Franchise history, as well as it’s best Defense, in terms of talent, in the franchise’s history, that the Defense was worse than the year prior, and didn’t make any drastic jumps. Why is it no coincidence? Well, quite simply, because DeMeco Ryans had his worst season as a Pro, and as a result, so did the Texans Defense under the Ryans/Williams/Akoye regime. That is how much of an impact that Ryans has on the Texans. If he isn’t playing well, even if Williams is, the Defense itself isn’t playing well. He is that kind of a leader, that kind of a captain, and that kind of an impact player. With Ryans playing the way we all know he’s capable of, and the offense being elite, look for the Texans to make noise in 2009-10.

64. Patrick Willis, Middle LineBacker, SNF(57,NR)
Impact: The Future Of The LineBacker Position
Argument: Whether you love his production or hate the fact that he’s overrated in many circles, Patrick Willis is a phenom that, one day, will be the best MIKE LineBacker in football under Mike Singletary’s tutelage. He has all the intangibles and has even displayed some of them. When many people said Willis needed to get better in coverage last off-season, he did just that. Now people make criticisms about him taking on the Line of Scrimmage, and I fully expect him to work on that this off-season and get rid of the criticism. That’s the type of player Willis is. A hardnosed football legend in the making. While his numbers may not seem indicative of it, Willis’ 2nd NFL season was much better than his first one because he was a player teams had to avoid in the run game, and the passing game… in only his 2nd season. Teams learned, the hard way, that if you run at Willis without a FullBack he will be the one tackling your HalfBack. Willis needs to just working on attacking the Line of Scrimmage and remaining a force later on in the ballgame vs. the run in order to be the consummate NFL LineBacker.

63. Brad Butler, Right Guard, BUF(72,NR)
Impact: The Buffalo Bill’s Entire Run Game
Argument: The Bills will miss Peters on the outside, but they still have their best Offensive Lineman, because Butler is one of the league’s better Guards. Why is that? Because he’s already one of the better Pass-Blocking Guards, affording a mere 2.5 Sacks over the past 29 games that he’s played in, but he’s one of the better Linemen in terms of forming holes for his HalfBacks. As I stated last year, Butler doesn’t blow his guy off the Line of Scrimmage, but he just makes holes, even if he’s pushed back. In ‘07 the Bills’ ground game averaged 4.0 Yards Per Carry, but behind Butler they averaged 5.1 YPC and achieved 33% of their 1st Downs behind him as well as 3 TDs. Despite being injured for most of the season in ’08, yet still playing in 13 games, the Bills ran Right Guard Trap with Butler 68 times for 342 Yards(5.0 YPC) and 2 TDs compared to 8 times for 10 Yards(1.25 YPC) in the 3 games he was out. In those 3 games without him they only average 69 Rush Yards Per Game and 4.3 Rushing First Downs A Game.

62. Barrett Ruud, Middle LineBacker, TAM(NR,NR)
Impact: A Complete LineBacker With Few, If Any, Flaws
Argument: I’m going to go ahead right now and say that Barrett Ruud is currently what the media thought Brian Urlacher was for some time… a great MIKE in a Tampa 2 with strong coverage abilities, the ability to play the run, and, above all, a playmaker. In fact, Barrett Ruud might be one of the quintessential LineBackers in this league, but what’s bad about it is that nobody is talking about him. Ruud has shown signs of being a Sideline-to-Sideline LineBacker, with 28 Tackles , 2.5 Stuffs and a PD along the sidelines. Ruud is capable of shedding blocks, taking on FullBacks in the I-Formation to get to the HalfBack or simply getting through the line in SingleBack formations and making the tackle. He is excellent at reading the screen pass, and succeeds at playing deep coverage and making plays on the ball in deep coverage. I don’t know why I slept on Ruud all season, because going back and looking at him, Ruud, quite possibly, had the best season for all MIKE LineBackers bar none.

61. Ronnie Brown, HalfBack, MIA(NR,NR)
Impact: He Is The Dolphins Offense And Strongly Responsible For Their Turnaround
Argument: I keep hearing how Chad Pennington should be on this list because the Dolphins rarely turned the ball over, despite the fact that Pennington was responsible for the majority of their turnovers. People say that Pennington was the deciding factor between 1-15 and 11-5. Sorry people, the decisive factor was the return of Ronnie Brown to health. With Brown during 2007 the Dolphins were contenders, averaging 22.7 Points Per Game on the legs of Brown who was leading the league in rushing. After he went down, they only eclipsed that total once, against the lowly Bengals. That, my friends is impact. However, Brown returned to the league deciding to continue his tear that he started in the 2007 season, and had help from Offensive Coordinator, Dan Henning. Henning employed the Wildcat formation he once used in Carolina, but saw marked success because of Brown’s skillset. Brown was touching the ball some 20-odd times a game, and caused Defensive Coordinators to gameplan around him every week. This wildcat formation is what won the Dolphins so many games as they went 2-5 when losing the time of possession battle.

60. Trent Cole, Defensive End, PHI(HM,NR)
Impact: Complete 4-3 Defensive End Capable Of Doing It All
Argument: With all the teams making the hoopla about switching over to the 3-4, I wasn’t shocked when I heared an extremely late April Fool’s joke stating the Eagles would be switching over. That’s because they have this guy. While other teams are moving over 4-3 DEs that can merely rush the passer, Cole can drop into coverage, rush the passer, and plays the run better than almost all other 4-3 DEs. I’ve had the fortune of living in Philadelphia and thus watching Cole play for the past 3 seasons. In his first season splitting time I knew that Cole would be a superstar when he was part of a 2-Line rotation as the 2nd/3rd DE in Philly and then Jevon Kearse went down with an injury and Cole was the only player to play in both rotations after that. While Cole had, what was in my opinion, a down year due to his inability to get past some of the better pas blockers in the NFL, it doesn’t change the fact that, he makes plays behind the Line of Scrimmage against QuarterBacks and ball carriers. And in Philly’s Zone Blitz, he’s the premier end at dropping into coverage.

59. Jordan Gross, Left Tackle, CAR(NR,NR)
Impact: An Elite Pass-Blocking Left Tackle With Skills In The Run Game
Argument: For years, right after Jon Runyan, Jordan Gross was one of the league’s premier Right Tackles. As a result the Carolina Panthers figured that they could make a 2nd attempt move him to the Left Tackle and see if he could play it at an elite level this time around. Gross hasn’t disappointed the Panthers yet, turning in an All-Pro performance one season after being franchised. However, Gross hasn’t shown any signs of losing the Right Tackle mean streak that most Left Tackles do not have. Although Gross is still a good pass blocker, evidenced by his 3 Sacks allowed last season, he is still an incredible run blocker like most Right Tackles. In the Panthers immensely strong run game which featured a lot of runs between the Tackles, Gross also got the job down running outside the Tackle box. With Gross in the line-up (every game, but Kansas City), the league’s best rushing duo of 2008-09 ran 49 times for 239 Yards (4.8) and 3 Touchdowns.

58. Terrence Newman, CornerBack, DAL(71,28)
Impact: Still An Elite Cover Corner
Argument: Obviously Newman had an injury-plagued season that resulted in him not playing at the level he’s been akin to playing at since 2005 in which he is the only CornerBack with numbers that rival Nnamdi Asomugha, therefore, I cannot leave him off of this list. Now, if last season’s injuries prove to be a nail in the coffin, than Newman will be jettisoned off of this list, but for right now, over the past four seasons Terrence Newman has been an elite Coverage Corner that QuarterBacks have opted to avoid. Terrence Newman hasn’t allowed over 630 Yards in a season since 2005 and is good for 0 to 3 Touchdowns allowed. When you consider that Newman gave up 2 Touchdowns all season, both of which were on a bad groin, you realize just how good he is. Over the past 5 years, Newman has allowed 5.8, 5.8, 7.1, 6.1 and 7.88* Yards Per Attempt over the past 5 seasons… only Nnamdi Asomugha and Sheldon Brown have better or comparable numbers.

57. London Fletcher, Middle LineBacker, WAS(NR,NR)
Impact: A Complete LineBacker Capable Of Lining Up Against Any Non-WR Offensive Weapon And Winning The Matchup
Argument: It’s a darn shame that I’ve missed this guy two seasons in a row in compiling this list. London Fletcher(-Baker) might be the most underrated player in the NFL. Everyone talks about the Ray Lewis’, Patrick Willis’, and Jon Beasons of the world, but nobody ever talks about Fletcher. Hell, a lot of the time he’s even left off of top 10 Middle/Inside LineBacker lists for absolutely no reason. I mean, I know the guy was undrafted, but come on! He’s been the leader of 2 Super Bowl caliber defenses, and is one of the best coverage LineBackers the game has ever seen. Fletcher is capable of running with any HalfBack in the open field to prevent them from making catches, and runs with Tight Ends very well too. In fact, when I made my claims about “Sideline-to-Sidline” LineBackers, I forgot about Fletcher, like I did for the list… and boy was that an error… Fletcher is the penultimate “Sideline-to-Sidline” LineBacker, racking up a ridiculous 47 Tackles, 3.5 Stuffs(involved in 6), and a Forced Fumble. He reads the screen as well as any LineBacker and is ridiculous against the run. The only hole in Fletcher game is that he’s getting old.

56. Justin Tuck, Defensive End/Tackle, NYG(73,NR)
Impact: One Of Four Versatile 4-3 Defensive Ends Capable Of Making Plays All Over The Field
Argument: At 6 Feet 5 Inches and 274 Pounds, Justin Tuck has Ideal Size to be playing the 4-3 Defensive Position as a Bullrusher with some finesse moves. Perhaps this is why, despite losing, supposedly elite, Osi Umenyiora for an entire season, Justin Tuck was capable of putting together a 1st Team All-Pro season. Tuck was capable of doing so because he provides a versatility that only one out of every eight NFL teams has. He provides a Defensive Lineman that is capable of rushing the passer effectively, playing the run effectively and dropping into coverage with ease for a Lineman. However, while Tuck is one of four guys that can do all of these well, Tuck is the only one of the four that is capable of kicking inside and playing Defensive Tackle. What makes it even more scary is that Tuck is just as dominant playing inside at Tackle as he is at End. Tuck provides Defensive Coordinators with endless opportunities for their D-Line, and allows the Giants to employ numerous looks and keep a few rotation in their next season.

55. Sheldon Brown, CornerBack, PHI(NR,NR)
Impact: A Lockdown CornerBack That Allows His Counterparts To Pick Of Passes
Argument: Despite the fact that Sheldon Brown was on my 2nd Team All-Pro this past season, 3rd Team All-Pro in 2007 and made the Eagles “Hero” list at the midway point in 2007, I found myself not really placing Brown on these lists because of the general perception that Lito Sheppard was superior to him despite always having inferior metrics aside from 2006. However, even with a rich-man’s Sheppard, Asante Samuel, playing opposite him, Brown still played like the Eagles best CornerBack. There’s a reason that, whomever plays the LCB for the Philadelphia Eagles will always rack in Interceptions… Sheldon Brown. In Jim Johnson’s complicated Zone-Blitz system, Brown is always on the Right, playing the CornerBack position that requires Man Coverage, while the Left CornerBack plays Zone. Brown stays stout on his man, forcing QuarterBacks to throw to the left and ultimately be picked off. Brown is the type of Corner that only allows 500 to 600 Yards and 1 or 2 TDs to the opposition throughout the season, but last season he just went off, allowing 0 TDs until the NFCCG. Now that his kryptonite, Plaxico Burress, is gone, Brown is to be feared!

54. Lofa Tatupu, Middle LineBacker, SEA(13,HM)
Impact: Versatile LineBacker Capable Of Altering His Game Even While Injured
Argument: Obviously the absence of Matt Hasselbeck for much of the season hurt the Seahawks, which is why I feel very bad about leaving him off of this list, but it’s clear that, at this point, this team is Lofa Tatupu’s and will go as far as his health carries them. Now I know that he too had a down year, but I want non-Seahawk fans to know the type of pain that Lofa played through last season… he started the pre-season with a Bone-Bruise on his knee that wouldn’t go away. He then suffered a concussion halfway through the season and played that out. However, his biggest injury that most players struggle to play with was playing with a groin injury that severely hampered his movement abilities. Despite this, Lofa was intent on finishing the season and in doing so altered his game to be near the Line of Scrimmage due to his lack of movement due to the groin and still put up some impressive totals. No Backer last year was better at getting to the Ballcarrier early on in the game… and that’s where Lofa’s injuries caught up to him… he couldn’t maintain that high level of play all game which he why he sees a 40 spot drop.

53. Joe Thomas, Left Tackle, CLE(27,NR)
Impact: Franchise Cornerstone That Is Already Elite
Argument: Joe Thomas may have regressed last season, but he is still a top seven Left Tackle. Why? Because while he is a great pass blocker, he’s also an effective run blocker. Like most Left Tackles he’s not called on in order to be a strong run blocker, but it doesn’t mean he isn’t. As a lead block for the likes of Lewis, Vickers, Harrison and Cribbs, Thomas didn’t exactly clear lanes, but he had a nice ratio of 11 First Downs to 2 Stuffs when the Browns ran Off-Tackle Left. However, like the Franchise Tackle that he is, Thomas does most of his word in the passing game, where, regardless of who is taking the snaps and throwing the passes, Thomas makes sure they stay off their rear end. DeMarcus Ware, James Harrison, Justin Tuck, Mario Williams, Dwight Freeney and Trent Cole all went against Joe Thomas last Season, and all were held in check and below their seasonal averages per game. Keep in mind, this is despite Derek Anderson’s propensity towards holding onto the ball too long, and Brady Quinn’s indecisiveness.

52. Chris Cooley, Tight End, WAS(NR,NR)
Impact: The Redskins’ Best Pass-Catcher And An Elite Edge-Sealer On The Right Side
Argument: While Jason Witten is the future premier player at the Tight End position, Chris Cooley should continue to hover in the top 7 at the position throughout his career as well providing an interesting comparison. However, Cooley is also on this list because of his versatility presented in lining up in the Backfield as a FullBack/H-Back. The Redskins have trouble running Off-Tackle Right… that is until Cooley lines up over there, in which they then see a rise in Portis’ production, because Cooley is probably the 2nd best Tight End in the NFL when it comes to helping to seal the edge. Additionally, Cooley is, easily the Redskins’ best and most consistent Wide Receiver. On a WR Corp that constantly hovers around mediocrity, Cooley continually stands out as the leader, and always produces numbers comparable to the team’s No. 1 Wide Receiver outside of the 2005 season. For comparison’s sake, Moss the team’s #1 Wide Receiver only has a 900 yard advantage over Cooley for the past 4 seasons, meaning the team’s No. 1 only averages 230 more yards a season than Cooley, but less receptions.

51. Terrell Owens, Wide Receiver, BUF(32,6)
Impact: Still One Of The Premier Deep Threats/A Guaranteed 1,000 Yards and 10 Touchdowns
Argument: When I first compiled a list like this 3 years ago, there were three Receivers that I’d have to have been braid-dead not to include, and a fourth that I probably should have. Those four guys were Owens, Harrison, Holt and Moss. Of those original three guys, Owens is the only one that is still producing at a top level, and hence is still on this list, probably for one last time. Regardless of what many think about him, the fact of the matter is that Owens is still an elite Wide Receiver that is going to help the Buffalo passing game based on the fact that it’s pretty basic as it is. In this decade, including his 7-Game season in Philadelphia, Owens averages 81 Receptions for 55 First Downs, 1,201 Yards Receiving and 12 Receiving Touchdowns. Despite the fact that many feel as if Owens’ regressed last year, his numbers were only 200 Yards and 2 Touchdowns off of those totals, meaning that Owens has still got it. Owens puts up these totals because, even at his age and with his speed dwindling, he still stretches the field better than most Wideouts, evidenced by his ridiculous 21 Targets downfield. His impact could also be his ability to implode teams.

50. Julius Peppers, Defensive End, CAR(HM,10)
Impact: Unparalled Athleticism At The Defensive End Position Resulting In An Elite Skillset
Argument: The fact that Peppers was rated 10th in this list only two years ago should show you how darn effective this guy is. Julius Peppers was the original Jared Allen, for lack of a better phrase. Before the league became enamored with Jared Allen in the 2007 season, Julius Peppers was the premier Defensive End that got it done against the run, could rush the passer, and could drop into coverage from 2002 until 2006. In 2007 Peppers had an absolutely horrid season, which you can blame on various reasons, whether it was battling knee injuries or he was just unmotivated, and there were mumbles around some circles that his career might be over or he was on the downside of his career. Well, Peppers shut those people up, by returning to his old self, well somewhat, and producing in all three of the aforementioned aspects. When motivated, Julius Peppers is a top 10 player on this list, but unfortunately he’s an NFL player and there should be no motivational factor needed. Even when you factor in his horrid 2007, Peppers averages 10.2 Sacks, 3.85 Stuffs, 3.5 Forced Fumbles, and 5.85 PDs per season.

49. Pat Williams, Defensive Tackle, MIN(48,NR)
Impact: Far And Away The League’s Best Run-Defender
Argument: I know I’m going to sound a little out of line here, but I honestly think that Pat Williams is an eventual Hall of Famer. While numerous Nose Tackles, both 3-4 and 4-3 come into the league and play at a high level for a few seasons, Williams has been doing it for 11 Seasons. Williams, unlike most Nose Tackles, however, manages to, not only blow up running plays, but to get to the ball carrier as well. This decade Williams has lead all Defensive Lineman in Stuffs a ridiculous five times! He’s finished with 7 or more Stuffs against the run in a season an outstanding eight times! However, the largest accolade to his career might be that, since joining the Vikings, he has turned the run Defense into one of the best in the history of the NFL, and that is no exaggeration… they have the numbers and records to back that up. Everyone likes to talk about Kevin Williams, but Pat’s ability to occupy two or three blockers on every snap that he takes helps make Kevin, and even Jared Allen look good in their one-on-one matchups.

48. Shawne Merriman, Outside LineBacker, SDG(56,35)
Impact: The League’s Premier Pass-Rushing 3-4 Outside LineBacker/The Heart And Soul of His Defense
Argument: With all due respect to James Harrison and DeMarcus Ware, Shawne Merriman is the premier pass rushing LineBacker in the NFL. Why? Because he’s asked to rush the passer more than the other two individuals are, and creates more pressure as a result. Merriman is a force, that on 1st and 2nd Down will come at the QuarterBack standing up and put fear into them, and then on 3rd Down will play the Defensive End position and rush the QuarterBack some more. Therefore, Merriman must always be accommodated for by the QuarterBack pre-snap. However, you can also find Merriman’s impact in the pressure he provides and how it effects the other members of the Back Seven in San Diego. Quinten Jammer, an elite CornerBack, struggled last season. Antonio Cromartie, a guy whom I protested against last season, was absolutely horrid. Shaun Phillips, moved to Merriman’s spot, couldn’t generate pressure and was lost. The other members of the Back Seven were lost last season without Shawne.

47. Kevin Williams, Defensive Tackle, MIN(HM,HM)
Impact: The League’s Premier Under Tackle Capable Of Stopping The Run And Sacking The QuarterBack At An Elite Level
Argument: I have to say that I’ve made a tremendous error in leaving Williams off this list two years in a row. While I don’t feel he deserved the 50 player list, he almost assuredly deserved the 80 player list.While I feel that Pat Williams means more to what the Vikings look to accomplish than the other Williams “twin”, I can’t deny Kevin’s versatility that adds more to the Vikings Defense. With Kevin playing next to Pat, the opposition is hard pressed to run up the middle. But Kevin provides the ability to get to the QuarterBack making it hard for the QuarterBack to remain in the pocket beyond the average 3 to 5 seconds needed to get the ball off. Williams may be the best UT to play the position since Warren Sapp. Williams averages 6 Sacks per Season, as well as 4.5 Stuffs per Season, making him good for 10.5 Plays behind the Line of Scrimmage a season. Williams also has the ability to get his hands up and knock passes down, which has lead to interceptions for him as well as his teammates.

46. Charles Woodson, CornerBack, GNB(46,NR)
Impact: The League’s 2nd Best Cover CornerBack/Best Playmaking CornerBack
Argument: It sickens me when I see that people think young guys like Darelle Revis or Corey Webster are better than Charles Woodson. Woodson is a stout coverage CornerBack that will allow in the area of 300 to 600 Yards and 1 or 2 Touchdowns a season, and this season was no different. In fact, from the CornerBack position(he played SS from Weeks 13 to 15) I don’t recall Woodson allowing a full Touchdown on his own. However, that’s not why Charles Woodon is so high. Woodson is placed this high because he’s the penultimate playmaker at the CornerBack position. While Asante Samuel pulls in nice Interception totals, Woodson’s numbers rival his (having one less Interception since coming to Green Bay), but Woodson has done more in that span, including scoring 5 Touchdowns, 4 Sacks and 4 Forced Fumbles for a statline of 187 Tackles, 46 Passes Defensed, 5 Stuffs, 4 Sacks, 4 Forced Fumbles, 19 Interceptions and 5 Touchdowns over the past three seasons in addition to being a top 5 coverage Corner.

45. Karlos Dansby, LineBacker, ARI(NR,HM)
Impact: A LineBacker Capable Of Playing Almost Every LineBacking Position
Argument: The fact that he is listed as a “LineBacker” with no other specifics listed should let you know how darn good Mr. Dansby is. However, the only person that ever talks about him, including in the Cardinals fanbase, is our MVP Khodder. Why is Dansby this high over the likes of some of the more well-known guys? Well, plain and simple, because Dansby is one of two LineBackers in the NFL that can play the 3-4 ILB, 4-3 OLB, and 4-3 MLB at a high level, the other being Bart Scott. However, unlike Scott, Dansby has a complete skill set that allows him to play the run and the pass very well. If Dansby were ever to hit the Free Agency market he’d be a hot commodity, as he is scheme diverse which would allow him to be an attractive offer to every team out there, regardless of who their personnel are. But it’s not just Dansby’s diversity that have him ranked so high… it’s the fact that he is also one of the bigger playmakers at the position since becoming a starter, with a stat line as follows; 444 Tackles, 25.5 Stuffs, 24.5 Sacks, 11 Forced Fumbles, 26 Passes Defensed, 9 Interceptions and 2 Touchdowns.

44. Antonio Gates, Tight End, SDG(53,NR)
Impact: An “Instant” 900 Yards And 10 Touchdowns
Argument: People have listed Antonio Gates as one of the best Tight Ends to ever play the game after only 6 seasons in the NFL… I completely and totally disagree, but that should tell you the type of impact he has. Why do people feel this way? It’s because of his career averages. His rookie year aside where he was still learning nuances, Antonio Gates averages 900 Yards and 10 Touchdowns Receiving on 75 Receptions. What is most impressive about this is the fact that most of this was done when Gates was the primary receiver because the Wide Receiver Corps in San Diego wasn’t anything to write home about. While that changed last season, it doesn’t negate how strong of an impact Antonio Gates had in the passing game in San Diego from 2004 to 2007, which aided in the resulting emergence of top-5 QuarterBacks Drew Brees and Philip Rivers. While they’ve gone on to prove they no longer need him to produce at an elite level to be elite, you’re kidding if you don’t think he was instrumental in their development.

43. Roddy White, Wide Receiver, ATL(NR,NR)
Impact: Franchise Wide Receiver Of A Young Franchise With An Elite Trio
Argument: With all due respect to Matt Ryan, the reason he isn’t going to make this list is because I feel as if the presence of players 43 and 83 are two of the huge reasons for the comeback that the Falcons experienced last season. I feel that Ryan could very well make this list next year with a good year, but as it stands right now, it looks like Ryan, White and Turner will be the future “Elite Trio” in the NFL, hence White’s placement on this list as he is the only member to have done it more than once. White has produced two 1,200+ Yards Receiving seasons in a row, as well as 13 Touchdowns to go along with it, and yet he’s not a household name. White provides the franchise QuarterBack with an opportunity to fit tight balls into tight spaces, and his ability to fight for the ball in the air, at this point, is only bested by Jennings, Smith and Moss. But why you’ll find him here and not Greg(Sorry) is because, prior to the Gonzo trade, there was no one to take the heat off him in his Receiving Corp.

42. Philip Rivers, QuarterBack, SDG(NR,NR)
Impact: An Elite QuarterBack With Strong Leadership Skills
Argument: Despite the fact that they immensely underachieved by going 8-8 last season, I have to admit that last off-season I predicted the Chargers to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. That’s because Philip Rivers, unbeknownst to most, is one of the better leaders in the NFL both in the huddle and through his play. Philip Rivers has deadly accuracy and a beautiful deep ball. In fact, to quote Khodder, “Rivers lead the NFL in Touchdown Percentage, Yards per Attempt, Adjusted Yards Per Attempt and QuarterBack Rating. Since 1990, only 4 other QB's have achieved that feat in a single season. They are Manning and Brady in their TD Record years ,Kurt Warner in 99 and 01, and Steve Young in the years 92-94. That is some pretty elite company.” That is impact. But the thing about Rivers that differs from those other guys is his lack of an elite Wide Receiver like the other 4 QuarterBacks had. Elaborating what I mean further is that Rivers didn’t have an elite Receiver but his pinpoint accuracy has helped turn Chambers and Jackson into a good WR Corp as opposed to an underachieving one.

41. Champ Bailey, CornerBack, DEN(16,5)
Impact: Still A Top 3 CornerBack That QuarterBacks Question Targeting
Argument: Honestly, this is, quite possibly, the last time Bailey will make this list… which isn’t bad for a CornerBack to have made it three years in a row. But he, like Newman, could very well be done next year based on age, injuries and varying other factors taking a toll. Anyway, with that said, despite only playing for nine games last season, Bailey was only thrown at 20 times and allowed 215 Yards and a Receiving Touchdown. Averaged out, that is being thrown at a little under 2 times per game, and allowing about 24 Yards Per Game. Realistically, that would’ve been one of Bailey’s better seasons if extrapolated over an entire season to read thrown at 35 times for 382 Yards and 1 or 2 Touchdowns… That’s a Nnamdi Asomugha-esque season. Bailey still has it. Hell, he even still gets his nose wet against the run, recording 23 Tackles against Ballcarrying HalfBacks and that includes a stuff and a forced fumble. Champ Bailey is still a top 4 CornerBack in this NFL, and I would argue that the placement of the #2 spot is solely between him and Charles Woodson.

40. Jason Witten, Tight End, DAL(58,NR)
Impact: Largest Non-QuarterBack Contributor To The Dallas Offense
Argument: Last year Terrell Owens got placed ahead of Jason Witten based on the virtue that common sense dictates that Owens leading the league in Routes Run Deep spread the field for Witten. Well, last season, Owens was a deep threat, but nowhere near the level recorded in 2007, and Witten still produced at an elite level, and did so with numerous injuries to his body last season, plus all the drama. For the guy who was the faster player, ever, to reach 400 Career Receptions, it’s no coincidence that he is a guaranteed 79 Receptions per season. With those Receptions come 917 Receiving Yards, and 5 Receiving Touchdowns annually. However, why Witten is so high on this list is because he is one of only two Elite Tight Ends that can give you a near-1000 Yard Season and elite Run Blocking. Additionally, in the passing game, Witten is a freak of nature on 3rd Down and against the Blitz, and his production throughout all four quarters is virtually even, which is a rarity for any position, let alone a Receiving position.

39. Brad Meester, Center, JAX(40,NR)
Impact: Premier Run-Blocking Center In The NFL/Key Figure In Offensive Scheme
Argument: When Brad Meester was already out for the first 6 Games of the Season it looked bleek for the Super Bowl hopeful Jaguars. When three more Jaguars Linemen went down, it looked like the Season was just over, even with Meester scheduled to return. That’s because that is the impact that the Jaguars’ interior line has on their entire offense, and at the center of that interior offensive line is Brad Meester. The Jaguars had trouble moving the ball when Meester was out, but eventually had success, posting numbers of 3.92 Yards Per Carry Up The Middle for 361 Yards on 92 Carries and 5 Touchdowns. Those numbers are impressive, until you realize that there were 3 42+ Yard Runs by Jones-Drew and Montell Owens in which a lot of the work was done by these two guys. If you take those numbers away, the team averages a under 3 Yards Per Carry and had 2 close-ranged rushing Touchdowns. With Meester returning to the lineup, the Jag’s HalfBacks put up 405 Yards on 121 Carries and an additional 4 Touchdowns, all close ranged. Meester makes the difference in the run game.

38. Joey Porter, 3-4 Outside LineBacker, MIA(NR,NR)
Impact: Versatile 3-4 LineBacker Capable of Dominating In The 3-4 Scheme And Covering In the 4-3 Scheme
Argument: When Joey Porter left for Miami, despite the huge contract, it looked like a good signing under the assumption that he’d be playing 3-4 OLB opposite reigning Defensive MVP Jason Taylor, but the Phins went with a 4-3 Scheme placing Porter as a 4-3 Weakside LineBacker where he saw moderate success, but didn’t really dazzle. After all, the coaching staff told Porter to simply play lots and lots of coverage and predominately ignored his primary skillset. Despite this, Porter was capable of racking up a few Sacks and would make a few plays on the ball in the air. However, his most impressive feat that season was being top three amongst all 4-3 Outside LineBackers in run stuffs. Moving back to the 3-4, Joey Porter had a resurgent season, being an instrumental part of the Dolphins’ resurgence, putting an end to many 4th Quarter Comeback attempts by the opposition (9 Sacks). Additionally, as Jetsfan4life would say, Porter created 9 “Virtual Turnovers” with 8 3rd Down Sacks(4 Forced Fumbles) and 1 4th Down Sack.

37. Bobbie Williams, Right Guard, CIN(25,NR)
Impact: Bobbie Williams IS The Bengals Entire Running Game
Argument: I’m just going to repeat what I wrote last season, and then add the impressive numbers this season. In 2004, 33% of Rudi Johnson’s Rushing Yards and 7 of his Touchdowns came running Right Guard Trap. In 2005, 38% of Rudi Johnson’s Rushing Yards and 3 of his Touchdowns came running Right Guard Trap. In 2006, 36% of Rudi Johnson’s Rushing Yards and 9 of his Touchdowns came running Right Guard Trap, this time on 4.6 Yards Per Carry. In 2007, when Johnson was “done” due to injury, Kenny Watson replaced Johnson and the two of them ran for a collective 7 Touchdowns running Right Guard Trap. Finally, Williams showed that it was no fluke in 2008 even with a HalfBack stable consisting of Cedric Benson, Chris Perry and Kenny Watson, and the QuarterBack Ryan Fitzpatrick accounting for a considerable portion of the rushing yardage. He accounted for 28.5% of their Rushing production, and added an additional 5 Rushing Touchdowns. That is 31 Touchdowns running Right Guard Trap between 2004 and 2008.

35b. Tony Romo, QuarterBack, DAL(NR,NR)
Impact: The Cowboys Can Only Go As Far As Romo’s Leadership And Play Lead Them
Argument: 1-3 Without Romo is all that needs to be said to support this argument. I mean, let’s be honest, Brad Johnson is not a horrible QuarterBack, though he somewhat played like it last season, and despite the massive amounts of talent on that roster, the Cowboys went 1-3 over the span that Romo was gone. No, but seriously, Tony Romo provides a Dallas offense that isn’t as talented as its production would suggest, especially now with Owens gone, with a leader (using the term loosely) that makes the smart plays more often than not. His mobility in the pocket is what provides the Offense with a chance to look elite, because he extends the play and finds Witten, Williams or (formerly) Owens on a big play that can move the chains. Perhaps why Romo is capable of doing this is because he is capable of distributing the ball evenly all over the field with touch, which backs Defenders off to allow Choice, Barber III and Jones to find such success. Did you honestly think those HalfBacks were THAT good?

35a. Donovan McNabb, QuarterBack, PHI(60,13)
Impact: The Eagles Can Only Go As Far As McNabb’s Play Takes Them
Argument: I would have hoped that the lot of Philadelphia Eagles fans that continue to blame McNabb for the team’s ineptitudes would’ve learned their lesson last season, but as I sat and watched the NFC Championship game in an apartment filled with Eagles fans, I began to see that it will never change. Despite the unnecessary crap that goes on from his own team’s fans, McNabb shows up and just plays. He was solely responsible for the Eagles Offenses’ success(over 70% of Offensive Production each year) from 2000 to 2004. After that he has had some weapons, but despite that, McNabb’s play has determined how well the rest of the team, sans Brian Westbrook has played. When McNabb has been off, the Receivers have looked erratic, the Offensive Line lost, and the team in and of itself just is mired. Want an example? Look at the infamous Baltimore Ravens game of last season, and then look at how McNabb carried the team into the post-season after that. Allow me to point back to the magical QB Rating of 85, in which over the past two seasons the Birds are 13-1 when he posts a rating over and 3-11-1 when he doesn’t.

32c. Clinton Portis, HalfBack, WAS(36,NR)
Impact: You Can’t Ask For Much More From A HalfBack Than His Production
Argument: I don’t think many people notice this, or at least didn’t until this year, but Clinton Portis has only gone under 1,700 Yards From Scrimmage twice in his career; one time was his injury shortened 2006 campaign and the other was when he went for 1,550 his first year in Washington. Additionally, Portis has only gone under double-digit Touchdowns three times in his career. Once in his injury shortened 2006 campaign, and two other times in which he scored 7 and 9 Touchdowns respectively. When you average this out, per season it comes to 116 Yards From Scrimmage Per Game over a 7 year career and .8 TDs per season. What does this mean? It basically means that for every game that he plays Clinton Portis will give you 124 total Yards and a Touchdown except for 1 or 2 games where he won’t score. In only 7 short seasons in the NFL Portis has produced an outstanding 11,108 Yards From Scrimmage and 76 Touchdowns From Scrimmage, and he’s only 27. It’s very realistic that, at the end of his career, Portis could finish with both Emmit Smith’s Rushing Yardage and Jerry Rice’s Scrimmage Yardage Records with another 7+ years. I hate this saying, but barring injury Portis is a sure-fire Hall of Famer.

32b. Frank Gore, HalfBack, SNF(34,NR)
Impact: A HalfBack That Single-Handedly Wills His Team Into Games
Argument: The guy that will draw comparisons to Portis for as long as they both remain in the league due to being in the same backfield in college before injuries struck, Frank Gore is no slouch himself, proving why he was going to usurp Portis for the starting job once Clinton left for the league before his knee injury struck. While he hasn’t enjoyed the fan success that Portis did due to his quick emergence, Gore is no slouch himself, and while not on a Hall-of-Fame pace due to injuries and an absolutely average, at best, offense around him, Gore has some comparable numbers to Portis on a per-start basis. Clinton Portis averages 124 Yards From Scrimmage Per Start over his 95 Career Starts. Frank Gore, over his true starts in which he was the No. 1 HalfBack, averages 124 Yards From Scrimmage Per Start. When you don’t just factor for starts, he averages 162 Yards From Scrimmage Per Start. Gore only has 26 Touchdowns to his name, however, which keeps him from recognizing the fame that Portis has achieved globally. Gore, however, has had to single handedly will his pathetic team into games, where as Portis has been on some average to good teams.

32a. Steven Jackson, HalfBack, STL(35,6)
Impact: A HalfBack That Single-Handedly Wills His Team Into Games With His Production
Argument: Steven Jackson, like Frank Gore and Clinton Portis, is a freak of nature HalfBack with production out of the “hoo-ha” that people need to learn how to respect. Just like Portis and Gore he averages well over 100 Yards From Scrimmage Per Start with 154, and even tops the 100-Yard Mark in terms of games played, with 105 Yards From Scrimmage Per Game played in. Additionally, Jackson averages a very considerable 8.8 Touchdowns Per Season over his career as well, which is very strong given that he has only played two full seasons. Jackson is more than production though. Jackson has an incredible blend of power and speed that allow him to succeed even when the Rams Offensive Line has been bad, which is the last two years, as evidenced by the fact that, even excluding his Pro-Bowl and All-Pro worthy seasons, in which he averaged 112 Yards From Scrimmage and had 14 Touchdowns.

31. Jeff Saturday, Center, IND(24,23)
Impact: The 2nd Most Important Piece In The Historic Colts Offense
Argument: The fact of the matter is that the Colts offense is up there with some of the more elite ones throughout history such as Kelly’s K-Gun and Walsh’s 1980WCO. I mean, it’s not a new offense that was created out of nowhere, and it borrowed heavily from both, but it also produces akin to both of them over numerous seasons, which is what makes it so darn historical. And since 2000, the second most important aspect of that offense has been Jeffrey Bryant Saturday, even when the likes of Edgerrin James and Marvin Harrison were there. Saturday has been the secondary signal caller for that offense, given full control over the blocking scheme coinciding with Manning’s audibles at the Line of Scrimmage. Despite this immense responsibility, Saturday has only afforded a career 7.25 Sacks, and has been responsible for a considerate portion of Edgerrin James and Joseph Addai’s production, and soon Donald Brown’s. Want Saturday’s impact? Look at the Cleveland game in which it required a Defensive TD to win the game because on the Cleveland Goal Line, with Saturday out due to injury, on 3rd and 4th and 1, the Colts couldn’t push it in. With Saturday in their YPC rose a full 1.2 Yards.

30. Adrian Wilson, Strong Safety, ARI(18,33)
Impact: A Threat Downfield And Behind The Line-of-Scrimmage
Argument: Adrian Wilson had somewhat of a down year… and still produced like a top 10 Safety and still played like one. That should about let you know how darn good the guy is. I’ve said it in the past and I’ll say it again… Wilson is the best Blitzing Safety in the NFL (4.5 Sacks in 19 Games last season), and is, quite possibly, the hardest hitting based on his size alone. Don’t believe me? Ask Trent Edwards who Wilson didn’t even hit with everything he had, yet Edwards became concussed simply from Wilson falling on him. While I have called Yeremiah Bell the best pure Strong Safety in the Box, Wilson is a step above that with his ability to play within the Box just as effective as Bell (32.5 Stuffs over the past 5 seasons), if not better, but Wilson can step back and play coverage with the best of them. Theres a reason that there have been a rash of CornerBacks in Arizona that have had success. Arizona has the offensive players to win games, but without Wilson and Dansby on the Defensive Side of the Ball there’s no way in hell they would’ve reached Super Bowl XLIII.

29. Ray Lewis, Middle LineBacker, BAL(44,14)
Impact: The Penultimate LineBacker Capable Of Taking Over Whole Games
Argument: Don’t believe me that Ray Lewis is still the best LineBacker in the game? Just look at the fact that he takes over games. A lot of LineBackers are capable of taking over games, but few actually do it. Even less actually do it multiple times a season like Ray did against Cleveland, Tennessee (twice), Houston and Washington. Ray Lewis is a freak of nature and a sure-fire Hall of Famer who makes plays at the Line of Scrimmage and downfield. I don’t know if there was a better LineBacker against the run than him last season, evidenced by his whopping 65 Tackles against the run last season. Additionally, Lewis was a Sideline-to-Sideline Backer that made plays along the Sidelines, 27 Tackles, 1.5 Stuffs and a Pass Defensed. But you can look at statistics, and then you can watch someone play… if you saw the way Lewis slid through holes at the Line of Scrimmage you’d realize exactly how much better than the other guys he was and why, until week 12, he was the runaway Defensive Player of The Year.

28. Calvin Johnson, Wide Receiver, DET(NR,NR)
Impact: A Wideout That Single-Handedly Willed His 0-16 Team Into Any Game They Were In
Argument: You’re probably aware of my “Young + Good =/= Great” campaign in which I argue young players with seasons/stats comparable to veterans don’t majestically surpass them. Well there are few people that make me alter that stance and, alongside Adrian Peterson, Calvin Johnson is one of them. Why is Johnson one of the exceptions? It’s because he single-handedly willed a pathetic Lions team into games that they had absolutely no business being in. For instance, in Week 2 when the Lions were down 24-3 to the Packers, Johnson single-handedly caught passes and made plays after the catch to get into the End Zone to temporarily give the Lions the lead until their QuarterBack coughed the game away with 2 4th Quarter Pick 6s. Against Washington he did all he could in the 4th Quarter to bring the Lions back, but the Defense was too inept. Despite having no business being in a game with the Colts, Johnson single-handedly kept the Lions in the game, getting the Lions in the Red Zone in the 2nd, scoring in the 2nd and getting them to the 1 in the 4th (being robbed of a TD) and getting the game to a 21-21 score.

27. Steve Hutchinson, Left Guard, MIN(22,41)
Impact: The Viking’s Run Game’s Clutch
Argument: Plain and simple, Hutchinson is amazing. Hutchinson was a lead block on an absolutely 30 Touchdowns from 2004 to 2007, which is ridiculous. What this means is that, Hutchinson being on your Offensive Line allows for 45 Points throughout every season. That alone is impact. As I stated last season, The Seahawks and Vikings from ’04 to ’07 had run Left Guard Trap for 2,018 Yards, or roughly 504 Yards Per Season, making him responsible for about half a thousand yards per season. This continued last season as well with Peterson and Taylor running for 456 Yards when running Left Guard Trap last season. Additionally they ran for an additional 4 Touchdowns running Right Guard trap. As I stated on last season’s list, Hutchinson’s HalfBacks have averaged 6.5, 4.4, 4.4, 5.0 and now 3.8 Yards Per Carry. However, despite the low number this year, Hutch was responsible for 29 First Downs this past season in comparison to a mere 7 Stuffs for a ridiculous 4 to 1 Ratio while being the 2nd most run behind Lineman last season in Minnesota. While Hutch might be on the decline in his career, he’s still an elite Guard. Hutch is still an awesomely composed Lineman though, not committing a single penalty for the 3rd time in his career.

26. Chris Snee, Right Guard, NYG (54,HM)
Impact: Despite How Elite Their Offensive Line Is, Snee Is Their Entire Run Game
Argument: I love today’s NFL. Positions like the Guard, once considered a “filler” position that had no real effect on the game are now almost, if not just as, important, as the Tackle position. Truly Elite NFL Guards like Snee, Hutchinson, Dielman and Williams are asked to be the foundation for an entire team’s run game and succeed. Over the past 2 seasons the Giants have proven how important it is to have an elite Guard to establish a Super Bowl-caliber Run Game. This is why, during Super Bowl XLII I was lobbying for Chris Snee to receive some MVP votes until Eli through up that prayer. The Giants ran for 7 Touchdowns running Guard Trap Right in 2007, and in 2008 they ran for 5 more. In addition to these 5 Touchdowns were 644 Yards Rushing and 36 First Downs vs. a mere 16 Stuffs on 153 Carries for an Average of 4.2 Yards Per Carry. Chris Snee is, far and away, the best Right Guards in the NFL, and as long as he’s the premier Lineman on the team Giants HalfBacks will continue to put up elite totals like Tiki, Jacobs, Ward and Bradshaw have. He’s also a complete Lineman as he’s good in Pass Blocking too.

25.Ben Roethlisberger, QuarterBack, PIT(NR,NR)
Impact: He. Just. Wins. Games.
Argument: When I posted last year’s edition of this list a fellow Steelers fan argued with me that Ben Roethlisberger should have been on the list above all other Steelers, and that his lack of placement was a travesty. I countered with the argument that the Steelers’ team was so talented that, without Roethlisberger they were still a Playoff caliber team. Well, it would seem that we were both right, as the Steelers are a playoff caliber team without Roethlisberger, but with them they’re a team capable of winning a Super Bowl… and that’s the end-all, be-all. Now I hate the “He’s a winner” argument, but there’s no denying what Roethlisberger does. 18 4th Quarter comebacks in his short NFL Career, and 2 Super Bowl championships in that span speak volumes about how important it is to the Steelers to have him under center. Sure, some other QB might be able to take snaps for the Steelers and they’ll win games, but few QuarterBacks in the NFL will win the critical games the Steelers need in order to contend for a championship. Why? Because Ben is the best at what he does… extending plays and making big throws downfield.

24. Tony Gonzalez, Tight End, ATL(29,NR)
Impact: The Best To Ever Do It
Argument: I recently got to watch the NFL Network’s Countdown of Top 10 Tight Ends all time, and I was very disappointed about two things… that Antonio Gates got onto the list, and that Tony Gonzalez was only ranked two spots ahead of him at 8th… Now I understand the list was compiled before Tony owned every record at the position ever, but they had to realize he was going to get them anyway barring a career-ending injury. While I respect John Mackey, Ozzie Newsome (even more so for being a great GM too), and Kellen Winslow, I just feel that once you reach the summit at a position like this where not everyone’s careers are cut short, you’re the best. Furthermore, Gonzalez has been both a premier Pass-Catching Tight End in the NFL, as well as a premier Run-Blocking Tight End in the NFL, as well as both at the same time. Alongside Shannon Sharpe, who was 4th on that list, Gonzalez was part of the 90s generation of Tight Ends that helped bring back the popularity of the position that we now see with guys like Witten, Gates, etc. Gonzalez averages 83 Receptions, 1,011 Yards and about 7 TDs per season, and should look to greatly improve the Falcons in 2009 due to the connection he’ll develop with White, Ryan and Turner. And Sorry Chiefs fans… I compiled the list before he was traded, and therefore you lost your only player on it.

23. Brian Westbrook, HalfBack, PHI(5,16)
Impact: Despite His Age He Is Still One Of The 5 Biggest Offensive Matchup Problems For Defenses
Argument: Let’s simply ignore the numbers for a second and focus on the single aspect that Brian Westbrook is still, quite possibly, the biggest matchup problem in the NFL. Few, if any LineBackers can remain in Man Coverage on him, and few if any Safeties in the NFL can recover in time once they come into the Box trying to meet him. As a result, despite the fact that the Birds live and die with McNabb, the Birds also rely equally on Westbrook since his emergence outside of the 3-Headed Monster of 2003. It is because of Westbrook that, despite their lack of quality Receivers lately, they’ve still gotten it done through the air, because their Wideouts are able to see easier matchups with him being keyed on. Over the past 5 seasons Westbrook has averaged 1,621 Yards From Scrimmage and an accompanying 10 to 11 Touchdowns per season. While those numbers should diminish with the arrival of LeSean McCoy, who might posses a superior skillset to Westbrook when he was at the stage in his career, he should see a decline in play time, as well as his age and recent string of injuries saw him with a 19-spot drop. But I’m one of the few people who still believe he’ll get it done next season, and get it done big time.

22. Ed Reed, Free Safety, BAL(30,25)
Impact: Defense To Offense In One 3 Seconds Flat.
Argument: I’m not much of a fan of players who tend to get lots of Interceptions because I’m under the understanding that, when this happens, the majority of them are on poorly thrown balls. However, I can’t take away from Ed Reed’s impact just because of this, because as guys like Sheldon Brown and Ike Taylor have proven… you still have to catch the ball, and Reed can do that. 43 Times in a 7-Year Career to be exact, or roughly 6 times a season. Ed Reed is a freak of nature, because even if the ball is thrown well, he has a chance to pick it off on almost every single play, and unlike any other player in the NFL, when Reed gets that ball, he’s searching for the End Zone, which makes him different from all other Ball-Hawking players. Since 2002 Ed Reed has found the ball in his hands as he enters the End Zone a ridiculous 11 times. What this means is that, once about every four times that Ed Reed gets the ball in his hands, he manages to reach the End Zone. Reed may not have the range of other Safeties, but he doesn’t need to because other Safeties can’t do what he does… and to think the last 2 years, he underperformed.

21. Steve L. Smith, Wide Receiver, CAR(31,12)
Impact: The Difference Maker For His Team
Argument: Everything I said about Calvin Johnson can be appointed to Steve Smith as well. What do I mean exactly? Well Smith can single-handedly will his team into games. For instance, when the Panters were playing Green Bay in one of the best games of the season, in the 4th Quarter Jake Delhomme tossed up a prayer against one of the best secondaries in the NFL and Smith went up between 2 Defenders and caught the ball on a crucial 3rd down, placing the Panthers in field goal range, allowing them to go on an win the game. In the Season Finale that could’ve sent the Rival Falcons to a 1st Round Bye, trailing by 1 with a little over 3 minute left, Smith broke the game open with a 38-Yard catch and run. Steve Smith was the only Wide Receiver in the NFL last season to average 100 Yards per game, having 1,421 Yards Receiving in 14 games. What makes that so impressive is that it was virtually 13 games given how Nnamdi Asomugha held him to 1 Reception for 9 Yards when they met up. All things considered, last year was better than his triple crown season, given that his presence made things easier for Williams and Stewart.

20. Kris Dielman, Left Guard, SDG(21,36)
Impact: A Run Game In And Of Himself
Argument: I kinda feel bad for using Steve Hutchinson’s impact from last year here, word for word, but as it stands, Kris Dielman on your offensive line guarantees that your HalfBacks are going to get some considerable production. As I said last season, despite starting for 1 less year than Hutchinson over the 5 year criteria for Guards that I examine, Dielman is only 1 Touchdown as a Lead Block behind Hutchinson as both were responsible for 4 TDs this season. Additionally Dielman attributed another 400 Yards Rushing for the Chargers when they ran Right Guard Trap last season for an outstanding 4th season in a row. Kris Dielman in your lineup guarantees that your team is going to at least get 400 Yards rushing running Right Guard Trap and in some way your HalfBacks will put up at least 46 Points on the board throughout the season. What differs him from the others(at least Hutchinson) is that he’s a good pass blocker as well, evidence by his .5 Sacks allowed over the past 31 Games.

19. Haloti Ngata, 3-4 Defensive Lineman, BAL(37,NR)
Impact: The Ultimate 3-4 Defensive Lineman
Argument: It’s absolutely ridiculous what Haloti Ngata can do for a Defense. A few years ago, despite still having a passion for the game Ray Lewis was contemplating retirement because the lack of a big body up front in Baltimore, and respecting his wishes the front office went out and got him one… Ngata. Since then the Ravens Defense has been dominant, and it’s 2006 incarnate and 2008 incarnates have been the best the team has ever had since the infamous 2000 squad. It’s no coincidence that it coincides with Ngata’s arrival. Ngata is the premier 3-4 END, with the ability to stop the run like Baltimore loves, but his athleticism allows him to be an effective Defensive Lineman capable of employing Zone-Blitz looks. What this means is that when teams expect Ngata to hold blockers up, he’s capable of dropping into coverage with the HalfBack in the flat, and does it well. Moving over to the NT position this season due to Kelly Gregg’s injury, Ngata proved his rumored versatility by anchoring down the Run Defense, proving that he can play the 3-4 DE, 3-4 NT, 4-3 NT and 4-3 UT positions, all at a high level.

18. Kerry Rhodes, Strong Safety, NYJ(12,HM)
Impact: An Elite Safety Who’s Defense Will Probably Be Built Around Him
Argument: Did you really think that I was going to drop Kerry Rhodes into the mid-50s or even off the list as the result of a single down season? Rhodes had his worst season as a professional and was still better than a good 70% of the starting Safeties in the NFL. Rhodes is the reason you will not find Darelle Revis on this list. While Revis is a good Coverage Corner, in the whole Jets games I watched I noticed that I would consistently see half of Rhodes body on the screen on replays when a pass was completed against Revis… meaning Rhodes was there to help. Not all the time, but an amount worth noting in my book. While the rest of the Jets secondary was horrible outside of Rhodes and Revis, the fact that he still showed up as a force to be reckoned with outside of a botched assignment here or there tells me that, under Rex Ryan, this guy will probably be in the top 10 on this list next season. With his ability to play Man Coverage, Blitz the QuarterBack and Stuff the run, Rex Ryan has to be salivating right now… he just needs to react faster in Zone Coverage.

17. Jammal Brown, Left Tackle, NWO(42,NR)
Impact: A Pass Blocking Force For A Pass-Heavy Offense
Argument: 1,841… Do you know what that number represents? That is the number of Pass Attempts that Drew Brees has undergone since coming to New Orleans three years ago. It takes about a good 4 or 5 Seasons for some QuarterBacks to reach that total. Almost equally as impressive is that Jammal Brown has taken snaps for about 1,750 of those pass attempts, and yet only afforded 7 Sacks over that span, and prior to last season did it with an average amount of Holding Penalties. So what this means is that, while the Saints go as far as Drew Brees takes them, they also go as far as Jammal Brown can protect Mr. Brees. Jammal Brown could very well be the consummate Left Tackle in the NFL by the time it is all said and done in his career, judging from how he’s learned to take on power rushers whom he once struggled with. However, before he achieves that feat he needs to learn to become more disciplined and rid himself of both the False Start and the Holding penalties.

16. Randy Moss, Wide Receiver, NWE(4,NR)
Impact: Even At His Age He Still Dictates What Defenses Will Do, Regardless Of His QuarterBack
Argument: Like Brian Westbrook, a motivated Randy Moss is one of the premier non-QuarterBack skill position players that is a matchup problem for any Defenders… Do you want to know why Wes Welker has made this list two years in a row? Because of the little term we like to call “product of a system” with said system being Randy Moss drawing roll over coverage and Welker slipping underneath the said gap left open. Additionally, there’s a reason that Matt Casell, who hadn’t actually played a down of football in a meaningful game in what seemed like forever, is suddenly a hot commodity that people think can be a top half of the league QuarterBack… Randy Moss and the coverage matchups that he creates. For Moss to put up 1,000 Yards and 11 Touchdowns on 99 Targets (125 minus the overthrows, underthrows, wide throws, misscomunications and Line of Scrimmage bat downs) is ridiculous. What this means is that, out of catchable passes, Randy Moss caught a little under 70% of them and made the most out of them, despite having a no-name average guy throwing the ball, all while being keyed on by Defenses due to the lack of a Run Game in New England.

15. Michael Roos, Left Tackle, TEN(45,NR)
Impact: The Best Pass Blocker In The NFL
Argument: Michael Roos finds himself on the this list for a second year in a row, but making a 30 spot leap because he established himself as more than an excellent pass blocker; He established himself as a dominant pass blocker, and even established himself as a decent run blocker… at least more than he’s been given credit for in the past. Roos was a key reason for the Titan’s offensive success, keeping entirely average Quarterback Kerry Collins upright and never having to worry about his blindside, making his job much easier. However, Roos also was capable of getting out in space from time to time in order to be an impact blocker for rookie sensation Chris Johnson. However, what sets Roos apart from the other elite Tackles in the NFL that tend to be pure Pass Blockers is Roos’s discipline that prevents him from drawing any more than one Holding penalty a season(2 career) meaning even if one were to use “Adjusted Sacks”, Roos has, on average, allowed an adjusted 4.125 Sacks per season… that’s tops in the league behind Clifton. Difference is Roos has numerous years left in the league.

14. Chris Samuels, Left Tackle, WAS(17,50)
Impact: Quite Possibly The Only Elite Dual Skillset Possessing Left Tackle In The NFL
Argument: Usually, at least in today’s NFL, Right Guards are guys that couldn’t make it as a Left Tackle because, while a good Pass Blocker, they’re a slightly better Run Blocker. Of the 32 starting Left Tackles in the NFL, I can only think of two that happen to excel at Run Blocking… Bryant McKinnie and Chris Samuels. However, unlike McKinnie, Samuels can Pass Block at an elite level, and as a result is the only Left Tackle in the NFL that Pass Blocks and Run Blocks at an elite level. Chris Samuels had another great season Pass Blocking, though he did have a few extra holds than normal, but what made it so darn impressive was his mauling ability in the Run Game. Clinton Portis was the league-leader in MVP voting for the first half of the season because he was running away with the rushing title, and who do you think that can be attributed to? Mr. Samuels was leading Clinton to daylight, again, and once Chris went down with a torn triceps, Portis’ production took a sharp nose dive… go ahead check it out if you don’t believe me. It’s no coincidence that the Skins’ HalfBacks ran for over 400 Yards running Off-Tackle Left… AGAIN.

13. Jared Allen, Defensive End, MIN(9,NR)
Impact: A Defensive Weapon Matchup Problem For All Offenses
Argument: Let me put it this way… Jared Allen produced the following statline; 54 Total Tackles, 14.5 Sacks, 6.5 Run Stuffs, 3 Forced Fumbles, 2 Safeties and 3 Passes Defensed on a bad knee… and he underachieved. Jared Allen underachieving is akin to the best season possible for some so-called elite guys. That alone is impact. Allen guarantees double digit plays behind the Line of Scrimmage, with a career average of 18.5 Negative Players per season throughout his 5 year career! When one includes his 28 Career Passes Defensed(or 5.6 Per Season), it means that Allen makes 20+ Splash players per season, meaning at least one per game. Why is this? Because Jared Allen is a matchup problem for every Left Tackle in the NFL in terms of his pass rushing, and it’s not even a debate. His ability to play the run is of an elite level as well, and Allen always gets his hands up to defend the pass, as well as can drop into short zone coverage making him a triple threat that leaves Offensive Coordinators in fits.

12. James Harrison, 3-4 Outside LineBacker, PIT(NR,NR)
Impact: A Defensive Player That Can Absolutely Take A Game Over
Argument: Prior to the 2007 season when the Steelers released Joey Porter because James Harrison was in the wings, we Steelers fans didn’t feel there would be a large fall-off and production wise we were correct. However, I did not think that James Harrison would be a force that Joey Porter never was (at least as a Steeler) capable of taking over games. Glad I was wrong. I somehow was fortunate enough for the second time in my life (the first being the 2006 season as reigning champs), was capable of watching all 16 Steelers games in a season, and it allowed me to watch James Harrison very carefully. What I saw of James Harrison was inhuman! I saw a man fighting through triple teams every game and still winning. I saw a man getting held numerous times, with no call and still winning. Harrison’s 16 Sacks in 15 games were good, but the fact that he led the league in Sack Yardage is even better. His 16 Forced Fumbles over the past 2 seasons means he’s a turnover creating machine, and the fact that opposing Linemen were flagged 7 times for holding show his impact.

11. LaDainian Tomlinson, HalfBack, SDG(3,1)
Impact: Even when Injured, Tomlinson Is Still An Elite Offensive Weapon
Argument: Let’s set the record straight here… LaDainian Tomlinson has been injured for the past couple of seasons and still won a rushing title and put up 1,500+ Yards From Scrimmage on 4.46 Yards Per Touch, and an additional 12 Touchdowns From Scrimmage… That is an elite season, regardless of the 3.8 Yards Per Carry running the ball, and he did all this with injuries. Perhaps even more impressive is the fact that he only fumbled the ball once. So it’s pretty intriguing that reports show that Tomlinson has returned to camp at about 90% health and should be 100% before the start of the season. Tomlinson’s career averages aside, which are some of the best of all time, the fact remains that, like Philip Rivers, Tomlinson’s presence has been a contributing factor in the development of Antonio Gates, Vincent Jackson, Chris Chambers, as well as Philip Rivers for the first two seasons as a starter in his career. While Tomlinson may no longer create the Offensive matchup problems that Westbrook and Moss do due to slowing down, he’s still an elite offensive weapon, and no… these new one-year wonder guys are not better than him.

10. DeMarcus Ware, 3-4 Outside LineBacker, DAL(8,27)
Impact: Is Single-Handedly The Cowboys Defense
Argument: What? Ware over Harrison? I’m not a homer people! Remember the criteria for this list and then tell me how James Harrison could be higher. DeMarcus Ware IS the Cowboys Defense. I’ve never seen, nor do I ever think that I ever will again see a guy carry an entire Defense the way that Ware did. The Cowboys Defense is not as talented, at least at getting to the QuarterBack, as their statistics would indicated, and yet they finished with an asinine 60+ Sacks last season. Even if you were to take out Ware’s 20, that leaves the rest of the team with 40, few of which came from 12-Sack man from 2007, Greg Ellis. So where did these Sacks come from? I’ll tell you… team’s overcompensating for Ware’s ability to rush the passer. Elaborating further, team’s were overcompensating for Ware’s ridiculous first step, which was falsely flagged at least 7 times as a False Start last season, because Ware can time a Snap better than anyone else in the league. However, DeMarcus Ware is a 3-4 Outside LineBacker that is capable of dropping into coverage fluidly and running with some of the better and more athletic Tight Ends in the league, making him a complete Defensive player. He is the Brian Westbrook or Reggie Bush of Defenders… he creates matchup problems.

9. Larry Fitzgerald, Wide Receiver, ARI(NR,NR)
Impact: An Difficult Matchup For Any Single Defender/Single-Handedly Willed His Team 2:00 Minutes From A Super Bowl Championship
Argument: Coming into the season the general consensus amongst Cardinals fans was that impact player no. 76, Anquan Boldin, was the better Receiver of the two because Fitz wasn’t making the movements to become a complete Receiver like Boldin, although he had better hands and was more athletic. Somewhere along the line, last season Fitz realized that if he played a little more like Anquan (in terms of running precise routes and toughness after the catch) he could be, at age 25, the premier Wide Receiver in the league in the eyes of many NFL Fans. Even ignoring his 2009 post-season dominance, Fitzgerald has had 3 95+ Reception, 1,400+ Yards and 10+ Touchdown seasons out of five played. Why has he gotten numbers like this? Because Larry Fitzgerald is a freak of nature when it comes to attacking the ball at its highest point in the air, meaning not one Defensive Back in the NFL can beat him in a jump ball. Look at the NFCCG and Super Bowl XLIII in which he beat Sheldon Brown and Ike Taylor, who allowed a combined 2 TDs on the season, on jump balls for TDs. In the latter game, Fitz used this TD as a starting point to single-handedly will his team into the lead. Fitz is so high on this list because I feel that he learned something last season and I saw a desire in his eyes during Super Bowl XLIII that said if he has to, he’ll will another team to a championship.

8. Andre Johnson, Wide Receiver, HOU(32,NR)
Impact: A Passing Game In And Off Himself
Argument: The casual fan probably doesn’t really know about Andre Johnson because he plays in Houston, but a lot of people, especially Football’s Future, realize that he is the league’s best Wide Receiver. Over the past 25 games that Andre Johnson has played in, he has averaged an absolutely ridiculous 97 Yards Receiving… Doing such a feat in a 16-game season is tough enough as it is, but doing it over 25 games is Jerry Rice-like. However, what makes Andre Johnson so impressive is that he is an absolute force that, with all respect to Owen Daniels and Kevin Walter, makes the remaining members of his Offense look better than they actually are. Owen Daniels have put together a combined for 3,329 Receiving Yards and 17 Touchdowns. You had best believe that a majority of those numbers are a direct result of the coverage that Andre Johnson sees rolled his way because, at this point, no CornerBack can cover him one-on-one and expect to succeed for an entire game. Johnson has a complete skillset that is ridiculous, with his crisp route running ability that allows him to explore the entire field, speed and resulting ability to separate, and jumping ability only bested by about 3 or 4 Receivers, Andre Johnson is uncoverable.

7. Nnamdi Asomugha, CornerBack, OAK(7,NR)
Impact: Metrically, The Best 2-Year Span In The Modern Era
Argument: This just in… Nnamdi Asomugha just isn’t comparable to the rest of the league’s CornerBacks. Seriously, the CornerBack position is a hard one to judge on who is truly elite every year, and even with the public being afforded metrics since 2004, it is still tough as every year there are 4 or 5 guys that have metrically elite seasons, only to be bottom 20 seasons the year following. Nnamdi Asomugha isn’t one of those guys. In fact, since 2005, Nnamdi Asomugha has been top 5 in Yards Per Attempt against a CornerBack every season. In the 2007 season Asomugha was thrown at a mere 35 times and allowed a mere 22 Receptions… the great Deion Sanders never even had a season like that. So how does Asomugha follow up such an astounding season? By being thrown at only 29 Times and allowing 13 Receptions, one of which was in Zone against a FullBack! What does this mean? Asomugha, over a 2 Season span has allowed 35 Receptions on 64 Targets for only 368 Yards and 1 Touchdown. To give you a better understanding the next best guys have given up 65 Receptions on 121 Targets for 789 Yards and 3 Touchdowns. You think it’s because he doesn’t play elite competition? Look no further when he shut down Steve Smith and held him to a single reception for 9 yards.

6. Troy Polamalu, Strong Safety, PIT(38,24)
Impact: The Consumate Defender In Any Back Seven In The NFL
Argument: If you got to watch Troy Polamalu play last season than you saw something absolutely special. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like that from a Defender in all my years watching football. His 2 one-handed interceptions against Philly and San Diego were absolutely the two sickest plays this season. But it wasn’t just those plays that required extreme athleticism… it was his ability to play Deep Zone Coverage and take opposing Receivers out of the game, then return to the box and take down HalfBacks. Only 2 of his PDs were from bad QuarterBack throws, and another was QB-WR Misscomunication that Troy caused with his mere presence.
Of his 5 non-tipped one-handed interceptions, 4 were on well thrown passes, and the remaining one involved a Patriots player getting hit in the Steelers Red Zone and Troy catching the pass. But Troy was capable of flying all over the field, as evidenced by the regular season game against the Chargers where he batted down a lateral and proceeded to take it into the Endzone, or his AFC Championship Game where he single-handedly dismantled the Ravens. When Troy Polamalu is on his game, he is the 2nd most destructive force on the Defensive Side of the Ball.

5. Drew Brees, QuarterBack, NWO(10,4)
Impact: A Passing Game In And Of Himself/Is What The Bears Believe Jay Cutler Is
Argument: Drew Brees is scary good. Do you remember those numbers I posted earlier when discussing Jammal Brown? That’s why Drew is here. For instance, let me make a comparison… the NFL community developed a Man Crush on Jay Cutler last season who lead his team to an 8-8 Record on a cakewalk schedule, yet the fans were enamored with his statistics. My question was simply “why?” I mean, if you looked at a TRULY elite NFL QuarterBack in a worse situation in Brees you would notice he wasn’t as prone to turning the ball over, and was capable of leading his team to the End Zone much more, all while missing Honorable Mentions Reggie Bush and Marques Colston, nor with Jeremy Shockey. Brees predominately worked with 3rd and 4th string Wide Receivers that he turned into 1,000-Yard Receivers. Drew Brees has essentially had a different Wide Receiver Corp every year of his career due to transferring teams, the draft, and losing players due to injury. I don’t believe that I’ve ever said this about any QuarterBack, but if you put Brees on any team, he can turn them into an Offensive Juggernaut, rather than be made to look elite like Cutler was in Denver. Furthermore, he can turn said team into a contender.

4. Albert Haynesworth, Defensive Tackle, WAS(19,NR)
Impact: The Most Disruptive Defensive Force In The League
Argument: I guess I couldn’t put Big Al here without the obvious disclaimer that he must perform at an elite level now that he is no longer in a contract year with the Redskins. I also aknowledge that he has a very strong and considerable injury history. However, that doesn’t change the fact that, for those 13 to 15 games that Al plays a season, over the past two years, he is the league’s most disruptive force on the Defensive Side of the Ball. He is an Under Tackle that can get to the QuarterBack like impactful player no. 71 Tommie Harris and impactful player no. 47 Kevin Williams, but Haynesworth also has the skillset of impactful player no. 48, Pat Williams in terms of stopping the run. What this means is that Haynesworth is capable of taking away both your run game better than all other Defensive Tackles except for one, and can affect your passing game as well as some of the more elite Pass Rushers in the league such as Ware or Allen. For a 4-3 Under Tackle to average 14 Negative plays a season (since he’s become motivated), and aid in making the members of his secondary look elite is tremendous impact.

3. Adrian Peterson, HalfBack, MIN(15,NR)
Impact: The Future Of His Position Only Two Years Into His Career
Argument: Hell, having placed Adrian Peterson at 15 on this list last year caught me a lot of flack last season. Some people felt it was too low and others felt that I was hypocritical for placing a one-year guy that high. Well, I guess I can say I’m validated, because Peterson had one hell of a Sophomore season, winning his first of what I am sure will be many Rushing Titles. The only knock on Adrian Peterson was that he had a case of fumbilitis, but I can look past that. But when you dig deep into Adrian Peterson’s season, you realize that, unlike his rookie season, Adrian Peterson had a good, at best, run blocking Offensive Line this year, and even Steve Hutchinson was only Above-Average, rather than great. Yet, despite this, Peterson ran his butt off for the aforementioned Rushing Title. As I stated last year, Adrian Peterson is the future of the position because he brings a new reckless style of running that kids will emulate and bring to the league one day in order to reap the same benefits that AD does. Peterson runs with reckless abandon for his body, leaving his feet, spinning, diving, cutting, and juking often, fighting for more than the guaranteed yardage on every play. Not to mention, Peterson, like the last bit of Offensive skill-position players mentioned on this list has a little habit of single-handedly willing his team into games.

1b. Tom Brady, QuarterBack, NWE(2,2)
Impact: A Leader That Makes You Feel As If You Deserve To Be Playing In February
Argument: With all the copping out I did this year with guys like Romo/McNabb or Jackson/Gore/Portis, I decided that I would let our Friend Tom get a 1 listing next to his name this year, despite the fact that he played. No why is that? Well, quite simply, it’s because not only is Tom Brady one of the most productive QuarterBacks in the NFL when he is in the game, but Tom Brady is also arguably the best Leader in the NFL, and if he isn’t the best, than he is one of them. Matt Casell is a good QuarterBack. Not an elite one, but one that can get the job done at the NFL level, and despite this, the Patriots Offense, though brilliant at times, despite being opened up, wasn’t the same. Randy Moss’ YPC dropped down, the Offensive Line looked like complete crap, even when they were healthy, and the general demeanor of some of the Patriots was different than usual. That’s because with Tom Brady at the helm of your team’s Offense you expect to be playing in February, even if nobody else does. That is the kind of confidence he instills into a team with his mere presence as a field general. Furthermore, from a production standpoint, please remember the numbers that he put up in his last full season to understand his numerical impact on the game. Plain and simple, if you place Tom Brady on a team, despite only being one man, he’ll turn that team into a winner.

1a. Peyton Manning, QuarterBack, IND(1,3)
Impact: He’s Just The Perfect QuarterBack
Argument: Whether you agree with whether or not Manning deserved the MVP or not, one thing you have to agree upon is that he did deserve to be in the consideration with Peterson, Williams, Harrison, Brees and Rivers. Why? Because despite missing numerous players on the Offensive Line to injury, returning from a surgery that cost him to lose 18 points, and the Titans overachieveing beyond what anyone had them penciled in at, the Colts still made the post-season as a 5-Seed with a record that matched the 2-Seed, whom they beat, thanks to Peyton Manning. In short, what I’m saying is that Peyton Manning’s understanding of the Xs and Os of football is unparalled in comparison to the rest of the league. That’s right, no matter how good a player is, no matter where they placed no this list… Manning just knows that much more about football than them, and what makes it scary is that he can execute it with just the littlest bit of help. Manning, once again, threw for over 4,000 Yards, but this time it wasn’t to keep his team ahead or to pad stats, no this time it was because they truly needed the yards just to even compete in games. Say what you want about Manning in the post-season, but the fact remains that he is the best QB, both when it comes to winning and when it comes to producing for 16 games out of the year, and like Brees you can place him anywhere and he’ll turn it into a passing attack. Like Brady, place him anywhere and you have a winner.

2008-09 Seasonal Awards + All-Pro's

2008-12-30T02:26:00.004-05:00

End Of The Year Awards
Offensive Player Of The Year: DeAngelo Williams, CAR
DeAngelo Williams had one heck of a season. Williams had five games in which he had more than one Touchdown. He had an additional seven games in which he ran for over 100 Yards. However, what may have been most impressive out Williams' season is that he got stronger as the season went on and had his two best games in the two biggest games of the season. Williams had nine games over 4.5 Yards Per Carry But all of this is moot when you consider that this man put up 20 Touchdowns while splitting carries. Any other season that would make him the clear-cut MVP.
Runner-Up: Michael Turner, ATL

Defensive Player Of The Year: James Harrison, PIT
With all due respect to DeMarcus Ware, who came dangerously close to setting the Single-Season Sack Record, it is my belief that James Harrison was just more impactful. Harrison was the first 3-4 Outside LineBacker to amass over 100 Total Tackles. Harrison wasn't tops in the NFL in terms of Sacks produced, but he was in terms of Yards Per Sack. Harrison also led the league in Forced Fumbles, and his Safety and Interception are both top 5 at the 3-4 Outside LineBacker position. Accounting for the 7 times his opponent was Flagged for Holding, Harrison could've broken the record. Harrison was the unquestioned leader on what people consider the league's best Defense. *If Ware does set the record, then he becomes my winner
Runner-Up: DeMarcus Ware, DAL/Albert Haynesworth, TEN

Offensive Rookie Of The Year: Matt Ryan, ATL/Matt Forte, CHI
Matt Ryan is the obvious choice and all. I mean come on, as a Rookie QuarterBack he had his team competing for a 1st Round Bye come Week 17. The Falcons' weren't expected to be anywhere near the Post-Season, let alone be an NFC powerhouse. Ryan's campaign, however, is hurt by the fact that he had a strong running game in Michael Turner and had an elite Wide Reciever in Roddy White to help him. Ryan, however, made some tight throws and some veteran throws that no other Rookie QuarterBack would've made and was intergral in some of the Falcons' wins.
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Matt Forte should also win this award because he was flat out a Superstar. Forte, this season, was what many fans thought Reggie Bush would be when he came out a few seasons ago; A HalfBack that could run for 1,000 Yards and then add numerous factors in the passing game. Forte may not have the best Yards Per Carry, or even the most impressive statline, but it is Forte's presence on the Bears that made them a contender for the Post-Season when they probably should've been done back in Week 10 or so. The fact that Forte is 2nd in Yards From Scrimmage and tied for 8th in TDs from Scrimmage. Matt Forte carried this Bears team and deserves more than the 1 or 2 votes he'll get.
Runner-Up: Chris Johnson, TEN/Steve Slaton, HOU/Joe Flacco, BAL

Defensive Rookie Of The Year: Brandon Flowers, KNC
I can't think of anybody outside of the Chiefs fanbase who have thought anything interesting about Brandon Flowers this season. But Flowers was the best Rookie CornerBack. Sure, he didn't post the best Interception totals or the best Pass Defensed totals, but he did what was most imporant... stop the opponent from getting receptions. Flowers had the best metrics amongst all Rookie CornerBacks, as well as posted an impressive 90+ Yard Interception vs. the Jets. Flowers also got involved in the run game with 4 Stuffs and started just about every game.
Runner-Up: Chris Horton, WAS

Comeback Player Of The Year: Antonio Bryant, TAM
All due respect to Chad Pennington who was an important cog for the resurgent Dolphins, but Antonio Bryant is the Comeback Player Of The Year. Why? Because he, quite literally, had to come back to the NFL. Pennington was just benched due to the stupidity of the "Mangenius". Bryant didn't take a single snap for an NFL team last season, and yet, this season he is in the top 12 in the 3 major receiving statistics. Not bad for a guy who won the Flanker spot on the roster due to the star going down due to injury. Oh, not to mention that he had the best game for a Wide Receiver all season in the Carolina game.
Runner-Up: Chad Pennington, MIA

2008-09 League Most Valuable Player: Peyton Manning, IND
The Colts have been in 8 close games so far throughout the season. Of those 8 close games, they've won 7 and lost 1. Of those 7 wins, it was a Peyton Manning-lead drive that put points on the Board that was the difference between a "Win" and a "Loss" in 5 of them. His late game heroics against the Vikings, Texans, Patriots, Steelers and Chargers(All 5 of which are above average teams, despite the Charger's record) are the difference in the Colts' season. So the difference between a 6 win season and a top 3 Record in the AFC is Peyton Manning. Oh, did I mention that Peyton Manning has had all 5 starting Offensive Linemen in only one game this season? Did I also mention that he's missing 3/4ths of his starting secondary and that a key cog in his offense, Joseph Addai, has been banged up?
Runner-Up: DeAngelo Williams, CAR

2008-09 Coach Of The Year: Mike Smith, ATL
All due respect to Tony Sparano, but Mike Smith just had more crap to deal with, and didn't have the help necessary to help him out. Sparano had Parcells to help him out, and had a franchise who's worst problem was that it couldn't win close games (hence 1-15 instead of 7-9). Smith was part of a franchise that didn't have a single player that was worth noting except for Roddy White and John Abraham. While those two guys showed up, Smith was capable of bringing out the best in his Rookie QuarterBack, took a chance on Michael Turner and worked with and even made ballsy moves like benching standout LineBacker Michael Boley. Sparano hasn't had that kind of decision making thrusted upon him.
Runner-Up: Tony Sparano, MIA

All-Pro First Team

QB: Philip Rivers, SDG
Sure, Rivers didn't lead the league in Passing Attempts or Passing Yards, but he didn't need to. That is because he led all QuarterBacks in the most important passing statistic... Touchdowns(34). Even if you take away his 5 in which Darren Sproles did most of the work, he's still top 2 in this aspect. Rivers' season was the best by any QB this season, bar none, and he didn't have half the hype surrounding him like those other two, and he did it with a lot of his offensive Superstars being injured at various points.

HB: DeAngelo Williams, CAR
Mr. Williams, like Mr. Rivers, didn't lead the league in the unimportant rushing statistics. Heck, he even split a lot of carries with a running mate with statistics that I wish my team's HalfBack would've put up this season. However, his 20 Touchdowns From Scrimmage on the year beat out the competition, and he did it on less carries than the opposition. His 5.5 YPC is only bested by Derrick Ward and no one else in the NFL has more runs of 40+ Yards. Finally, in consideration with all this is that he hasn't fumbled on the season.

HB: Michael Turner, ATL
I remember when San Diego let him walk and many analysts said that Turner would be "great". I couldn't help but laugh and wonder how they could determine that based pm a YPA that was helped by a lack of carries. Man, I was wrong. Turner saw that YPC drop an entire yard (4.5), but he hit the ground running in Week 1 and never looked back. Sure his receiving totals are horrible, but believe Ryan's passing totals look so well because of him. His 1,699 Yards Rushing and 17 TDs are both amongst the tops at the position.

FB: Brad Hoover, CAR
Earlier this season when I contemplated voting for the Pro Bowl, I found that the HalfBacks were doing great up the middle, despite the fact that Carolina had used two separate Centers due to injury. There, however, was no drop off. Eventually, after hearing Stewart rave about him, I went and looked at Hoover's numbers. In an age where the 2-Tight End-Set is becoming the norm, The Panthers predominately ran out of the I-Formation and Hoover was a big reason for that, helping produce over 1,250 rushing yards, 16 TDs, and 60 First Downs.

TE: Tony Gonzalez, KNC
This was a down year for him and what does he do? He produces more Yards than all other Tight Ends in the NFL. Mr. Gonzalez produced, yet another, thousand yard season and also was a security blanket for Tyler Thigpen with 10 TDs and 20+ 3rd Down grabs for a First. But what made Gonzo's season so impressive is the moments in which he came up big, like clutch grabs vs. San Diego, musceling his way in for points numerous times, and being one of only two people to bring in more than one reception vs. Nnamdi Asomugha.

WR: Andre Johnson, HOU
Andre Johnson is a one man wrecking crew. Let me rephrase that… Johnson is a one man Receiver crew. Don’t believe me? Check out Owen Daniels’ and Kevin Walter’s statistics. While those two guys are very talented you had best believe they see a lot of good production because they line up opposite of Mr. Johnson here. Funny how, two off-seasons ago, I called him overrated due to his drop problems. Apparently that eye surgery was all he needed. Johnson came pretty darn close to a triple-crown type season and set some NFL records along the way.

WR: Calvin Johnson, DET
Calvin Johnson could very strongly be argued to not deserve this place. On the same token Johnson has a strong argument to be here as well. I, however, feel that, when voting All-Pro and Award consideration more than simple numbers need to be taken into account. Johnson, aka Megatron, was on what will now go down as the worst team to every play Football. However, instead of giving up on the season Johnson willed the Lions into their final three games and gave them the chance to be in those games. I would just like to see what he could do in more than 3 or 4 games where they’re close and he’s going against strong man coverage..

LT: Michael Roos, TEN
Michael Roos has been a top 5 Tackle for at least a couple of seasons now, but this season he made a strong push for the number one spot. Roos has allowed all of one sack on the season and is a mauler in the passing game, rarely needing help. However, he finally got a competent "Outside-The-Tackles" HalfBack to boost his run blocking numbers too. Roos was a strong influence in Rookie Chris Johnson's season, allowing him to run Left Off-Tackle for 232 Yards and 3 TDs. Its no coincidence that this is where Johnson saw his biggest success.

LG: Justin Blalock, ATL
I can't believe it was only last season that I was cursing the Steelers for not taking this guy in the 2nd, only to turn aroud and say that it was the best non-move that we ever made. Blalock is the Falcons' only Lineman that Atlanta has run behind at least once in every single game. Horrid in the passing game last season, Blalock has improved drastically, affording only 3 sacks on the year. Falcons HalfBacks have run Left Guard-Trap 90 times for 499 Yards, with an impressive 7 TDs, 28 First Downs, and only 3 Stuffs going into Week 17.

C: Nick Mangold, NYJ
Ever since entering the league Mangold has been excellent at the point of attack, and as a result I've believed he's the next coming of Jeff Saturday. This season it would seem that he is proving that belief to be true. Mangold saw his worst season in terms of penalties, but they only amounted to 26 penalty yards. In fact, one could argue that, disciplinary-wise, this was his worst season to date. But Brett Favre can do that to you. But in terms of production and leadership, Mangold was on. This includes 4 TDs, and 20 First Downs up the gut.

RG: Chris Snee, NYG
Said it last year, and I will say it again. Chris Snee is the best Right Guard in the NFL. Sure, my bid for a Super Bowl MVP for him was a little ridiculous, but this guy is dominant. The best Lineman on what is, arguably, the top Offensive Line in the NFL. It's not even close how large of a gap there is between Snee and the next guy. It doesn't matter who is running the ball, they're most likely running Right Guard-Trap, made evident by 28% of their run plays being called so. 5 TDs and 34 First Downs don’t hurt either.

RT: David Stewart, TEN
The other half of the Titans' elite Tackle duo for the past three seasons, David Stewart is perhaps getting more recognition than Michael Roos from the media. Stewart has only allowed 1.5 Sacks on the season, but that's what's not most impressive about his season. It's the lack of a single penalty upheld against him. He's also getting it done in the run game. Whereas Roos gets it done in the speed running game, Stewart is someone LenDale White owes quite a few gamechecks to, helping him punch in a good amount of TDs on the Right Side.

RDE: John Abraham, ATL
Despite what some people might say, there hasn't been a more dominant Defensive End this season than John Abraham. While I had him as a top 10 pass rusher coming into the off-season I didn't believe he'd finish with anything more than 8 to 10 Sacks. But, like Michael Turner, he started strongly in Week 1 and never looked back. Abraham was a force on the season with 16.5 Sacks. For good measure he threw in 3 more plays behind the Line of Scrimmage and 4 Forced Fumbles. Abraham was a man possessed this season.

LDE: Jared Allen, MIN
Prior to the start of the season Jared Allen was penciled in by many, myself included, to be the eventual Defensive MVP with a possible 20+ Sack season. While he fell short of those of those expectations due to a slow start, no other Defensive End had a stronger end to the season. While his season wasn't as good as last year, he somewhat met expectations with 14.5 Sacks, and 6.5 Stuffs, good for the most plays behind the Line of Scrimmage this year. He also contributed 2* Safeties, 3 PDs and 3 Forced Fumbles.

RDT: Albert Haynesworth, TEN
Is there any other Defensive player in the NFL with as large of an impact as this guy in the past 2 seasons? Haynesworth is the only Defensive Lineman in the NFL that can literally play any Down Technique that there is. Whether he lines up at the 3-4 DE, 4-3 DE, DT or NT. Haynesworth has recorded at least 1 Sack and .5 Stuffs at the Left End, Right End, and the Defensive Tackle positions. His 14.5(8.5 Sacks, 6 Stuffs) plays behind the Line of Scrimmage is unheard of from a Defensive Tackle. 3 Forced Fumbles, 1 Recovery and 2 PDs show the dominance.

LDT: Haloti Ngata, BAL
Haloti Ngata is the only Defensive Linemen with a season that could rival that of Haynesworth's and yet he didn't even make the Pro Bowl. Ngata anchored a Run Defense that was no worse than 3rd at any point in the season, and did it when moving to the Nose Tackle position due to Kelly Gregg's injury. He still spent time at the DE position as well and was dominant there as well. Ngata posted a dream season for a 3-4 Nose Tackle. 55 Tackles, 1 Sack, 5 Stuffs, 2 Interceptions and 5 PDs and numerous Wide Receivers tracked down.

LOLB: DeMarcus Ware, DAL
Let me put it this way. DeMarcus Ware made a run at the NFL Single-Season Sack Record. DeMarcus Ware broke the Consecutive-Game Sack Record. DeMarcus Ware has drawn more comparison to Lawrence Taylor than any other 3-4 OLB in history all of a sudden. When you have a season like that, it's a virtual impossibility for you to not make the All-Pro squad. This marks Ware's 2nd straight season as my 1st Team All-Pro Outside LineBacker, but this year was much better than the previous. If you don't know the statline by now, then shame on you.

MLB: Ray Lewis, BAL
What? Ray Lewis? He's over the hill. He's not that great... I'm sorry. Ray Lewis shows you the difference between a "Good" LineBacker and a "Great" one. The former is good for a few years. The latter is always good. Ray Lewis had, far and away, the most complete season by an Inside or Middle LineBacker this year, and did it while most of the NFL Fanbase forgot about him after Week 5. Lewis made numerous plays at the Line of Scrimmage and out in space. Whether it was getting an interception or stuffing a HalfBack.

ROLB: James Harrison, PIT
What can I say about this guy that hasn't already been said? While I believed he could take a step from 2nd Team All-Pro to the 1st Team, I, in no way, shape, or form believed that this guy would be a strong candidate for Defensive Player Of The Year. Harrison has set all kinds of benchmarks, both as a Steeler, and as a Defensive player in general. Harrison has done something that doesn't seem likely for 3-4 Outside LineBackers... amassed over 100 Total Tackles. His league leading 7 Forced Fumbles and an Interception don't hurt either.

LCB: Nnamdi Asomugha, OAK
I don't think I even need a paragraph to describe why this guy is so good, unlike the others. However, I will, like I've done in my other explanations, explain that I think he is slightly overrated due to the talent, or lack thereof, around him. If you thought being targeted only 35 times in a season was something, then you can't even believe his season this year, including at least five games in which he did not allow a single completion to any receiver. It's no coincidence that DeAngelo Hall, Gibril Wilson and Michael Huff all looked bad... because you have to avoid this guy.

RCB: Antoine Winfield, MIN
I know I may receive some flak for including him over other players with more favorable numbers, but the fact of the matter is that, without Antoine Winfield, the Minnesota Vikings would not have even been in contention for a Playoff spot. Sure, Winfield was stout in coverage, having top coverage metrics alongside Sheldon Brown, Nnamdi Asomugha and charlse Woodson's of the world. But Antoine Winfield gets the nod because of them because his heroics won the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers games for the Vikes.

SS: Troy Polamalu, PIT
A healthy Troy Polamalu is the league's Best Safety, Free or Strong. Troy Polamalu might have had his best season this year when you consider all things. Heck, his interceptions vs. Kevin Kolb and Philip Rivers are two of the best catches I've ever seen and I don't think any other Defense would've made them. Polamalu has 7 different games with an Interception, most of which were due to good coverage. His 5 plays behind the Line of Scrimmage don't hurt either. He was as consistent as it got, as he was only beaten for one big play, an 8-Yard TD Pass.

FS: Michael Griffin, TEN
What?! No Ed Reed? You're darn right, and I stand by this decision full-heartedly. Michael Griffin came into the season as an unknown. He was viewed as the bottom member of the 2007 Safety class. Well I guess he used it as fuel, because, not only did he become a "Play Maker" with 7 Interceptions, 1 Sack, 1.5 Stuffs, 1 Forced Fumble, 1 Recovery and a Touchdown but he became a solid coverage guy that was only beat for two truly significant big plays... a 60 Yard Post Route to Andre Johnson and a TD pass in Zone. I'll take that over any FS's season in a while.

All-Pro Second Team

QB: Drew Brees, NWO
Personally I believe that Brees' season was hyped up way too early and the MVP talk was clearly too early, however, that does not negate what he did for this New Orleans' team this season. Brees, obviously, posted the numbers, leading the league in Attempts, and posting 34 Touchdowns and only 17 Interceptions, with 5,000 Yards to support his case, but he did this despite the fact that much of his offense was injured at various points throughout the season. He was a bonified leader this season and produced regardless of whom was in the lineup.

HB: Adrian Peterson, MIN
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Be wary, Peterson is still the premier HalfBack in the NFL, but Peterson quickly fell from a top 2 MVP Candidate to no longer on the radar in the span of two games. Why? Because he had a little case of "Fumblitis". However, that doesn't negate that, his numbers, prior to those games, warranted 1st Team consideration for the majority of the season. In fact, Peterson won the rushing title and put up numbers most HalfBacks would kill for. However, his YPC and TD totals find him slightly falling to the 2nd team.

HB: Thomas Jones, NYJ
I remember that Jets fans and I were trying to tell people that Thomas Jones would rebound to his Chicago form with the additions added to the FullBack and Offensive Line positions in the Off-Season. While some believed us, these claims, for the most part, fell on some deaf ears. However, Jones showed up strong and did much better than I believe that any of us would've though. Jones posted career highs in every positive statistic, and career lows in every negative statistic. Most impressive where his 15 Touchdowns From Scrimmage.

FB: Mike Sellers, WAS
Mike Sellers has been heralded as underrated by Redskins fans and analysts alike for years. Heck, even I didn't feel justified in placing him in the "80 Most Impactful Players" list last year. While there could've been other Redskins' blockers on either team, their injury shortened years ruined their chances. However, there is no way to ignore the impact that Mike Sellers had on Clinton Portis' running. Portis ran for 13 more First Downs, 2 More Touchdowns and 273 more Yards in the Power-I than as the Single Back. Not to mention the rise of .8 YPC.

TE: Jason Witten, DAL
Man. I'm sorry, but there is no other Tight End on the level of Jason Witten and Tony Gonzalez. Despite being injured, despite being tired, despite being in unfavorable situations in both of their cases, all they do is produce! Jason Witten went through a large amount of time with broken ribs and still managed to out produce every other Tight End except for Tony Gonzalez. Mr. Witten is clutch and there's a reason he is looked at first before Terrell Owens is. Witten continues the trend of Jay Novacheck(my favorite player ever) of excellent Dallas Tight Ends.

WR: Larry Fitzgerald, ARI
Larry Fitzgerald could very well be the SE Wide Receiver on the 1st Team, however, because of the Anquan Boldin and Steve Breaston factor his status was harmed. Fact is, Fitz could be argued as having had the best season of all Wide Receivers, but, in my eyes, the system he plays in will always harm him. As stated for Calvin Johnson more than just the raw numbers were considered. Fitzgerald had one hell of a season and he and Boldin made Kurt Warner look much better than he is (remember those Warner for MVP Talks? Laugh Out Loud.) Unfortunately for Fitz he plays across from Q. Otherwise he’d be the unquestioned FL Wide Receiver on the 1st Team.

WR: Steve Smith, CAR
When you consider the fact that Steve Smith only played in 14 games this season and was top 10 in every Wide Receiver number, it makes you wonder if he would have been the 1st Team Flanker had he not punched teammate Ken Lucas. Steve Smith lead the league in Yards Per Reception for Wide Receivers that are worth noting (i.e. have more than just a few catches) and his reception and TD totals weren’t bad either. However, what might have been most impressive about Smith’s season is that he made constant catches in double coverage with games on the line that Jake Delhomme just heaved up.

LT: Ryan Clady, DEN
By now I am sure that you are well aware of Ryan Clady. I mean we are aware of a few Broncos fans that have been boastful about Ryan and his .5 Sacks Allowed. To counteract this boasting, numerous fans of other teams have provided two prominent arguments. Those are a.) Clady receives regular TE help and b.) Cutler rolls away from Clady a lot. While the latter of these two accusations are true, after doing research, the former accusation is most certainly not. Clady only had Tight End help on 13% of the Broncos' passing downs. Maybe he should've been a Pro Bowler after all.

LG: Steve Hutchinson, MIN
Make no mistake about it. Steve Hutchinson very well could've been the first teamer. The problem is, however, is that the Falcons ran Left Guard-Trap at least once every game. The Vikings didn't. That isn't to say Hutch didn't pull, but it hurt his case. That and the fact that there wasn't much of a fall-off between running Left Guard-Trap and running Right Guard-Trap for the Vikings this season, whether it was Taylor or Peterson. The 4 Touchdowns and team-high 29 First Downs don't hurt either. His Pass-Blocking, however, took a step back.

C: Shaun O'Hara, NYG
Perhaps what is most impressive about Shaun O'Hara's season is the lack of miss-steps during his season. Only 2 penalties and only a single sack allowed on the season. However, what is equally impressive is that Earth, Wind and Fire have run for 6 Yards Per Carry when running it up the gut. Throw in the fact that he was extremely instrumental in the numerous audibles that Eli Manning called this season, and I don't think there is much of a drop off between him and Mangold this season. O'Hara very well could've been the 1st Teamer.

RG: Brandon Moore, NYJ
I don't think that it would be fair to include him on this team without denoting that a lot of his production came from some excellent clearing blocks between him and Damien Woody. The entire right side of Mangold, Moore and Woody where clearly the trusted side to run on, and this is evidenced by the 160+ rushes to this side and the resulting 12 TDs. Coupled with over 700 Yards Rushing running Right Guard-Trap (though it didn't always clearly look like it), and I think the Jets'll be find when Alan Faneca, who instilled toughness in this line, is gone.

RT: Jon Stichcomb, NWO
Is the Right Tackle position in the NFL that unimpressive for yet another year? Aside from Stewart and the 3rd Teamer, who got in on his Run-Blocking, there weren't too many downright mauling Right Tackles in the pass and run game. Stitchcomb has been pretty good since assuming the starting role when Brees came to town, and this year was his best. He is a large reason that Brees was kept off of his backside, allowing only 1.5 Sacks on the season. What makes this particular numbers so impressive is the rather large number of Dropbacks Drew Brees underwent.

RDE: Justin Tuck, NYG
Michael who? Osi what? Justin Tuck took over the premier pass rusher role in New York and had no problem adjusting. Tuck's versatility was limited as a lack of depth at DE didn't allow him to also play Defensive Tackle in the rotation, but he was still dropped into coverage more than your average 4-3 Defensive End. Tuck turned in an astounding season, and was, in my opinion, the true leader of the Giants defense. Heck, with Home Field Advantage on the line Justin Tuck played a night game with the Flu and still managed to produce. Guys' tough.

LDE: Julius Peppers, CAR
Somewhere, deep down inside, you knew that last season was a fluke for Julius Peppers. Even better is that he was asked to play the much tougher Right End position to line up across from the Left Tackle. Despite this, Julius Peppers turned out a season with some career high numbers. In fact, you would be hard pressed to find a more dominant performance than his game against Oakland. It'll be interesting to find out what happens to Peppers this off-season with an All-Pro caliber season under his belt right before hitting Free Agency.

RDT: Kevin Williams, MIN
Last season I said that Pat Williams is the more important cog to the "Williams Wall". Those sentiments remain true, however, there is no denying that Kevin Williams, like Haloti Ngata, had a season that many other Defensive Tackles would love to have. Williams produced 60 Total Tackles, 8.5 Sacks, 7 Stuffs, 1 Forced Fumble, 4 Passes Defensed and 2 Blocked Kicks. That is an impact at every level of play possible from a Defensive Tackle. I could very well make an argument for Williams over Ngata based on personal performance, but I feel a 4-3 NT does more than a 4-3 UT/NT.

LDT: Jonathan Babineaux, ATL
Jonathan who? Hell, I just know him as one of the J Babineaux's. But truth is, there is a reason John Abraham was capable of staying healthy all regular season for the first time in a while. Because this guy, while not always, was managing to take other Blockers away from him to prevent him from getting beat up by a Tackle and a Guard on every pass rushing snap. Babineaux lead NFL DTs in Stuffs with 10 and also contributed 3.5 Sacks. Abraham was at his best, whether at the Left or Right End, when he was next to Babineaux.

LOLB: Joey Porter, MIA
Last year most people thought Joey Porter was done. The Dolphins ran a lot of 4-3 style plays last season and left Porter exposed as they tried to turn him into a coverage LineBacker. Sure, he can cover better than the average 3-4 OLB, but it’s not his specialty. So Sparano and Parcells figured to work around their players' talents and went to predominate 3-4 calls on Defense this season. What happened? Joey Porter had arguably the best season of his career with 47 Tackles, 17.5 Sacks, 3 Stuffs, and 4 Forced Fumbles.

MLB: Barrett Ruud, TAM
Barrett Ruud is one of the players that I wasn't particularly fond of last season. In fact, I called him overrated at one point I believe because someone mentioned him as a top 10 Middle LineBacker. Well, Mr. Ruud blossomed into something special this season. Something All-Pro special. Few LineBackers were better than Ruud in terms of coverage this season, whether it was zone coverage or man coverage. His statline was kind of pretty as well with 137 Tackles, 3 Sacks, 4 Stuffs, 6 PDs and 2 Interceptions. All while his two OLBs were underperforming.

ROLB: Terrell Suggs, BAL
Terrell Suggs wasn't a dominant pass rusher this season. Heck, I don't think there was a QuarterBack in the league that located Suggs pre-snap like they did the previously three mentioned Outside LineBackers. But Suggs was playing for a contract and might have had his best overall season since entering the league. Suggs had 17 Plays behind the Line of Scrimmage(8 Sacks, 9 Stuffs), but also had 9 Passes Defensed and 2 Interceptions, both returned for Touchdowns. You can believe that Suggs' season will warrant a large contract this off-season.

LCB: Cortland Finnegan, TEN
When he got off to a quicker start than any CornerBack in the NFL there seemed to be a Cortland thread every week on every forum on the Internet, and rightfully so. But this caused apprehension about Cortland Finnegan and when Finnegan stopped racking up the Interceptions people seemed to just stop talking about him. I kept looking at this kid, and once he contained Greg Jennings, who was on another level at the time, I knew he was an All-Pro. Finnegan ended up with a season akin to last years, though allowing less receptions and yardage, and adding 17 PDs, 5 Ints, and 1 TD to his season.

RCB: Sheldon Brown, PHI
Man, Sheldon Brown is just freakishly good. I'm just glad that some people are finally starting to notice him. It only took 5 or 6 seasons. Even with Asante Samuel brought in, Sheldon Brown still managed to be the best CornerBack on the Eagles. Brown showed this season that, even with another elite CornerBack playing opposite of him, Brown could force the opposition to throw at that guy. There aren't too many guys in the league that could do that. Sheldon Brown did not allow a single TD on the season.

SS: Yeremiah Bell, MIA
Two years ago Yeremiah Bell came into the Dolphins' starting rotation with a few weeks left in the season and shook things up. He helped the Dolphins D to allow fewer points per game, less yardage on the ground, and less yardage in general. Then, in Week 1 of the 2007 season he went down with an injury so we never got to see if he could do it for a whole season. Well, this season he proved to us that he could. Bell offered well over 100 Tackles to the season, mainly in the box, but he made some plays in coverage from time to time as well.

FS: Ed Reed, BAL
How can anybody deny that Ed Reed is a great Safety? This was another one of his "down years" and he managed to be in the tops for Interceptions again. Whether they're from overthrown passes, tipped balls, or Ed making a break, Ed Reed knows how to catch a pass. Ed Reed also knows what to do with the ball when he gets it into his hands. His 3 Touchdowns were good enough to place him on the 1st Team All-Pro but a bunch of noticeable gaffs that wouldn't go noticed in previous seasons dropped him to the 3rd team over more consistent Free Safeties this season. His season finale heroics, however, boosted him back to the 2nd team.

All-Pro Third Team

QB: Peyton Manning, IND
Here he is... Your League Most Valuable Player... On the Third Team All-Pro?! Yup. Because the operative word in that acronym is "Valuable." Sure, Peyton Manning wasn't the league's best QuarterBack, statisitcally, but when you factor in everything, he still was a top 3 QuarterBack this season, even with a slow start. Peyton Manning had a "down year" with only 4,000 Passing Yards and 27 Passing TDs. If that's a "down year" than just imagine how great Manning truly is? In all honesty, this is, quite possibly, Manning's best season ever... including his 49 TD Pass Season.

HB: Clinton Portis, WAS
Clinton Portis was, literally, three tries away from making this team. What I mean was that he didn't make the initial Third Team All-Pro list, nor the second one. However, I realized that, despite his career low in Touchdown production, I could not ignore the fact that, for the first half of the season he was the League MVP. Additionally, it would be incredibly ignorant to ignore that Portis is still 4th in Rushing Yards despite being banged up. Portis is also top 5 in Total Yards From Scrimmage on the season. He's just a few TDs short of a higher team bid.

HB: Brandon Jacobs, NYG
Brandon Jacobs I apologize. 2 off-seasons ago I called you an overrated player that couldn't carry the load. While the latter is somewhat true, Jacobs is far from overrated. In fact, he's the opposite. Nobody ever seems to talk about Jacobs, despite the fact that he is the Giants Offense. Not Plaxico, not Eli, not anyone else. You. When Jacobs is in the line-up and playing the Giants are the best team in the NFL. Sure Derrik Ward had himself a nice little season, but Jacobs is the playmaker, and that's evidenced by all those Touchdowns in an incomplete season.

FB: Madison Hedgecock, NYG
I don’t even need to pull up the numbers. The Giants rushing attack may be one of the best of all time, and guess what? You cannot do that without a FullBack. Hedgecock may not be the most important cog in the offense, or even the most important cog in the run game. However… when he is called upon for duty Hedgecock lowers his head and gets the job done and some times hauls in a reception or two. Not bad for somebody that I did not like because he replaced Jim Finn.

TE: Owen Daniels, HOU
I think that, by now, everybody knows who Owen Daniels' is. Every forum that I frequent makes mention of how underrated he is. Sorry, but Daniels is no longer underrated. He's a perennial All-Pro. Owen has gone off for consecutive 750+ Yard seasons, and numbers like those are always going to have you in contention for an All-Pro spot. Daniels' lack of Touchdowns hurt him, but this is all forgiven by the fact that he is one of the two best Tight Ends in the NFL at moving the chains. He is also only bested in YAC at the Tight End position by Cooley and is second to Cooley for the best hands at the position this season with 2 Drops.

WR: Anquan Boldin, ARI
Anquan Boldin, or “Q” as he’s known around the Arizona fanbase is one hell of a Wide Receiver. First let’s comment on how tough he is to have a “Broken Sinus” and return to football in only 2 Weeks when most players would’ve called it a season. But forget that. Boldin only played in 12 games this season, and still was one of the top producing Wide Receivers in the league and was one of the best Wide Receivers at getting into the end zone. It is arguable that he and Fitzgerald could both have been 1st Teamers had they played the entire season healthy. Either way it’s incredible to have two Wide Receivers that are All-Pro worthy.

WR: Roddy White, ATL
Roddy, Roddy, Roddy. Man, if there were any of us that thought last season was just some lucky fluke, he proceeded to make us shut up and eat our crow. White is a very strong reason why Matt “Matty Ice” Ryan will win the Offensive Rookie Of The Year from the Associated Press. White made some athletic catches when it most mattered and did some good blocking to the outside for Norwood as well. Matt Ryan and Roddy White will be a connection to hear about for years to come? Manning/Harrison 2.0?

LT: Chris Samuels, WAS
I know that Samuels didn't finish the season, but for the 12 Games that he did play there wasn't a more complete Left Tackle than Samuels. Chris Samuels was rock solid, allowing just 3 Sacks going into his game vs. Baltimore. But, like always, Samuels was a pure mauler in the run game, helping to clear Clinton Portis for over 5 YPC on carries that went Left Off-Tackle. It is no coincidence that, once Samuels went down, Clinton Portis' production and time went down. It would seem that Chris Samuels' is Clinton Portis' crutch.

LG: Rich Seubert, NYG
This just in... That guy across from Chris Snee isn't so bad. Heck it is rare that you see somebody make a comment about Rich Seubert. It's usually Diehl, Snee and O'Hara getting praise, and McKenzie getting chastized. But Seubert isn't half bad. I mean, if you want to see then take a look at the Week 16 matchup against the Panthers when it was him doing most of the pulling duties instead of Chris Snee to free Derrick Ward. The 5 Touchdowns to that side don't hurt his case either, nor do the mere 3 Sacks allowed.

C: Olin Kreutz, CHI
Olin Kreutz? Olin Kreutz? Yeah. Suprises me too. It was only last season in which Olin Kreutz was proven to need a top 10 HalfBack to bolster his numbers up the gut, and even to protect his pass blocking numbers. And while Forte isn't a top 10 HalfBack he will be one day, so I yield the benefit of the doubt to Kreutz. Kreutz had an excellent pass blocking season offering up 0 Sacks on the season going into Week 17. Matt Forte, however, despite not being the biggest HalfBack went for 271 Yards and 3 TDs on 4.8 YPC up the gut.

RG: Mike Brisiel, HOU
Speaking of Rookie HalfBacks that experienced success running between the Tackles, what about Steve Slaton? Boy did he show up late in the season. Steve Slaton averages 4.8 Yards Per Carry, however, most of that comes running Off-Tackle. However, there is one run type between the Tackles that Slaton has experienced success with. Guard-Trap Right which was run 75 Times for 438 Yards, 19 First Downs and 3 Touchdowns. Brisiel also did decent for the Texans vaunted passing game, only allowing 2 Sacks on the season. He didn’t play up to his numbers, however.

RT: Damien Woody, NYJ
It should be noted that Brandon Moore made the second team due to Woody's ability to attack in the run game at the second level. Woody isn't on here because of his passing ability. Nor is he on here because of an ability to not get penalties like much of the others listed. Nope. Woody is on here because his play, when watching film on the Jets, stands out. I don't think I saw another Lineman get out to the 2nd level like Woody did all season. It's the reason Thomas Jones had so much success running Right. Heck, even on Jones' Denver run Woody never gave up blocking until Jones reached the endzone.

RDE: Robert Mathis, IND
No Bob Sanders? No problem. Because, like every year, two or three Defenisve players on the Colts Defense steps it up and makes the entire Defense look better than it is. Robert Mathis is vastly underrated and continues to post high Sack totals, but this season he decided to step it up. Mathis racked up double digit Sack totals, as well as was a force in forcing fumbles. He also had 4 Stuffs and he produced 4 multiple-sack games. His 3 Passes Defensed aren't too shabby either. His numbers, minus the sacks, are virtually identical to Second Team All-Pro player Julius Peppers.

LDE: Aaron Smith, PIT
If Aaron Smith didn't prove how gosh darn good he is last season, than this year should have been no question. Casey Hampton and Brett Keisel both missed numerous games at the Nose Tackle and Right Defensive End position. That is 66% of the Defensive Line for the Steelers. Despite missing that time, over the games in which those guys did not play, the Steelers Run Defense was still ranked first until their eventual falling from that position. This is because Smith held down the point of attack and prevented teams from running for large totals. He also threw in 5.5 Sacks, 3 Stuffs, 4 PD and 60 Tackles for god measure.

RDT: Tommie Harris, CHI
Tommie Harris almost didn't make this team. I had to do some thorough research before including him. But Harris had 11 plays behind the Line of Scrimmage with 5 sacks and 6 Stuffs. Tommie Harris and Dusty Dvoracek combined to help the Bears form the 4th best Rush Defense Unit in the NFL. Harris didn't exactly have an incredibly strong season, but he and Dvoracek both had good seasons that, when combined were one of the better seasons in the NFL.

LDT: Kris Jenkins, NYJ
Everyone knows about Kris Jenkins' season by now. Personally I think that it's a little overblown. I will vouche that he certainly had an impact, but I do not believe the difference between last year's defense and this years is solely on the shoulders of Jenkins. However, Jenkins was dominant at the point of attack. Ask the New England interior Offensive Linemen if you don't believe me. Jenkins posted what is, statistically; his 3rd best season and did so in adjusting to a new technique and new position. Next season he could very well push for the league's best NT position.

LOLB: LaMarr Woodley, PIT
Numerous "Breakout Player" threads were created around NFL forums and LaMarr Woodley's name was found in almost all of them. People knew that Woodley would be a stout pass rusher, but many didn't know he would end up posting some of the better numbers in the NFL. Woodley managed to cool down towards the end of the season, but still provided some pressure. Woodley was also pretty good in coverage when asked to perform the duty, such as covering Terrell Owens in zone coverage on a 3rd down pass. Woodley was an integral part on the Steelers D.

MLB: Jon Beason, CAR
Jon Beason is a great LineBacker. He's going to be something special. And for his entire career he will be compared to Patrick Willis which is going to be interesting as they're both very good Middle LineBackers. Beason is the Middle LineBacker, and unquestioned leader, on a Defense that was top 10 in numerous statistics at various points. At one point in the late season the Panthers were 3rd in Scoring Defense, 3rd in Rush Defense and were amongst the top defensive units. You can bet your bottom dollar this guy had a lot to do with it.

ROLB: Chad Greenway, MIN
Is the 4-3 Outside LineBacker position dead? I mean except for Greenway and Briggs there weren't too many decent seasons out there. Greeway secretly had himself a nice little season and did much more than make a simple tackle here or there. Greenway managed to produce over 100 Tackles as well as an impressive 5.5 Sacks and 7 Stuffs as well as 3 Forced Fumbles and 5 Passes Defensed. When Jared Allen was having his struggles earlier in the season it was Greenway who picked up the slack. His 16 Tackle game vs. Tampa Bay was probably the best Defensive game of any player all season.

LCB: Charles Woodson, GNB
Charles Woodson looked poised to repeat his first team success of last season early on in the season. He wasn't allowing completions and when he was being thrown at he was picking it off and taking it back for a Touchdown. However, members of the Packers' secondary started to get injured, as did members of other units on the Defense and Woodson's numbers started to fall. Sure, Woodson still had a top 5 season, but because of his eventual downfall in games such as the Carolina and Houston games, he dropped down to the 3rd team.

RCB: Ike Taylor, PIT
How good is the CornerBack position in the NFL when Ike Taylor has his best season and only manages to pull in a 3rd Team All-Pro spot? Tracking Taylor all season long, I had him allowing somewhere around 450 Yards through the air and 2 Touchdowns going into Week 17. Taylor was matched up against the likes of Randy Moss, Braylon Edwards, Terrell Owens, Andre Johnson, Derrick Mason, Reggie Wayne and more and did one heck of a job. Unfortunately Taylor had a string of 4 games in which he as only thrown at five times.

SS: Chris Hope, TEN
You know that your secondary is good when 75% of it is worthy of All-Pro consideration. Chris Hope has been elite Safety ever since the 2004 season, but it is just now that everyone knows how good he is due to his large game on Monday Night Football. Hope is a versatile Safety that has the range enough to play a Cover 3 Free Safety and the hard hitting ability to play a Strong Safety in any system around. You can believe that Hope's tutorship is a large reason as to why Griffin had such a strong season.

FS: Nick Collins, GNB
Do many people even know who Nick Collins is? I mean, coming into this season, I knew him as nothing more than that Safety with 4.2 Speed and nothing else. Combine Well, he most certainly actualized his speed, and maybe his talent. I found it funny that, towards the end of the year, people started naming Ed Reed as a Defensive Player Of The Year candidate because he had a few good games against Philly and Washington when Collins went untalked about despite already posting superior numbers by Week 10. He still has superior numbers with 7 Interceptions (only 1 gift wrapped to him), 15 PDs, 72 Tackles, 1 Stuff, 1 Forced Fumble and 3 Touchdowns.

HM: Patrick Willis, SNF
London Fletcher, WAS
Karlos Dansby, ARI
HM: Corey Webster, NYG
Darelle Revis, NYJ
HM: D'Brickashaw Ferguson, NYJ
HM: Thomas Davis, CAR
Lance Briggs, CHI
HM: Alan Faneca, NYJ
Kris Dielman, SDG
HM: Mike Patterson, PHI
HM: Mario Williams, HOU
HM: Brian Dawkins, PHI
HM: Greg Jennings

2nd Annual NFL's 80 Most Impactful Players

2008-06-17T16:22:00.005-05:00

80. Greg Jones, FullBack, JAX
Impact: Multi-Facted FullBack That Not Only Leads to Scoring, But Does Some Himself
Argument: Greg Jones is someone that I drastically underrated over the last couple of seasons by refusing to realize how truly good he is. Jones makes Jacksonville’s Backfield the best in the NFL based on it having three quality guys back there. Greg Jones can run with the ball, catch it, or simply plow guys over for Taylor and MJD to work with the ball. He raised MJD’s YPC by a whole .4 of a Yard and raised Taylor’s YPC a whole .9 Yards. That wasn’t even his most impressive accomplishment or impact last season. Jones was throwing key blocks on 13 of the duo’s 14 Touchdowns. Greg Jones, however, isn’t just a blocking FullBack. Jones, somewhat of a converted HalfBack until Jones-Drew arrived to down, is a capable runner, running for 9 Touchdowns and catching another 2 In his 3 last complete seasons. Jones is one of the few offensive players on this list that contribute to helping the scoring, and does it themselves. Jaguars fans, sorry that I ever doubted how good he actually was.

79. Mike Sellers, FullBack, WAS
Impact: Multi-Facted FullBack That Not Only Leads to Scoring, But Does Some Himself
Argument: Mike Sellers and Greg Jones are almost virtually identical except for that Sellers doesn’t have as much talent in the backfield or on the offensive line. With Mike Sellers in, Clinton Portis’ YPC rose by an entire Yard. Portis and Betts ran for a staggering 8 Touchdowns with Sellers throwing a key block of some sort on the play in 2007 and another staggering 8 Touchdowns in 2006. Over the past three seasons Sellers has caught 9 Receiving Touchdowns and ran for an additional 3 Rushing Touchdowns. Sellers was involved in, or brought about 28 of the Redskins’ TDs in the past three years. Sellers provides a FullBack that can touch the ball 28 times a season and takes it into the Endzone once every 7 touches. Mike Sellers isn’t my kind of FullBack (a traditional one), but there is a clear impact on the Skins offense when he gets in and he should be a security blanket for Portis and Campbell in the Passing and Running game for years to come

78. Brandon Marshall, Wide Receiver, DEN
Impact: Frequent Target For Young QB/Is The Wide Receiver Corp/Yards After Catch
Argument: I don’t think Marshall is as good as he is on paper, but I cannot deny that he IS the Broncos passing game. Not only is this replicated in terms of Yards that he produced on the field, but in terms of times he was thrown at. Brandon Marshall was thrown at a league leading 170 times. By comparison, the three next leading Targets for the Broncos were only thrown at 186 times total. Marshall accounted for 36% of Jay Cutler’s attempted passes. By comparison, Randy Moss, whom many thought was frequently Targeted in New England, only accounted for 27.5% of Tom Brady’s attempts. Essentially, what this means is that Marshall provided a reliable Target that merited more consideration in comparison to his teammates at Wide Receiver than all other Wide Receivers in the NFL . Reaffirming his ability after the catch, Marshall also managed to provide 36 of his 70 First Downs making a reception before the marker. That’s impact for you.

77. Tanard Jackson, Free Safety, TAM
Impact: Helped Resurrect Tampa Bay’s Vaunted Tampa 2 Defense.
Argument: I remember watching the NFL Network and them doing a 2007 Class Re-Draft at some point and seeing this guy’s name come up 7th overall. I said “who?!” I proceeded to look him up and they didn’t lie. Jackson almost single-handedly revived the Buccaneers’ Tampa 2 Defense. He contributed to both the pass and run Defense, and the Defense began to resemble the Buc Defenses of yesteryear. He was stout in coverage seeing few passes come his way, and when he did, he hit like a truck (ask Dallas Clark). He was good against the run in contributing 15 tackles against it in the box, plus an additional 8 against runs over 10 Yards. But Jackson’s impact is probably best witnessed in the Bucs’ Wildcard game against the Giants. Manning dinked and dunked 9-of-12 for 78 Yards and a TD on a 5-Yard screen pass to Jacobs prior to Jackson going down with a knee injury in the 2nd. The Giants then moved downfield. Jacobs immediately ran for a TD where the missing Jackson wasn’t, and Manning went 11/15 for 107 Yards.

76. TJ Houshmandzadeh, Wide Receiver, CIN
Impact: Gives Carson Palmer A Consistent Target In A Pass Heavy Offense.
Argument: Chad Johnson may be the flashy receiver. He may be the deep threat receiver. He may be the one that compile 1,300+ Receiving Yards annually… But TJ Houshmandzadeh is the cog in the WR Corp that provides something neither Chris Henry or Chad Johnson provided. Consistency. In 75% of his games Houshmandzadeh was Targeted eight times or more. He also provided the only reliable 3rd down receiver for Carson Palmer and was incredibly efficient in doing so; Targeted 44 times for 32 Receptions for 27 First Downs (which lead the league for 3rd Down Converting Receptions), 343 Yards and 2 Touchdowns, Houshmandazadeh was the key component of that Offense to keep the chains moving. Against the Blitz Housh was no slouch either. Bringing in 33 Receptions on 47 Targets for 351 Yards(123 After The Catch) and 5 Touchdowns. What makes this so impressive is that it wasn’t compiled in the slot or with a TD machine across from him. It was in 2 WR sets making moves for himself. When you’re targeted more than the #1 you’re doing something right.

75. Jason Peters, Left Tackle, BUF
Impact: A Young LT Who, When Fully Integrated Into The Offense, Can Be Effective
Argument: I’m going to give Peters the benefit of the doubt last season given the Right Side of the Line couldn’t run block at all. However, Peters did his job only Allowing 6 Sacks on the Season, as well as a very minimal 1 Hold. His 5 False Starts are disheartening, but knowing that a team who’s two QuarterBacks are both relatively young have a solid Left Tackle is an impact in and of itself. Peters also surrendered 0 Sacks over 9 Games at the Left Tackle position when transitioning to it in 2006 as well as was a key component as the Lead Block in two of Willis McGahee’s 2 Touchdowns. Though Peters took a small step back last season, knowing that you have a young and athletic Left Tackle that has allowed 6 Sacks over 25 games at the LT Position has got to have Coach - Jauron foaming at the mouth. If Peters can work with Marshawn Lynch to try and get more integrated into the run game then Jason Peters can very will become a top 5 Left Tackle, and being a top 5 Left Tackle is an impact all on it’s own.

74. Antoine Bethea, Free Safety, IND
Impact: Allows Bob Sanders To Do What He Does…
Argument: Everybody hinges on the notion that Bob Sanders “Makes the Colts Defense” by stopping the run. Let me just say that the only reason Sanders was capable of compiling 48 Tackles in the box last season is because of how well Bethea plays. Bethea has great range and is capable of covering the entire Deep 3rd of the Field. Bethea made plays 10,20 and 30+ Yards Downfield in the passing game, including 2 Interceptions on passes thrown over 10 Yards and another on a pass thrown over 30 Yards. However, Bethea is not just a one-dimensional pony. Bethea might be the actual “Eraser” of the Colts’ defense providing 11 Total Tackles against Runs that managed to get past both the Front 7 as well as Bob Sanders, thus making him the last line of defense. Additionally, while they might not have been Bob Sanders’ 48 Tackles in the Box, Bethea provided 25 Tackles In the Box Against The Run and was capable of reading the QB to stop receivers from getting Yards After The Catch. His 4 Interceptions, in addition to everything just stated, makes me think that Bethea deserves the title of “The Eraser”

73. Justin Tuck, Defensive Tackle/End, NYG
Impact: Ability To Play Defensive Tackle And Defensive End Effectively
Argument: With Michael Strahan’s retirement announced today Tuck’s impact is partially gone given that he’ll be starting next year. However, that doesn’t negate what he did last season, nor what he has the potential to do next season. Tuck saw situational spot duty last season that allowed Umenyiora and Strahan to see the bench to regain their stamina. Every team in the NFL does this, however, Tuck gave the Giants something that no other team had; A Reserve that gives you production equal to the Starter. Tuck provided a very good 48 Total Tackles against the Run from both positions and an additional 8 Stuffs. Tuck also produced 10 Sacks in his situational duty and didn’t need a lot of blitz situations to gain his Sacks. Tuck was arguably the most effective Giants Defensive Lineman because of his ability to make plays on the Right Side, Left Side and Middle of the Defensive Line. If Tuck can learn to make more plays vs. the run from the Defensive End position than the Giants defense isn’t in trouble next season all because of his impact.

72. Brad Butler, Right Guard, BUF
Impact: Most Productive Blocker For Bills’ Franchise Cornerstone Marshawn Lynch And The Offense in General
Argument: You might have heard me pumping up this guy all off-season, and while I may have gone a little overboard (I mean he needs to do it again), he’s worthy of a lot of the praise. Last week I sat down and watched extensive footage of Marshawn Lynch making sure to focus on Butler who was either blowing his man off the ball or getting blown back. There was no middle ground. The thing was even when he got blown back there were huge holes that were opening up for Lynch to run through. Running behind the left side Lynch was ineffective, and excluding a 56 Yard Touchdown he didn’t do well off Right Tackle too. However, Lynch was saved by Butler who led Lynch to a 5.1 Average behind him, as well as 3 Touchdowns. Not to mention 43% of Lynch’s First Downs. Overall, Butler accounted for around 33% of the Bills’ ground game’s first down, regardless of the aforementioned blocking method used to get it. That’s impact. If Butler can replicate last season he’ll be back, trust me.

71. Terence Newman, CornerBack, DAL
Impact: Consistent Great Coverage That When Present Makes The Entire Cowboys’ Secondary Better
Argument: For CornerBacks it is much harder to explain their impact on the field without metrics being available from the all three of the major parties until Late July/Early August. However, there are an elite few who’s play on the field is noticeable enough to get them on the list. Sure, Newman took away half the field in his 2005 Season where he didn’t allow a Receiver to reach the endzone and only allowed 30-some-odd completions. There is also his 2006 Season where he was beat for 3 Touchdowns, but only when playing in the disadvantaged slot. But Newman has been a mark of consistency at the CornerBack position for the past 3 seasons, especially when it comes to playing against Number 1 Wide Receivers/Flankers. In missing his first games since entering the league due to injury Newman showed how important he was. Without him the opposition presented a 93.71 QB Rating. With Newman in the lineup? A 70.2 QB Rating. Newman makes it hard to throw against him even though he’s on an island and is great near the LoS in coverage.

70. Luis Castillo, 3-4 Defensive End, SDG
Impact: 9 Less Yards Rushing Allowed Per Game/Record Preventer
Argument: I’ve been saying it for years that Aaron Smith and Luis Castillo were both vastly underrated and right behind Richard Seymour in skill. I think that last year, through missing time, both of them proved that they might actually be better. The difference in the Run Defense, on paper, with Castillo out isn’t truly indicative of how great a run defender he was last season, but they still show something. The Chargers allowed 1296 Rushing Yards in the 12.5 games that Castillo played (103 Yards Per Game) where as they allowed 728 over the 6.5 that he didn’t play (112 Yards Per Game). Additionally, Castillo contributed 27 of his 32 tackles against the run and a stuff. His impact is probably best witnessed in the Week 9 contest between the Chargers and Vikings though in which Adrian Peterson set a Single Game Rushing Record. However, in the first half, before Castillo went down Peterson only ran for 60 Yards and 1 TD on 15 carries. Without Castillo in he rattled off 230 Yards and 2 TD on 15 carries.

69. Adalius Thomas, 3-4 Outside LineBacker, NWE
Impact: Most Versatile 3-4 OLB in the NFL
Argument: Last season we expected Adalius Thomas to go to New York and be the most versatile Outside LineBacker in the NFL, 3-4 or otherwise. Unfortunately Bill Bellichick didn’t use him the way we thought he was going to be use. Sure he was brought in on blitzes and accumulated 6.5 Sacks, but what showcased his versatility and overall impact were his coverage abilities. Last season Thomas’ ability to play coverage was integral given that the other LineBackers on the team were respectively old and relegated to either pass rushing or defending the run. Thomas made plays on both the Left Side of the field and the Right Side. He was used at both Outside LineBacker positions and his ability to play both sides allowed Vrabel to line up on both sides and compile his 12.5 Sacks. Thomas also brought an amazing understanding of the game, realizing when to break off of his coverage and go after the QB to gain 3 of his 6.5 Sacks. Thomas was also stout vs. the run providing 41 Tackles against it and just set the tone from Week 2 on when he picked off Rivers and housed it 65 Yards.

68. Aaron Smith, 3-4 Defensive End, PIT
Impact: 60 Less Yards Rushing Allowed Per Game.
Argument: I’ve been saying it for years that Aaron Smith and Luis Castillo were both vastly underrated and right behind Richard Seymour in skill. I think that last year, through missing time, both of them proved that they might actually be better. It was through being absent that Aaron Smith showed his worth that went unnoticed by most of the nation. Smith contributed 27 of his 31 tackles against the run and 1.5 stuffs. Prior to Smith going down with a torn biceps, the Steelers Defense was undoubtedly the best in the NFL. They were 1st against both the pass and the run only allowing 794 Yards on the ground over 11 games (72 Yards Per Game). However, in the six games that the Steelers were to play without Smith last season, they surrendered 779 Yards against the rush, or 130 Yards Rushing per game. That is nearly a 60 Rushing Yards per game difference. Additionally, the Steelers allowed only 8 rushing Touchdowns on the season. Only 2 came with Smith in the lineup.

67. Wes Welker, Slot Receiver, NWE
Impact: Chain Mover For Most Prolific Offense In NFL History/Best 3rd Down Wideout in NFL History?
Argument: The fact that he is listed as “Slot Receiver” as opposed to “Wideout” should let you know why he is here. It’s easy to say “Wow, Wes Welker is amazing on 3rd down” after watching him go for 2 or 3 first downs on 3rd and whatever. It’s another thing to look it up and realize just how amazing Mr. Welker was. Yes, “Mr.” Welker. Sure, Randy Moss caught most of the TD Passes, contributed the most Receiving Yards and just set records, but Wes Wekler was just about as impressive, and while I’m not sure, I’d wager his 3rd down and Blitz efficiency numbers would be NFL Records. How efficient was he? He went an amazing 26 Receptions on 35 Targets on 3rd down for 22 First Downs, 314 Yards and 4 Touchdowns. Additionally, against the Blitz, Welker produced an outstanding 43 Receptions on 59 Targets for 25 First Downs, 473 Yards and 2 Touchdowns. That is coming up big when needed. He accounted for 24% of Brady’s Yards, 16% of his scores and 27% of his first down also coming up big in those aspects. Maybe Brady should’ve thrown to Welker at the end of the Super Bowl?

66. Reggie Wayne, Wide Receiver, IND
Impact: The Future Of The Passing Game In Indy aka The Next Marvin Harrison
Argument: Marvin Harrison went down with a knee injury last season and many, myself included, thought that, while talented Reggie Wayne was no Marvin Harrison. Well, at least last year, Wayne showed the doubters wrong and is primed to become the Colts Flanker as opposed to Split End this upcoming season. Being Peyton Manning’s Flanker in and of itself is probably an impactful position, but being able to do it and put up 1,500 Yards and 10 Touchdowns is another. Wayne, though it’s a little too late given Peyton is in the latter half of his career, is developing the understanding that Harrison and Manning have that made Harrison top 10 overall on the list last year. Wayne provides the same options that Harrison provided(including the hands like glue, ability to make ridiculously athletic catches and the ability to be clutch on 3rd Down), however provides that is going to be able to work with a receiving cast that, opposite of him, isn’t exactly the best. Wayne’s ability to replace Harrison is such a large impact that I don’t think many understand.

65. Torry Holt, Wide Receiver, STL
Impact: A Guaranteed 1,180 Yards A Season
Argument: Torry Holt has to be the Wide Receiver that any QuarterBack in the NFL would want first. That doesn’t make him the most impactful though. Holt, however, provides a guaranteed 1,180 yards a season, regardless of whomever is at QuarterBack. Additional to these almost autonomous 1,180 yards is the fact that Holt is a lock for at least 14 Receptions over 20 Yards and at least 2 Receptions over 40 Yards when healthy and a resulting 60+ First Downs. Holt may not be the biggest game changing Receiver, nor is he the most explosive, however his top 3 set of hands and precise route running abilities are only rivaled by Marvin Harrison. The key difference, however, is that Holt is still playing consistently despite his knee injury. Torry Holt is the prototypical Elite NFL Wide Receiver, and does so without being a distraction to his team at any point. He lives up to his nickname of “Big Game” and will make any QuarterBack that plays with him a threat.

64. Antonio Cromartie, CornerBack, SDG
Impact: Turnover/Return Machine
Argument: First let me begin by stating that a CornerBack should not be judged, at least in terms of how great they are overall by Interceptions. With that said, you cannot ignore the impact of a turnover; regardless of how it comes about. Cromartie may not be the best coverage Corner or well-rounded Corner or even the best Corner on his team, but his counterpart will never have the impact of a Cromartie. Whether he makes the play himself or the ball is a part of a tip-drill, if it touches Cromartie’s fingertips it is going the other way. The Chargers had 8 Defensive and Return Touchdowns. Cromartie, single-handedly was responsible for 37% of them. He had an amazing 144 Return Yards from his interceptions and an additional 109 on his game-changing return that lead to Halftime in Week 9 against the Vikings. His impact is probably best shown in that Cromartie has quickly become a Rover-like player for the Defense either playing zone coverage or serving as an extra Safety who simply watches the QBs eyes. No other Corner is allowed to do that.

63. Maurice Jones-Drew, HalfBack/Kick Returner, JAX
Impact: Only Three-Headed Threat In The NFL
Argument: Sure, there are players in the league that catch for good Yardage and TDs. There are players that run for good Yardage and and TDs. There are even some that combine these two. Not to mention there are players who return kicks for good Yards and score. But nobody else in the league does all three and well. Maurice Jones-Drew’s impact is in that he gives the Jags something that no one else has and is their key cog. With all due respect to Fred Taylor, without MJD the Jags’ team as a whole would not be the same in 2/3rds of the game. Jones-Drew put up 2,237 All-Purpose Yards as a rookie and an additional 1,987 All-Purpose Yards as a second-year player. He’s also added an additional 26 All-Purpose TDs for the Jags in that span. This means that since entering the league Jones-Drew is responsible for 31% of the Yardage in the three aspects of the game he plays in, as well as 30% of the scoring for a team that has an impressive 88 Offensive/Special Teams TDs in he past two seasons. Not to mention he has 130 career First downs. 57 have come on 3rd down.

62. Julian Peterson, Outside LineBacker, SEA
Impact: Most Versatile 4-3 OLB in the NFL
Argument: Julian Peterson is an amazing player. It’s shocking that the NFC West would really have let him come to Seattle with Lofa Tatupu to form a unanimously top 5 LineBacking Corp based on having these two alone. By having Julian Peterson on your Defense you’re guaranteed a defender that can play the pass, defend the run, and rush the passer. Julian Peterson is the most consistant 4-3 OLB in terms of getting to the QuarterBack and continues this trend with his 9.5 Sacks last season. However, Peterson’s consistent abilities in coverage are unrivaled by any other 4-3 Outside LineBacker as he brought in 2 Direct Coverage Interceptions last season. He was capable of defending the pass at 3 Levels, At the Line of Scrimmage (where he got an Interception), In the Box and upwards to 20 Yards Downfield. He also gets at the run as evidenced by his 37 Tackles Against The Run and 4 Stuffs. Essentially having Peterson guarantees a versatile player who will provide 6 Sacks, 4 Stuffs, 6 Passes Defensed, and an Interception when healthy.

61. Marques Colston, Wide Receiver, NWO
Impact: 2nd Most Important Cog In Saints’ Offense
Argument: There were two high-profile, at least entering Mini-Camp, rookies from the Saints’ 2006 Draft Class that coach Sean Payton knew would make immediate impact. While both were impressive as rookies, only one has returned for an impactful 2007 season. Marques Colston played in limited games as a rookie due to injury and provided a rookie leading 1,000+ Yards, 70 Receptions and 8 Touchdowns and probably should’ve won the Rookie Of The Year Award. As if not to be outdone by the two individuals who garnered more votes, Colston proceeded to out produce his Rookie season as the other two guys’ numbers regressed. It’s no secret that Colston makes that offense tick, especially the WR Corp which isn’t exactly filled with great players. Colston nearly posted 100 Receptions as well as 1,200 Yards and 11 Touchdowns all amongst the top of the league. Colston provided a ridiculous 403 YAC. However, Colston’s most impressive feats were his ability to be efficient on 3rd Down against the Blitz. Against the Blitz Colston Caught 32 of 45 Balls for 360 Yards, 6 Touchdowns and 24 First Downs. On 4rd Down he Caught 21 of 32 Targets for 285 Yards, 4 TDs and 18 First Downs. Without him and his great hands the Saints O isn’t the same.

60. Donovan McNabb, QuarterBack, PHI
Impact: However He Plays Is How The Eagles Play…
Argument: Let me just say that the argument from last year still stands. The four years that he completed a season he was responsible for 75%,74%,71% and 72% of the Eagles Offense respectively and all except for one without a great Wideout. That is impact. However, last season proved that however good or bad McNabb plays is however good or bad the Eagles play. While “Mr. Do-It-All” Brian Westbrook was the MVP of the Eagles last season, McNabb was very important to their success. As McNabb started the season slow, so did the Eagles (a 2-4 Record to be exact). However, as McNabb began to resemble the McNabb of old prior to the Sports Hernia, the Eagles began to resemble the Eagles team that had won the Division 4 out of 5 Seasons. When McNabb posted a QB Rating of 85.0 or better the Eagles were 6-0. In the games where he posted a lower QB Rating than that they were 1-6. That is one strong correlation between the QB’s play and the team’s success.

59. Eric Steinbach, Left Guard, CLE
Impact: Arguably The Most Well-Balanced Guard In the League Since 2004.
Argument: Everybody likes to talk about how Joe Thomas only had “x amount of Sacks Allowed” but I can guarantee you that the number would’ve risen exponentially had Thomas not had an excellent Guard in Eric Steinbach next to him. Eric Steinbach, while having given up 13.25 Sacks since 2004, is much better than that number indicates. Steinbach was in Cincinnati from 2004 to 2006 where being an effective Pass Blocker was very important for that Offense to succeed. While he wasn’t the best Run-Blocking Guard in Cincinnati, Steinbach wasn’t exactly a bad Run Blocker. In those 3 years in Cincinnati Steinbach was a lead block for 1,213 Yards and 4 Touchdowns for Rudi Johnson. Last season, when having a good HalfBack behind him Steinbach was a lead block for 627 Yards on a 5.2 YPC average and 5 Touchdowns. Steinbach has been an incredibly important part in two teams over the past four years, both of which relied on good Pass Blocking with a combination of good Run Blocking as well. Steinbach delivered, and if last year is any indication, continuing to work side-by-side with Joe Thomas will allow him to flourish into a top 3 overall Guard.

58. Jason Witten, Tight End, DAL
Impact: Cowboys’ Offense Most Reliable & Consistant Target
Argument: While Owens makes the Cowboys Offense you can bet everything that you own that the Offense wouldn’t move without Witten. Making a comparison to a historical counterpart Owens is the Lynn Swann of the Cowboys Offense while Witten is the John Stallworth. Sure Owens is the flashy, famous and memorable of the two, but Witten is the consistent, reliable and hardnosed one. Jason Witten and T.O were both targeted 45 times against the Blitz and Witten was the superior of the two. He hauled in 32 Receptions to Owens’ 25 against the Blitz and provided 409 Yards to Owens’ 408 and 2 Touchdowns and 21 First Downs too. While Owens’ numbers while the Boys are Losing pail in comparison to his numbers while they’re Winning, Jason Witten’s numbers are vice-versa. While the Cowboys were losing or tied Witten caught 69 Receptions for 761 Yards, 3 Touchdowns and 39 First Downs compared to 27 Receptions, 384 Yards, 4 TDs and 17 First Downs while Winning. Witten keeps them in the game while not winning, and then puts the points on the board when they’re ahead to ice it.

57. Patrick Willis, Inside LineBacker, SNF
Impact: A True Sideline-to-Sideline LineBackers/Tackling Phenom/Game Changer
Argument: Let me start by stating that there are only three true dominant “Sideline-to-Sideline” LineBackers in the NFL, Jonathan Vilma, Nick Barnett and Patrick Willis. The term is thrown around too leisurely because few players actually make Tackles far away from the hashes, let alone makes actual big plays. Patrick Willis was an imposing force for a 49ers Defense was much better in real life than it was on paper. Willis totaled 107 Tackles Against HalfBacks in the Box, a number that is unrivaled in comparison to the rest of the Middle LineBackers in the NFL and did so as a 3-4 Inside LineBacker and 67(62%) of them came within 3 Yards of the Line of Scrimmage. Despite such a high total tackle number, Willis managed to fall just short of the elite guys in terms of percentage of tackles within 3 Yards despite them having much less tackles. While Willis doesn’t quite have what I would deem even average coverage abilities, he makes up for them by totaling 41 of his 173 tackles, a ridiculous 23%, along the sidelines. If Willis can become even decent in coverage you might see him job way up on this list.

56. Shawne Merriman, 3-4 Outside LineBacker, SDG
Impact: A Dominant Sack Machine
Argument: Say what you want about Shawn Merriman (He’s a cheater, He’s one-dimensional, He was inconsistent last year), but Shawne Merriman is a dominant Sack Machine that is possibly unrivaled in the NFL In his 3 NFL Seasons Merriman has Brought Down the QuarterBack 39.5 times for an average of 13 Sacks a season. He also averages 2.67 Forced Fumbles a season on those amazingly hard hits on the QuarterBack. Because Merriman is always charging the Line of Scrimmage he must always be accommodated for by the QuarterBack before the snap otherwise the Offense is taking a loss of yards. Merriman’s ability to crash the Line of Scrimmage also makes him somewhat of a force against the Run as well. However, where Merriman’s biggest impact lies is in that, while his sacks may seem inconsistent because they don’t happen over strings of games, they’re game changing. Out of the 23 games in which Merriman has recorded a Sack, 12 of them were Multi-Sack ones. So while Merriman may go strings of games without a sack, when he does get one it’s only a taste of blood and he’s probably coming back for more, which instills fears in the QB.

55. Bob Sanders, Strong Safety, IND
Impact: Slowly Redefining The Way That The Cover Two Is Played.
Argument: There seems to be two sides of the spectrum to Bob Sanders. Some think he’s overrated while others think he’s the best thing since sliced bread. I happen to be of the former constituate. However, that doesn’t mean he isn’t making an impact, and I don’t mean in that over-exaggerated ESPN-esque “He is the Colts Defense” aspect. I mean that Bob Sanders, while not exactly a Hybrid Safety, is conducting something similar. He’s redefining the way that a Cover-2 Safety plays Defense. We all know the premise of a Cover 2/Tampa 2 Safety, both Free and Strong, having expanded coverage duties. Perhaps this is why the six other guys at SS in a Cover 2 last season only averaged 33 tackles in the box against the run, where as Sanders provided 48. This is just part of the mounting evidence that Sanders is changing Tony Dungy’s Tampa 2 into something resembling a Cover 3 Shell regularly, where he plays shallow and Bethea has expanded coverage duties. He’s literally changed that Defense to fit him. Word has it the Colts are going to blitz more often next year too. You can bet he has a bit to do with it.

54. Chris Snee, Right Guard, NYG
Impact: Most Productive Blocker For Eventual Super Bowl Champ Giants.
Argument: Remember what I said about Brad Butler earlier? While Chris Snee might’ve had other competent blockers around him, he still produced very similar to Butler. Snee opened up holes for the bevy of HalfBacks that lined up for the New York “Football” Giants this season. The Giants employed a heavy dosage of Brandon Jacobs, Reuben Droughns, Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw. These men rushed for 14 rushing touchdowns last season. Chris Snee was the Lead Block on 7 of those touchdowns. In other words, 50% of their scoring on the ground, all while only holding once. It is safe to say that Chris Snee had a favorable effect in the run game for the Giants. He wasn’t a slouch in pass protection either, only affording 1.5 Sacks on the season. Without this run game to power them through the regular season, the Giants very well might not have made it to the post-season, let alone won it all in the greatest recent game that I can remember.

53. Antonio Gates, Tight End, SDG
Impact: Chargers Only Great Receiving Threat And Promises 900 Yards and 9 TDs….
Argument: The value of 900 Yards and 9 Touchdowns a season from a Tight End is incredibly big. When you also figure in the fact that that Tight End is the primary receiving threat on their respective offense because the Wide Receivers aren’t exactly great, than you begin to realize that, while Gates isn’t the most important piece of the Chargers Offense, he’s very important. Truthfully, if Gates could block as well as the rest of the “Elite Four” at the Tight End position he’d probably be a lot higher than he is right now. However, what he has that the others doesn’t is unrivaled athleticism that places him on this list. Gates’ athleticism allows him to stretch the field vertically from the Tight End position! That’s ridiculous. Gates is the only Tight End targeted over 40 Yards downfield multiple times a season. The only time he wasn’t, 2005, he was targeted numerous times 30+ yards downfield, hence his abnormally high for a TE Average of 13.1 YPC. Perhaps best about Gates is that he is at his best on third downs, and it’s not because he’s trying harder, he just has a natural ability for producing on 3rd down.

52. Tommie Harris, Defensive Tackle, CHI
Impact: Dominant Pass Rushing Defensive Tackle
Argument: Harris is a freak of nature the likes of which hasn't been seen before. It's often you hear about Defensive Ends who collapse the pocket on QuarterBacks consistantly, but rarely do you hear it about Defensive Tackles. Ask any Bears fan and they'll tell you that Harris is the biggest component of their defense because his ability to get through the gap forces the QB to makes quick decisions, as well as gives Lance Briggs and Brian Urlachers holes to walk through for Sacks and Stuffs. When Harris wasn't playing in 06' the Bears Defense was clearly not as good as it was with him in the lineup. The argument that people make for Urlacher in regards to his making players around him better, unlike Urlacher, might be an actuality for Harris. He contributed 25 Total Tackles Against The Run as well as 3 Stuffs. In his strong suit, pass rushing, he contributed 8 Sacks, and did all of this with two major lower leg injuries that included knee problems and a strained hamstring. Harris is the only DT I know that can force a QB the opposite direction, chase them down, and still get the sack.

51. Vince Wilfork, 3-4 Nose Tackle, NWE
Impact: Most Important Cog In The Patriots Ability To Blitz And Stop The Run
Argument: Vince Wilfork is arguably the best 3-4 Nose Tackle in the NFL, though I give that honor to Casey Hampton, but there is no denying that he has the biggest upside of them all. You want to monitor the impact of a 3-4 Nose Tackle? Don’t do it with his tackle or sack totals, though Wilfork compiled 43 Tackles against the run alongside 2.5 Stuffs. Look at the success of the guys around them. Wilfork was a part of a Front 7 that had 29.5 stuffs against the run. Additionally, his ability to take away both A Gaps on a consistent basis resulted in the Patriots only allowing 4.26 Yards Up The Middle as Per PFO, and you can bet that number would be lower if the LineBackers were better. Additionally, his ability to eat up those Gaps allowed for frequent double teams on him, leaving an extra rusher free to total 30.5 of the Patriots 46 Sacks, or 66% of the total Sacks, from individuals not on the Defensive Line. Without Wilfork Samuel might not have numerous Interceptions, Vrabel numerous Sacks and Warren various stats.

50. Alan Faneca, Left Guard, NYJ
Impact: A Constant Wall To Run Behind/Best Cross-Pulling Guard In The League
Argument: Alan Faneca isn’t the best Guard in the NFL, though I had believed as much until last off-season. In fact, he is probably in the 5-10 range now. However, there are few Guards in the league that have an impact like him. Unlike the other Guards on here who are on here because the scoring opportunities they present, Faneca is on here because of his consistency and ability to almost always be a Lead Block for his respective team. From 2004 to 2007 Faneca’s strength was in being a Lead Block more than all the other Guards in the NFL. As a result, Faneca has produced averages of 4.5, 4.0, 4.6, and 4.1 Yards Per Carry dating back to 2004 in route to 1,829 Yards behind him as a Lead Block. Not to mention that over that span he has contributed as a Lead Block on 10 Touchdowns on his side, or an average of 2.5 per season. However, what made him the best Guard in the NFL was his, still to this day, unparalleled ability to pull across the Center and get out in front of his HalfBack clearing the way. He’s contributed an unrivaled 4 TDs(Regular Season) in doing so over the past four years.

49. Casey Hampton, 3-4 Nose Tackle, PIT
Impact: Keeps The Steelers 3-4 The Best Overall In The NFL
Argument: As stated previously, if you want to monitor the impact of a 3-4 Nose Tackle then don’t do it with their tackle or sack totals. Do it through looking at the success of the guys surrounding them to let you know how large of an impact they’re having. A 3-4 Nose Tackle is like a car crash. It is responsible for all the messiness up front, while the rest of the players, on both sides of the ball, funnel around it. Hampton was part of a Front 7 that compiled 25 stuffs against the run. Additionally, his ability to take away both A Gaps resulted in the Steelers only allowing 4.15 Yards Up The Middle as per PFO. Additionally, he directly impacted Larry Foote and James Farrior’s ability to get tackles near the LoS, allowing Foote to make 7 Stuffs, 3 Sacks and 22 Tackles 3 Yards or less away from the LoS and allowing Farrior to have 3.5 Stuffs, 6.5 Sacks and 24 Tackles 3 Yards or less away from the LoS. He’s the reason the Steelers had 22.5 of 36 Sacks, or 62%, from players not on the Defensive line. Hampton was no slouch himself either, providing 32 Tackles against the run and 2.5 Stuffs as well as Half a Sack. His Gap-eating ability is the reason the Steelers 3-4 is easily the most consistent of the 5 or 6 present in the NFL.

48. Pat Williams, Defensive Tackle, MIN
Impact: The NFL’s Best Defender Against The Run/History Setting Run Defender.
Argument: I shouldn’t even really need a long description for Pat Williams’ effect against the run. With all due respect to Kevin Williams, who is definitely more complete, Pat Williams’ single-dimension ability against the run is ridiculous. We don’t even need to remember that he helped lead the Vikings Defense of 2006 to the statistical title of “Greatest Run Defense in NFL History.” No, we can look at the fact that he led that Defense to another stout effect against the run as they finished first allowing only 72.1 Yards Per Game on the ground. Williams was the clear head of this attack with 10 solo stuffs on his own, but other players on the Vikings owe Williams for some of their success. Starting MLB E.J. Henderson totaled 62 tackles against HalfBacks in the box as well as an additional 12.5 stuffs against the run. This Vikings group totaled a ridiculous 60 stuffs against the run in comparison to a mere 36 sacks. His presence there shows that the other members of the front 7 are feeding of him.

47. Nick Barnett, Middle LineBacker, GNB
Impact: Well-Rounded LineBacker That Can Work Sideline-to-Sideline
Argument: Nick Barnett is a Sideline-to-Sideline MLB and a Coverage MLB… a rare mixture.Like many of the LineBackers that will be mentioned on this list, Barnett dominates a given area, but it expands beyond 7 yards laterally because he is capable of making plays along the sideline as evidenced by his 25 Total Tackles along the Left Sideline and his 12 along the Right Sideline. His Sideline-to-Sideline ability explains why his Tackle totals prior to 4 Yards gained are only at 25. However, Barnett is capable of providing getting to the Ball Carrier prior to a gain, evidenced by his 5 Stuffs. While his Passed Defensed numbers appear lackadaisical on paper, when looking at them, all but 1 were on well thrown passes, and his 2 Interceptions were from great plays on decent to well thrown balls and both times Barnett dissected the play. His ability to take away the pass within the 1 to 10 yard range, while not as impressive as Ryans’ or Urlacher’s abilities allowed AJ Hawk to flourish on the outside. His ability to take away Sub-12-Yard Routes allows the Packers to go Man with the Corners.

46. Charles Woodson, CornerBack, GNB
Impact: Without Him The Packers Defense Is Not The Same
Argument: In Week 13 during the highly touted matchup was between Al Harris and T.O., both of which were known for their physicality at their respective positions there was expected to be nothing but direct coverage. Unfortunately for Harris, Woodson couldn’t play in the game. As a result the Packers Defense had to do something they didn’t do at any other point in the year; Play an Exclusive Zone. The Packers Defensive Scheme was literally not the same. But Woodson isn’t just there to keep the Defense from predominately running Zone Coverage. Woodson, for the 2nd year in a row, provided one of the league’s best Success Rates per PFO. In fact, last season his Success Rate of 70% was the best amongst all Corners. Without Woodson’s consistent play over the past two years the Packers Defense would be very different. Woodson also provided 18 Tackles Against The Run. Not to mention that, since joining the Packers Woodson has provided 3 Defensive Touchdowns(33% of their Defensive TDs in that span), one which essentially beat the Redskins. Woodson’s also produced 13 Turnovers since joining the Pack.

45. Michael Roos, Left Tackle, TEN
Impact: Great Young Left Tackle That Is Vince Young’s Clutch
Argument: There have been a select few of us that have been lobbying for Michael Roos and the title of “Best Young Left Tackle” in the NFL. While I don’t agree with that anymore, I do acknowledge that Roos has a lot more responsibility than the other young guys. Roos has been in the NFL for 3 seasons and allowed a mere 13.5 Sacks over that span, despite having to deal with Vince Young and his indecisiveness in the pocket for 2 of those seasons. Roos is the reason that Young gets good Pass Blocking and even after the fact is that Roos is an excellent Lead Block for Vince Young when he takes off. In continuance of those minimal 13.5 Sacks, Roos has been a Lead Block for 2 Rushing TDs since 2005 from the HalfBacks. While he’s not getting it done for the HalfBacks, he does get it done for Young over the past two years, allowing Young to rush for 219 Yards and 3 Touchdowns. Michael Roos has been the staple of the Titans Offense In every aspect of the Passing Game since being drafted 41st Overall.

44. Ray Lewis, Middle LineBacker, BAL
Impact: Mr. Consistancy At The LineBacker Position/Unquestionable Leader
Argument: Until he retires Ray Lewis will provide the Ravens with his presence; the presence of arguably the best overall LineBacker in the NFL. Lewis’ understanding of the Xs and Os of football makes him a threat to any and every offensive coordinator in the NFL, especially when you consider the rest of his defensive teammates that you also must account for. Lewis had 77 Total Tackles Against The Run In The Box and an additional 3 beyond 10 Yards. However, despite the fact that he was so stout against the run, he was just as stout against the Pass. Lewis had 5 Direct Coverage Passes Defensed in route to 10 Total Passes Defensed and 2 Interceptions, 1 for a Touchdown. He also provided 2 Sacks, 2.5 Stuffs and 2 Forced Fumbles. Lewis’ understanding of the game and athletic ability, even at his age, seems to lead to an almost guaranteed couple of Sacks, Ints, FFs, and 100 Total Tackles. Perhaps best detailing his impact is his Goalline play where he compiled 6 Total Tackles, 3 PDs and an Interception.

43. Brian Urlacher, Middle LineBacker, CHI
Impact: Provides A Consistent Threat For Chicago’s Defense Up To 15 Yards Away From The Line of Scrimmage
Argument: Urlacher isn’t on here because of his overexaggerated coverage abilities, nor is he on here for his abilities as a leader. Brian Urlacher is a top impactful player in the National Football League because his presence at the MIKE LineBacker position gives the Bears a 17 Yard by 6 Yard area in where he can control the game. Urlacher’s 17 Yards begin 7 Yards in the backfield where he is capable of sacking the QuarterBack or stuffing the run, as evidenced by his 5 Sacks and 2.5(a career low) Stuffs. The remaining 10 Yards are from the LOS to 10 Yards away where he is capable of making Tackles close to the LoS(31 Tackles within 3 Yards and an Average Solo Tackle of 3.76 Yards) or down the field. The remaining 6 Yards are between the hash marks. However, contrary to popular belief, Urlacher does his best damage within 10 Yards of the LoS as evidenced by 67 Tackles(42 within the hashes), his 8 PDs, 4 Interceptions, including his Pick at the LoS for his first career TD in Week 17. By the way, Urlacher is best in coverage close to the line, not downfield.

42. Jammal Brown, Left Tackle, NWO
Impact: A Great Young Pass Blocking Left Tackle.
Argument: Drew Brees has taken an unusually large amount of Pass Attempts over the two seasons in which he has been a New Orleans Saint. In fact, he’s made 1,206 Attempts to be exact over that 2 year span. For some QuarterBacks that is three or four Seasons worth of attempts. Over those 2 seasons Brees has only be sacked 34 times. That is ridiculous no matter how you slice it. Some of that may be do to his quick release, but the numbers since coming to New Orleans say otherwise. Of those 34 Sacks you would expect most of them to be attributed to the Left Tackle, however, Brown has only Allowed 5 of those Sacks. When you’re going to be a Pass Heavy Attack like that in the NFL, you need a stout Offensive Line, and especially need a Great Pass Blocking Left Tackle. With Jammal Brown you are given that. He’s young and commits penalties, but when he becomes disciplined he could easily become the best LT in the NFL.

41. Kirk Morrison, Middle LineBacker, OAK
Impact: Most Important Part Of The Raiders Defense The Past Two Seasons
Argument: People point to Nnamdi Asomugha only being targeted 35 times last season and point out how "dominant" he was. The truth is that while he was great he wasn't dominant because QuarterBacks had upwards of 8 people to chose to throw against on any given play and Thomas Howard was one of them. He arguably did better than Asomugha given that Kirk Morrison is a Linebacker! Kirk Morrison is the only MLB in the NFL that is truly integral to the Passing Defense and is seen in coverage often. Despite this Morrison was the only legitimate threat in terms of the Raiders Run Defense, providing an incredible 85 Total Tackles Against The Run In The Box as well as 6 Stuffs despite his constant coverage responsibilities. His coverage, however, was the key cog in preventing passes over the middle and resulted in 3 Interceptions on well thrown passes and 6 Passes Defensed. More impressive is that they weren't coming in the box but upwards to 20 Yards downfield. Morrison may be the most underrated, undertalked about elite LineBacker in the NFL.

40. Brad Meester, Center, JAX
Impact: The Catalyst To The Jaguars’ Rushing Attack
Argument: I just want to get this off of my chest. Everyone needs to stop ignoring Brad Meester and watch a few Jaguars games next season. If they do so thn they will realize that Meester is the 2nd best Center in the NFL. However, how good you are doesn’t earn you a spot on this list. It’s how largely you affect the play of others, positively or negatively, around you and Meester does that. Over the past 2 seasons the Jaguars Duo of MJD and Fred Taylor have have run for 2,527 of the Jags’ 4,942 Yards up the Middle Of The Offensive Line. Over that same time span they ran for 25 Rushing Touchdowns up the middle as well. Only 273 of those Yards and 1 of those Touchdowns wasn’t with Brad Meester in. That means that, over the past two seasons, Meester has helped that awesome duo run for 24 Touchdowns and 2,300 Yards with his lead blocking and ability to shift Defensive Tackles either left or right. In short, he’s been accountable for 46% of the Jaguars’ rushing yardage over the past two seasons (though in all fairness Jones-Drew and Taylor do make some excellent moves when finally meeting guys at the 2nd level). I don’t care how you look at it, but if Meester was a Guard with those numbers he’d receive hype comparable to Hutchinson.

39. Jason Taylor, Defensive End, MIA(?)
Impact: Never Gives Up And As A Result Provides A Constant Force In The Front 7
Argument: Last season when writing up Jason Taylor’s impact one of the focal points I provided was that he never gives up because two of his plays late in the game put the Dolphins ahead to win the game. Well, Jason Taylor showed that inability to give up last season as well. Last season at Week 9 Jason Taylor made my Mid-Season Heel list for the Dolphins because at that point he wasn’t producing (Only 26 Tackles, 4 Sacks, 1 Stuff, 3 Forced Fumbles, 2 Recoveries and 1 Meaningless Int for a TD). Well, Taylor would later turn it on and produced an additional 29 Total Tackles, 7.5 Sacks, 3 Passes Defensed, 1 Fumble Recovery and 3.5 Stuffs over the final 8 games. Taylor never gave up on the Season like the rest of the team seemed to do. In fact, Taylor was an intergral part in Miami winning it’s only game of the season, against Baltimore, by getting to the QuarterBack two times, Defending a Pass and Stuffing the HalfBack once as well. His never give up attitude is why he finished the season better than most other DEs despite a weak start.

38. Troy Polamalu, Strong Safety, PIT
Impact: Versatile Safety With Strong Play In The Box And Downfield
Argument: The key knock on Troy Polamalu since entering the NFL has been that, while not horrible, his Deep Zone Coverage wasn’t exactly great. Troy shed that image last season, but unfortunately for him, developed another notion about him that prevents him from being higher on this list. Polamalu has become a Bob Sanders of sorts in that he has been injured a lot as of late, missing 9 games in the past two years and playing injured in a whole lot more. Polamalu, however was very stout in Coverage, despite injuries, being a key part of the Steelers attempt to integrate the Cover Two into their Defense by not allowing a pass over 25 Yards to be completed in his general area(except on a NYJ Flea-Flicker). Polamalu also contributed an additional 29 tackles in the box against the run and 2 stuffs despite only playing in 11 games. Polamalu, despite having a reduced Rover roll under Mike Tomlin still managed to be a force that opposing Offenses had to account for, whether it be in the Passing game 25+ Yards downfield or in the Box playing against the Run.

37. Haloti Ngata, 3-4 Defensive End, BAL
Impact: Ravens Defensive End That Does The Job Of 2/3rds Of The Line
Argument: The Baltimore Ravens don’t exactly have a stout Nose Tackle in Kelly Gregg, and as we all know the NT is the focal point of a 3-4. However, as Richard Seymour has proven an effective 3-4 Defensive End can compensate for the Nose by dominating in every aspect. This is exactly what Ngata does. It is Haloti Ngata who is responsible for the Ravens doing so well against the run. (Didn’t allow over 3.6 YPC in any direction). As per PFO, runs that went Left End only resulted in only 2.76 Yards Per Carry. However, you can also attribute excellent play at the Middle and Guard Trap (3.55 YPC) a result of Ngata’s ability to take away multiple Gaps. When Ngata is a DE he has proven to take away the weak side’s C and B Gaps, but he also has an impact on the weak side A Gap too. When he lines up at NT, something no other 3-4 End does, he effectively takes away both A Gaps as well as has an impact on one of the B Gaps. He’s the only D-Lineman that affects 3 Gaps on every play evidenced by his 59 tackles and 4.5 stuffs against the run.

36. Clinton Portis, HalfBack, WAS
Impact: Finesse Back With Workhorse Mentality That Will Go Off For Double Digit TDs
Argument: Clinton Portis gets very slept on. Whether you have him as a top 5 HalfBack or not even top 10 you have to realize one thing... Portis is a virtual lock for double digit Touchdowns and 1,300 Yards. When, as a HalfBack, your worst two seasons consist of you scoring 7 TDs I'd say that you're making your offensive coordinator happy. On a team that seems devout of a consistant scheme as well as any truly great skill position players, Portis manages to stand out and represent the franchise. Portis is an obvious finesse back that loves to run to the outside, however, he can get it done to the inside as well totaling 743 Yards on 214 Attempts up the middle and 5 Touchdowns. It doesn't sound impressive until you realize that Portis has been running in a system not fit for him for 3 of those 4 years. Also averaging 300 Receiving Yards a season brings his total to 1,600 From Scrimmage and 10 Touchdowns even if he has to be a workhorse to get it. Add his 3 Career Passing TDs and I would say Portis is very underrated.

35. Steven Jackson, HalfBack, STL
Impact: 100 Total Yards Per Game/4 Points Per Game Difference.
Argument: Steven Jackson might have undergone the largest fall out of anybody here. Remember last year on this list he was ranked number six on this list? Well he isn’t close this year. However, that’s not for a lack of effort. In fact, despite providing 39 less Yards From Scrimmage per game as well as 10 less touchdowns from scrimmage on the season, Jackson still retained two of the factors that landed him so high last season. Jackson still managed to produce 109 Yards From Scrimmage per start and 6 Touchdowns. The Rams Offense produced 3635 Offensive Yards and 22 Touchdowns with Jackson in the lineup. Jackson still provided 35% of the Rams Offense when he was in the lineup with his 1273 Yards From Scrimmage and represented 27.2% of their scoring with his 6 touchdowns. Let’s not forget that Jackson was playing with a groin injury ever since Week 1 and played behind an Offensive line that was the most makeshift one seen in decades.

34. Frank Gore, HalfBack, SNF
Impact: Prevented 49ers From Being Most Inept Offense in NFL History.
Argument: Let’s face it… the 49ers Offense wasn’t pretty. In fact, it was down right anemic. There is no football term to describe how bad this Offense was. However, there were two players on that Offense that managed to provide impressive seasons. They were, as one would expect, Vernon Davis and Frank Gore. Vernon Davis isn’t on this list, however, because he achieved most of his success in 3 Wide Receiver sets. Frank Gore, on the other hand, managed to produce for himself. Frank Gore rushed for 601 of his Rushing Yards (54%) out of the Single Back set. Additionally, with all do respect to Vernon Davis and the season he put up, Frank Gore was the entire 49ers Offense. In the 15 games that Frank Gore played in the 49ers produced 3,532 Offensive Yards. Gore produced 1,538 (43%) of them. Additionally, Gore accounted for 26% of the 49ers scoring in the 2006 season. Without a Frank Gore that Offense would’ve been the worst in NFL history.

33. Asante Samuel, CornerBack, PHI
Impact: A Potential 4 To 8 Forced Turnovers A Season
Argument: Samuel has always been one of my favorite players ever since I saw him pick off a Pennington pass, while off-balance and return it all the way to the house in his rookie season. For that reason he is this high on the list. Where as Cromartie may have more boom with his returns, Samuel has consistency on his side. Samuel also guarantees a CornerBack that, while not the greatest overall Corner, will prevent big plays from happening and not afford numerous Touchdowns on the season unless seeing opportunity for a big play. Samuel’s insertion into your lineup, just like the Eagles are hoping, automatically affords you turnovers and can change an average Defense into a great one. They key difference between Samuel and Cromartie, however, is Samuel’s ability to get to even well thrown balls and pick them. As mentioned last year, Samuel provides a mark of a consistent CornerBack that will stay healthy as well, something both teams he’s been signed with value.

32. Andre Johnson, Wide Receiver, HOU
Impact: Changes The Texans Offense By Adding A True Threat
Argument: This just in… Andre Johnson is good. Johnson played in all of nine games last season. Despite this he managed to be ranked 3rd on the team in Receptions, 1st in Receiving Yards and 1st in Touchdown Receptions. In only 9 games he accounted for the best season of the Texans’ Receivers that helped propel that Offense into a top 12 one, all while lacking a competent running game. Perhaps what was most impressive about Johnson was his efficiency. He was only thrown at 85 times, yet came down with 65 of them and only dropped 2 and produced 851 Yards and 8 Touchdowns in the process. Insane! Of those 20 that fell incomplete, only 6 were his fault for either falling down or not gaining separation from the DB. Johnson was very effective against the Blitz(16/23 for 277 Yards and 2 TDs) and was, not only the Texans’ best short threat at Receiver, but their best deep threat as well, providing 33% of their Receiving TDs despite a reduced season. There’s a reason the Texans went 2-5 without Johnson and 6-3 with him.

31. Steve L. Smith, Wide Receiver, CAR
Impact: A Scoring Threat Until His Knee Or Body Hits The Ground
Argument: I tend not to like the Steve Smith kind of receiver for the more traditional guys. I guess this is because for every Steve Smith there are a hundred Troy Williamsons. However, Smith’s ability to rise above the “little guy” notion and play bigger than his body is why he’s on this list. Smith is one of the few, if not the only Receiver that can scare a Defensive Back before the snap of the ball because he can run a route designed to catch the pass behind the LoS or one 40+ Yards in distance. Having Smith at Wide Receiver guarantees that you have a Receiver that can take it the distance any time as long as the whistle hasn’t blown as evidenced by his 476 Yards After The Catch last season or even 2 of his 3 TDs against Houston in Week 2. Despite Smith only hauling in 5 Passes where the ball was thrown more than 20 Yards last season he still produced 9 Catches that resulted in gains of over 20 Yards and 5 that resulted in gains over 40 Yards despite only bringing in 1 Pass where the ball was thrown over 40 Yards. Smith wasn’t given opportunities, he made them.

30. Ed Reed, Free Safety, BAL
Impact: A Potential 5 To 9 Forced Turnovers A Season And The Resulting Return Yardage
Argument: Ed Reed may not be the most versatile Safety in the NFL, at least since 2005, however Reed does provide a mark of consistency. Ed Reed is a guaranteed 5 to potential 9 Forced Turnovers in a Season, usually Interceptions. That’s because Reed is the greatest Zone Coverage Safety that the NFL has ever seen, and while all of his Interceptions don’t necessarily come from well thrown passes, Reed doesn’t exactly care. Reed can make Coverage Interceptions(3 last season) or he can take advantage of Errant throws, but regardless of the type, the one thing that he does better than all other Safeties in the NFL is to return these Picks for yardage. Excluding his injured 2005 season Reed averages 171 Return Yards a season… that is unrivaled. He even displayed return ability taking back a punt for a TD that he was a replacement at the last second for. Reed’s range 20+ Yards downfield is well known, but his range within the Box was good too with 5 PDs and 2 Interceptions. When the Ravens blitz Reed’s coverage is the key component. Reed takes away passing lanes at various levels of the Defense.

29. Tony Gonzalez, Tight End, KNC
Impact: Key Cog in Chiefs Varying Offenses For Past 8 Seasons/The Mark Of Consistency
Argument: Gonzalez ability to draw CornerBacks towards him to help out the mismatched LineBackers helped Eddie Kennison throw together a string of 800, 900 and 1,000 Yard Seasons. In fact, it’s already helping 2nd-Year Receiver Dwayne Bowe who put up 995 Yards as a rookie. Gonzalez is the 1st Receiving target for the Chiefs regardless of who the Offensive Coordinator is and what style of Offense they’re running. Being in the lineup allows even semi-talented Wide Receivers to produce good seasons resulting from single coverage due to guys being rolled over towards Gonzo. Gonzalez has always been a constant threat to get a first down. Throughout his career the ball has been throw his way 1,259 times and he has wracked up 530 First Downs out of those opportunities for a ridiculous 42%. What’s best about Gonzo though is his efficiency. While other Tight Ends in the “Elite Four” are constantly targeted in the upward 100s, Gonzalez has only been in that area three times in his career. Tony Gonzalez is the mark of consistency at any position in the NFL.

28. Chad Clifton, Left Tackle, GNB
Impact: A Dominant Pass Blocker In A Pass-Heavy Offense Every Year
Argument: Chad Clifton is arguably the best Left Tackle in the NFL based on the criteria of Pass Blocking and Concistancy. Since 2003 Clifton has only allowed 16 Sacks. That is, without question, the best margin over that span in the NFL. What makes this so impressive and impacting is that Clifton has always been a Green Bay Packer, where the passing game always came first under the regime of Legendary QB Brett Favre. Over that time period Brett Favre tossed the football up 2,766 times. This means that once for every 172 Dropback Attempts for Brett Favre. Clifton isn’t always a mauler, but he gets the job done and makes sure that people don’t touch the QuarterBack. Aaron Rodgers can rest easy next season knowing that, while he has to make the reads, he is going to have more time than most other QuarterBacks because of his Left Tackle. I can say that watching Clifton and Allen play each other two times next season is going to be fun to watch.

27. Joe Thomas, Left Tackle, CLE
Impact: Could Be The Top Young LT Capable Of Effective Run Blocking And Pass Blocking
Argument: Joe Thomas was selected #3 Overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. Many might argue that it too high to tackle a Tackle given the recent string of busts at the position. However, at least in his first season, Joe Thomas proved to be everything suspected and more. Thomas was a key cog in the Browns Offense that seemed to emerge out of nowhere and was so by keeping Derek Anderson upright. Joe Thomas afforded 4.25 Sacks on the season, 3 of which came in his first few games in which Charlie Frye and Derek Anderson rolled into the respective defenders. In other words, while Thomas wasn’t always dominating, he was keeping the defender at bay long enough for Anderson to simply toss it up. While Thomas wasn’t a lead block for any Touchdowns, as is to be expected when blocking for a PowerBack-based team, Thomas was run behind 18 times for 102 Yards. He got the job done for Cleveland in the pass game and worked efficiently with Eric Steinbach to form a young duo that could be the staple of the franchise for years.

26. DeMeco Ryans, Middle LineBacker, HOU
Impact: The Original Patrick Willis And On A ‘Good’ Defense
Argument: Everybody seems to fawn over the season that Patrick Willis just had, but people seem to forget that Ryans had a better rookie campaign in 06’. Sure his league-leading Tackle total wasn’t as high as Willis’, but his Sack, Stuff and FF totals were almost identical. The key difference, however, was that Ryans was stout in coverage. Ryans continued that stretch of dominance last season. Ryans dominated an 18 Yard by 6 Yard area. As explained with Urlacher 6 of the Yards are between the hash marks. The first 8 Yards for Ryans’ dominating area are the 8.5 Yards he averages per sack in getting to the QuarterBack, though he doesn’t get there as often as other elite Middle LineBackers. The remaining area of his dominance is encompassed from the Line of Scrimage, evidenced by his 34 Tackles under 3 Yards and an Average Solo Tackle of 4.1 Yards, to 10 Yards downfield, evidenced by his 74 total tackles in that range, and 51 in between the hash marks. Ryans also made plays well outside of this area such as a Direct Coverage Interception 20+ yards down the field and 2 PDs in that range.

25. Bobbie Williams, Right Guard, CIN
Impact: Has Been The Bengals Run Game For Multiple Years
Argument: Rudi Johnson put up 3 consecutive 1,300+ Yard, 12 Touchdown Seasons and was penciled in as a top 10 HalfBack by most individuals until last season, though I never agreed with that ranking. I say this because while his numbers were good, on paper, one had to watch Rudi Johnson play to realize that he was a product of two things; 1.) The Bengals Wide Receiving Threats and 2.) Most importantly, Bobbie Williams. Johnson produced his most attempts in 2004 behind Williams and came out with 33% of his Rushing Yards and 7 Touchdowns. In ’05 he produced 38% of his Rushing Yards behind Williams (on a YPC above 4.0 this time) but only 3 Touchdowns. Continuing this trend, in ’06 Johnson rushed for 9 Touchdowns and 36% of his Yards behind Williams on 4.6 YPC. While Johnson went down with injury last season he averaged 3.9 YPC and 1 Touchdown with an additional 6 Touchdowns as a Lead Block for Kenny Watson, who replaced Johnson. 26 Rushing Touchdowns as a Lead Block over a four year span is amongst the three best in the NFL and gives a guaranteed 39 Points Per Season. Unfortunately, he’s the clear weakest pass blocker in Cincy with 16.25 Sacks over that period with 2 Seasons of 7+ Sacks allowed.

24. Jeff Saturday, Center, IND
Impact: As Close To Perfection As A Center Can Get
Argument: I said it last year and I will say it again. Jeff Saturday is, far and away, the best Center in the NFL. Not only is he one of the better overall blockers, but he is the only true signal caller at the Center position too. Sure, most NFL Centers are given audible responsibilities and a captainship over their line, but only Jeff Saturday has control over a complicated, yet consistent, Offense such as this. Saturday has to keep up with Peyton Manning’s 3 potential play calls for every snap and read and react accordingly. Yet, it has not stopped him from only affording 5.25 Career Sacks, only being flagged for Holding 6 times and only False Starting 3 times. Knowing that you have a Center that can maintain his blocks for you, not be called for a penalty and can understand your confusing cadences is an impact in itself, however, when that Center is also the focal point of your blocking for the run game as well, then you have a true gem that makes an impact in every possible way. Addai, once again chose Saturday as a Lead Block on a majority of his rushes and averaged 4 per carry and 4 touchdowns, all while only being stuffed up the middle four times.

23. Kellen Winslow II, Tight End, CLE
Impact: The Most Important Cog In the Browns’ Offense.
Argument: I’ve got a secret to tell you. Braylon Edwards isn’t going to make this list. “Why” make you ask? Well, Kellen Winslow altering most of the coverages that Edwards sees is the large reason. Winslow is already a member of the “Elite Four” TEs in the game because he brings a complete game of pass catching abilities with effective run blocking. Winslow is the central cog that the Browns’ Offense cannot operate without. His superb underneath route running drastically alters the coverages that Edwards sees, allowing Anderson to hurl passes into single coverage and allow his 6’3’’ Receiver to make a play(or 16 if you know what I mean). Winslow is no slouch either, adding 82 receptions and a resulting 1,000 Yards and 5 TDs. Against the blitz he’s the go-to guy with his 32 receptions and 2 TDs on 61 Targets. He’s also a 3rd down specialist hauling in 18 first down receptions on 3rd down and making plays after the catch. However, his largest asset is spreading the field horizontally, having the most even route distribution I’ve seen in years. In short, he makes DA and Edwards look better than they actually are.

22. Steve Hutchinson, Left Guard, MIN
Impact: A Virtual Guarantee That Your Team Has An Effective Run Game
Argument: This just in, as if you didn’t know already, Steve Hutchinson is a run game in and of himself. While I feel Kris Dielman is the best Guard in the NFL Steve Hutchinson is a close 2nd only because he’s not exactly a stout pass blocker, but not horrible at it either. Hutchinson has been a Lead Block on 30 Touchdowns over the past four seasons, or a guaranteed 45 Points Per Season. That alone is an impact, however, his impact isn’t just in allowing ball carriers to get to the Endzone once inside the Redzone. Hutchinson has been a Lead Block for 2,018 Yards over the past 4 seasons, or roughly 504 Yards Per season, making him essentially a guaranteed Half-Thousand yard season by having him on the field. Additionally, over the past four seasons Hutchinson’s HalfBacks have averaged 6.5, 4.4, 4.4 and 5.0 Yards Per Carry behind him. Hutchinson is basically a guarantee for 30 or so First Downs, 45 Points Per Season and a Half-Thousand Yards. His impact is easily one of the biggest in the league. Over that time he has only surrendered 11.25 Sacks as well. Hutchison is also easily the most disciplined Lineman in the league, only being called for 2 False Starts in that span.

21. Kris Dielman, Left Guard, SDG
Impact: The Best Guard In The NFL With Loyalty That Is Unheralded
Argument: I had already had Dielman higher than all the other Guards in the league prior to even reading the story that I found today. However, after reading it, it places him that much higher. In a day where Guards are getting ludicrous contracts and defecting simply for money, Dielman was offered a role to be the Hutchinson replacement in Seattle. Opting to not take a $48.2
Million Contract from the Hawks he returned to San Diego for only, at max, $39 Million. That sort of loyalty is unheard of for Lineman in today’s NFL. Regardless of the contract he would’ve gotten Dielman is worth every penny. Dielman has only started for 3 Seasons. While I’ve previously mentioned two Guards who present incredibly high TD totals as a Lead Block over the past 4 Years,Dielman finishes 2nd on that list and by 1 Touchdown over Span, despite only playing 3 of the eligible 4 years. His average of 9 Touchdowns as a Lead Block per season is incredible and essentially guarantees he can help your HalfBack put up 54 Points Per Season. Over that 3 year span he has also allowed for 1,237 Yards to be gained behind him, or 412 a Season. His Pass Blocking(4.0 Sacks over 3 seasons) in combination with this run blocking dominance is what wins him the title of Best Guard in the NFL.

20. Carson Palmer, QuarterBack, CIN
Impact: A QuarterBack That Carries A Pass Heavy Offense/Leader of A Dysfunctional Team That Guides Them To Victory
Argument: Chad Johnson was constantly threatening to find a away to leave the Bengals this off-season and there was simply one thing you heard from Bengals fans… “If he leaves, so be it. We have Carson Palmer and TJ Houshmandzadeh”. They’re right. While having a Chad Johnson is normally a good thing, Carson Palmer is a QuarterBack with incredible intangibles that, given the right talent, can take a team to victories. In fact, Palmer reminds me of a young Peyton Manning, however, he’s learned the Xs and Os of the game much faster. Palmer is good for an automatic 3,800 Yards and 25 Touchdowns a season do to his understanding of Defenses. Something that stands out to me about Palmer is his ability to remain calm and not give up on the Bengals despite the fact that they’re managed so horribly. With all the team killers in that locker room, all the selfish players and all the criminals, Palmer simply shows up and plays and represents his team the best he can. Because of Palmer’s ability to show up on Gameday and just try and win the Bengals have gone 32-30 under his reign when they probably should’ve been no where near that.

19. Albert Haynesworth, Defensive Tackle, TEN
Impact: 98 Less Yards Rushing and 17 Less Points Allowed Per Game/Earned 2 Pro Bowl Bids For Titans
Argument: I probably shouldn’t even have to explain this one to you, seeing as how it was all over the National Media, but hey, I like to write detailed explanations (as if you don’t know by now). The Tennessee Titans returned to classic smashmouth football last season and it all started in the trenches. Eventually, it earned them a trip to the playoffs, and they owe it all to Albert Haynesworth. Haynesworth probably should’ve been the Defensive MVP based on the name of the title. With him in the lineup for 14 games the Titans allowed only 1,032 Rushing Yards and 6 Rushing TDs. While he was missing 3 games due to a Hamstring injury, the Titans surrendered almost exactly half of that, 514 Rushing Yards, and an equal amount of Rushing TDs. They went from a stout Defense allowing 73 Rushing Yards and 15.5 Points Per game to one that allowed 171 Rushing Yards and 32.3 Points Per Game. Big Al also had 29 tackles against the run and 7.5 Stuffs. However, another one of his unnoticed feats was earning teammate Kyle Vanden Bosch, who had all of 1 sack and 12 tackles without him in the lineup.

18. Adrian Wilson, Strong Safety, ARI
Impact: Versatile Safety Worthy Of An 8 Point Per Game Difference.
Argument: Most people don’t get the opportunity to watch Adrian Wilson play out in Arizona so most just assume he’s a top Safety by looking at his statistics. Sure, they tell half the story, but actually watching him shows another. Wilson makes the Cardinals’ Defense actually look like a decent one. Wilson has an excellent mixture of In-Box play, Short Coverage and Deep Coverage. Wilson provided 27 Tackles against the run in the box despite only playing in 9 games and had an additional 2 Stuffs against the run directly up the middle. Wilson also made large strides in coverage last season, mainly 11+ yards down field where he was capable of applying two Coverage Interceptions while the Cardinals blitzed in his 9 game span. His ability to provide pressure off the edge wasn’t as showcased due to a shortened season, but his overall absence was apparent. With Wilson, in 9 games, the Cardinals surrendered 192 points (21.33 Per Game), but without Wilson, in 7 games, the Cards surrendered 204 points (29.14 Per Game)

17. Chris Samuels, Left Tackle, WAS
Impact: Most Well-Rounded Left Tackle In The NFL
Argument: Say what you want about Pass Blocking but Run Blocking is important too. In fact, when you take into consideration both Pass and Run Blocking Chris Samuels might be the best Left Tackle in the NFL. From the Left Tackle position, despite not exactly having a Great QuarterBack over a span of 4 years, Samuels has only allowed 18.5 Sacks. In fact, Samuels is one of the true absolute maulers on the Offensive line, with effective hand punches that just knock guys back or by throwing all his weight into it. Over that span he was only Flagged for Holding a total of 4 times. However, as stated, Samuels is well-rounded. He gets the job done in both aspects of blocking. This is evidenced by his 1,316 Yards As A Lead Blocker over the past 4 Seasons, or 329 Yards Per Season and has been a lead block on 13 Touchdowns or 3.25 A Season. I don’t know about you but 329 Rushing Yards, 3 TDs and only 4.5 Sacks Allowed Per Season is an incredibly large impact. Arguably the best amongst all LTs given that it’s two-folded.

16. Champ Bailey, CornerBack, DEN
Impact: Consistancy/Complete As Well As ShutDown Corner
Argument: This just in Nnamdi supporters… Champ Bailey is still better. Let’s face it... there wasn’t much to write home about Defensively for Denver last season. Even the immortal Champ Bailey looked lost at times last year, even giving up game winning touchdowns to receivers that were no-names at the time. However, Bailey is still consistent across his entire career. Coming off two seasons in which he put a proverbial blanket around the Endzone and kept people out, Champ didn’t do that as well this year, however, he did tie for the best success rate amongst all #1 CornerBacks starting the entire season as per PFO(however that’s because Asomugha didn’t have enough attempts to get charted). He also continued a reign of not allowing too much Yardage in direct coverage either and contributed 32 tackles against short runs continuing his reign as the best overall Corner in Football. Allowing 0 to 4 TDs a season is arguably the biggest impact on this list.

15. Adrian Peterson, HalfBack, MIN
Impact: The Future Of The HalfBack Position/Instantly Makes Your Offense Poten
Argument: What else can I say about this guy? Adrian Peterson is the only player in recent history to make me place them in the top 5 at their respective position after only 1 great season. Peterson stepped into the NFL and dominated almost from Day one. At the Halfway point(Week 9) he had set 3 Franchise Records and an NFL Record. He lead the league in rushing by well over 100 Yards too. Peterson made the Right Side of the Vikings Offensive Line look like they were competent. Actually he made them look great. Peterson was the definition of a “Big Play” guy, regardless of position. Peterson provided 43 Plays over 10 Yards and 14 Plays over 20 Yards in a 14 Game span and averaged 43.5 Yards Per Play Over 20 Yards (though they all didn’t go 40+). He also scored 7 times while doing so in route to being 38% of the Vike’s offensive scoring. That is the definition of “Big Play” and they’re as impactful as it gets. Peterson knew that the key to a successful offense was to set the tone from First Down, which he did with 665 Yards on First Downs. The thing that differs him from every other HalfBack is his collegiate style running. He jukes, spins, jumps and twists, not caring for his body. This is the new style of Halfback running we’ll be seeing in the near future… I guarantee it

14. Devin Hester, Kick Returner, CHI
Impact: Most Prolific Kick Returner in NFL History/Game Winner
Argument: I am a little embarrassed to say this, but it wasn’t until I had thought of 60+ players and written up 20 arguments for players that I had realized I’d forgotten a top 10 candidate in Hester. Let’s face it, barring injury there is no way that he doesn’t shatter a record that many thought impossible to break without at least 8 or so seasons under your belt. Unlike these other players, Hester’s impact cannot be measured in mere metrics or statistics other than a select few; field position, touchdowns and wins. Hester set an NFL record as a rookie, returned the Super Bowl opening kick that gave the Bears momentum for the first half(the only reason they were in the game), has since broken that record that he set, is 2 returns away from the all-time record and has single-handedly won the Bears a couple of games since coming into the league. Hester’s 13 TDs make him the most prolific scorer on the Bears outside of Robbie Gould and only bested by Rex Grossman by default all without ever starting on Offense.

13. Lofa Tatupu, Middle LineBacker, SEA
Impact: Most Complete Middle LineBacker In The NFL
Argument: A complete Middle LineBacker in itself is an impact enough. When you’re the most complete Middle LineBacker in the NFL that alone should let you know how much of an impact a player makes. Matt Hasellbeck may guide the Seahawks Offense, but as important as Hasselbeck to that Offense Tatupu is equally important to the Defense. Tatupu is stout against the run, evidenced by his 67 Total Tackles against HalfBacks, all of which occurred in the box, i.e. he doesn’t let the Back reach the second level. 27 of those 67 Tackles(40%) came within 3 Yards or Less of the LoS, giving Tatupu an astounding Average Solo Tackle 2.14 Yards away from the Line. His additional 7 Stuffs make him arguably the best MLB in the NFL against the Run. However, Lofa is probably top 3 against the pass as well. Tatupu contributed 4 Interceptions (3 coming in one game where it seemed like they were being thrown directly at him and the last sealing the victory) and unlike the other MLBs listed already, makes multiples plays against the pass more than 10 yards down the field. Tatupu’s impact against the Pass and Run is unrivaled and gives the Hawks limitless options on Defense.
*(Also now is the time to admit I erred in placing Barnett over Tatupu for the 1st team All Pro)*

12. Kerry Rhodes, Free Safety, NYJ
Impact: Only Young Safety in the NFL With Stout Man and Zone Coverage, In-Box Play, Blitzing, Run Support and Tackling
Argument: How can you not see an impact in that description alone, except for the fact that he’s not exactly a hard hitter, but it doesn’t exactly matter. Kerry Rhodes is, without a doubt and regardless of age, the best Safety in the NFL. He does everything you would want from a perfect hybrid Safety greatly except for hit hard. He takes away the run, evidenced by his 41 tackles against HalfBacks in the box and leading all Safeties with 6.5 stuffs from the FS position, but plays the pass extremely well too, shown via his 5 Interceptions, only one of which is it questionable that the pass wasn’t well thrown(and another tipped and caught on an athletic play). He’s a stout blitzer, and is capable of creating plays that put the anemic Jets into games they shouldn’t be in such as his Interception in the Dallas game and his Strip, Scoop and Score against the Giants where the Jets were completely out of it, then suddenly gained momentum. Having a Kerry Rhodes with even a half-decent front 7 results in a scare for even the Bradys and Mannings of the NFL. As Peyton Manning once said… “Watch Kerry! Watch Kerry!”

11. Matt Hasselbeck, QuarterBack, SEA
Impact: He Is The Seattle Seahawks’ Offense
Argument: No disrespect to my underrated CPOTY winner, Bobby Engram, but Matt Hasselbeck probably could have done well with just about any receiver in the starting lineup. That is the impact that this guy has and even when Shaun Alexander was the league MVP Hasselbeck’s presence had a great effect. Last season, getting the privilege to watch him more than I have in the past, I came to the realization that, while he is no Brady or Manning, he’s the 3rd best QB in the NFL. Despite having average, at best, players in the Backfield as well as a Corp of Wideouts that could rarely find the playing field, let alone put together good performances outside of Bobby Engram, Hass put up, statistically, his best season, as well as arguably his best season as a leader. The enemic, yet somehow top 10, Offense of the Seahawks was majorly do to you know who. He threw for 3,966 Yards and ran for another 86, giving him a 4,000 Yards From Scrimmage season. Those 4,052 Yards accounted for 72% of the Hawk’s Offense. His 28 Passing TDs (vs. a low 12 Ints) also accounted for 71% of the Offensive scoring for the Hawks.

10. Drew Brees, QuarterBack, NWO
Impact: A Complete QuarterBack That Will Provide A Stout Passing Attack Wherever He Goes
Argument: It took Drew Brees three seasons to rise to the level of an even semi-decent QuarterBack, but once he worked out his kinks he became an amazing QuarterBack that is undeniably top 8. Having a healthy and confident Drew Brees as your starting QuarterBack gives you a chance to win games from the get-go. Drew Brees has managed to guide the ball into the endzone 109 times over the past four years for an average of 27.25 Touchdowns From Scrimmage Per Season. What this means is that a Drew Brees lead Offense is going to at least score twice because of Brees’ decision making in at least 9 games of the season, if not more. Over the past four Regular Seasons Drew Brees-lead Offenses have put up a Ridiculous 23,153 Total Offensive Yards and 190 Offensive Touchdowns. Brees has been responsible for 67.2% of those Offenses’ Yardage Production in that span and, despite having dynamic players like LaDainain Tomlinson has been responsible for 109 of those 190 Touchdowns (57%). Wherever Drew Brees goes he is probably going to conduct a great Offense as long as they have semi-talented players. A Player that gives your team a winning sentimentality and can back it up with production is impactful no matter how you slice it.

9. Jared Allen, Defensive End, MIN
Impact: Possibly The Best Overall Player In Any Front 7 In the NFL
Argument: Jared Allen seemed to come out of nowhere right? I mean everyone knew of him, but they didn’t know he could, when properly motivated, be the best all-around threat in any front 7. All due respect to Jason Taylor, DeMarcus Ware and Julius Peppers, but Allen just seems to… get at it. Not only was Allen stout against the pass, as we all know, with an astounding 15.5 Sacks and 10 Passes Defensed, but he was capable against the run as well. To his side opponents only averaged 3.65 Yards Per Carry as he contributed 9 Stuffs against the run as well as 41 tackles against the run, and seemed to be one of the more consistent guys going hard at the end of the game. Allen just single handedly took away a team’s gameplan, stuffing the run 8 times on first down to cause long plays for 2nd and 3rd down plays, even 4th down where he would then do his damage against the pass. An even bigger blow to other teams is that he’d do it right before his Redzone, thus holding the opponent to field goals. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough in KC. Minnesota might be a different story though.

8. DeMarcus Ware, 3-4 Outside LineBacker, DAL
Impact: Possibly The Best Overall Player In Any Front 7 In the NFL
Argument: Did I not say last year that DeMarcus Ware would be universally considered the NFL’s best 3-4 Outside LineBacker with Wade Phillips coaching him? I think Ware cemented the fact that he’s in another league in comparison to all other 3-4 Outside LineBackers. Unlike most 3-4 Outside LineBackers Ware is also great in Coverage and Run Support. Ware is ridiculously good in Run Support, providing 58 Tackles on runs less than 10 Yards in length and an additional 3 on Runs over 10 Yards. He also produced 8.5 Stuffs. No other 3-4 OLB came close to those numbers. Ware produced 3 Passes Defensed, 2 of them in Direct Coverage. That was his sole “weakness” in his entire overall game. Ware also produced 14 Sacks good for 3rd in the League, while the Boys only sent more than 4 on 7 of them. Ware placed in the Top 3 for two of the major aspects of his skillset and was okay in coverage as well. Additionally, Ware was big on 3rd down with 4.5 Sacks, a Game-changing PD and a Stuff. In Short “D-Warewolf” is the best overall player in any Front 7 in the League and no 3-4 OLB is close to his skillset.

7. Nnamdi Asomugha, CornerBack, OAK
Impact: A CornerBack That Isn’t Thrown At In A Defense That Focuses On The Pass…
Argument: I’m just going to start off by stating that I think Asomugha’s season is a little overrated. I watched a good part of it while compiling this list and a lot of his season wasn’t because he was impassable on. It was because a few members of the Raiders secondary; Stewart Schweigart, Chris Carr, Fabian Washington and (somewhat) Michael Huff, were downright horrible against the pass. However, that doesn’t negate the season Nnamdi Asomugha had. In fact, it probably makes it more impactful knowing while those guys were making the Secondary look bad he was the only person playing with consistency. Nnamdi Asomugha was targeted 35 times last season and allowed completions on 15 of the attempts for a 41% completion percentage (Tops in the NFL). A season like that hasn’t been done since Primetime himself in 1995, however, I feel Prime’s season was better. Overall, though, Nnamdi had the biggest impact a Corner’s had in quite some time being thrown at just over twice Per Game and allowing less than 1 Completion Per Game. When you can compare your season to Neon Deion’s 95’ season you’ve got an impact.

6. Terrell Owens, Wide Receiver, DAL
Impact: T.O. Makes The Cowboys’ Offense.
Argument: I’m usually one to argue against this logic, but there is, in fact, a reason that this man was just paid a large sum of money, and its not the uncapped year. Whether you want to believe it or not, without T.O., the Cowboys Offense isn’t a top 5 one. However, with Owens to stretch the field it is another story. He and Jason Witten are the reason that you will not see Tony Romo on this list. Owens had incredible efficiency with the deep ball(thrown 40+ Yards), bringing in 5 of 8(Half of Romo’s attempts) for 212 Yards and 3 Touchdowns. Only one of those was a drop, IIRC. This shows he stretches the field for Jason Witten who was Targeted 40 times outside and away from the hashes despite that not being his strong point, allowing Romo two prominent options. However, I’ve failed to mention the most obvious impact; Romo has tossed 55 touchdown passes in the past two seasons and Owens has come down with a ridiculous 24 of them(43%). He has also accounted for 31%( 2,258/7,114) of Romo’s Passing Yards.

5. Brian Westbrook, HalfBack, PHI
Impact: The NFL’s Most Versatile Offensive Player/An Offense All In Himself
Argument: Despite the fact that Starting QuarterBack Donovan McNabb was rehabbing almost all of the season while playing the Eagles Offense managed to produce an amazing 5,729 Total Offensive Yards good enough to be the 6th best Offense in the NFL. Brian Westbrook, alone, contributed 2,104 of those yards or 36.7% of them. The Eagles Offense also scored 36 Touchdowns on the season and Westbrook was responsible for 12 of them (33%) all while playing on an injured knee most of the season and missing one game. This constituted Westbrook’s 2nd straight season with over 1,900 Yards From Scrimmage and 11 Touchdowns From Scrimmage, one of only two players to do so in that span. Westbrook’s 104 League-leading first Downs should be representative of how great he is. 28% of the time Westbrook had the ball in his hand it resulted in a first down. This whole paragraph can be best summed up in the revelation that Westbrook was the team’s leading Rusher and Receiver. Westbrook ended up with the ball in his hands 36.8% of all the Eagles Offensive plays and produced a resulting 32% of the Birds’ First Downs.

4. Randy Moss, Wide Receiver, NWE
Impact: The Most Dominating Wide Receiver(When Motivated)/Completely Changes An Offense.
Argument: Come on, The Patriots completely redesigned their offense around Moss. Without Moss’s presence on the field Welker wouldn’t be on this list. Moss was motivated last year and showed that when he is motivated no other Wide Receiver, perhaps in NFL History, can change a team and a game like he does. Moss’ presence in the lineup forced teams to regularly roll coverage over to him altering how they would’ve played the Patriots. Moss provided great and reliable play at every level including catching 40% of the Balls thrown 40+ Yards downfield and taking them for 310 Yards and 4 TDs and catching 81/121 passes thrown less than 20 Yards downfield for 884 Yards and 15 Touchdowns. Moss was unstoppable at every level in the air game, and as a result he freed the 3 other average Receivers on the Patriots up for very impressive seasons and caught a record breaking 46% of Tom Brady’s record breaking 50 Touchdown Passes despite being a decoy a lot. Despite this, he was effective against the blitz; targeted 72 times, catching 49, 9 for TDs, and 623 Yards. Heck Brady only threw 4 Passes to other Receivers more than 30 Yards downfield. He forced the Patriots to change an offense that had won them 3 Championships!

3. LaDainian Tomlinson, HalfBack, SDG
Impact: A Walking, Talking Offense In And Of Himself
Argument: What else is there to say about LaDainian Tomlinson? You know that when in your “Down Year” you can still outperform the rest of the League at your position that you are something special, something to be reckoned with, and just downright impactful. Come on, Tomlinson averages an absolutely asinine 16 Rushing Touchdowns, 1,521 Rushing Yards, 2 Receiving Touchdowns and 482 Receiving Yards Per Season. Some guys are lucky to get the Rushing Total or Touchdowns in a single season, let alone to get all four of those things and average them over the course of their careers. This means that, no matter how bad your Offense is, and let’s face it the Chargers’ Offense wasn’t always incredibly talented, LT guarantees you nearly 2,000 Yards Of Offense on the season and 108 Points. I don’t know how else I can describe this impact. It is quite arguable that nobody else in the NFL has that kind of an impact. I’ve never said this before, but it’s very possibly Tomlinson will retire as the Greatest of All Time.

2. Tom Brady, QuarterBack, NWE
Impact: Always Gives Your Team A Chance To Win A Championship/Rewriting The Record Books From Day One
Argument: It’s Tom Brady. Mr. Championship. Brady has been re-writing the record books ever since entering the league. When he first started he was rewriting the books for completion percentage over a six week span. In his first 5 seasons in the NFL he guided his team to 3 Super Bowl victories, and would proceed to take them to an AFC Championship Game and a Super Bowl in the two years to follow. Plain and simple if you have Tom Brady on your Offense and even a half-respectable defense than your team is a serious contender. I keep watching hoping that he’ll see even another 9-7 Season in order to not make the playoffs, but it just wont happen. With Tom Brady in your lineup, you’re guaranteed a win. He just wins games! But back to my first point, in continuance of his ability to rewrite the record books; Brady set about 9 QuarterBack records last season when finally given the reigns to a high powered offense. Tom Brady has proven he can do it all in this NFL, and his 2 Super Bowl MVP and 1 League MVP trophy show that. He can, very well and quite possibly, go down as the greatest to ever take snaps.

1. Peyton Manning, QuarterBack, IND
Impact: A Natural Born Leader That Will Always Provide Astounding Offensive Understanding And Resulting Production
Argument: Manning wins the No. 1 Spot because he has the same impact as Brady in providing his team with a chance to win a championship, but his understanding of the Xs and Os of the game far surpasses Brady’s In my opinion. While Brady had a Manning-esque Season last year, Manning had a Brady-esque Season. Despite the fact that Manning lost his primary receiver of 10 Years and was forced to work with a Corp that was slightly above average for 11 Regular Season Games, he continued to produce at a high level. Manning is a virtual lock for 4000 Yards and 30 Touchdown Passes and just doesn’t turn the ball over. When he produced amazing numbers it is because he is the mastermind of his own Offense as opposed to the product of it. I sit here looking at the breakdown and don’t understand how Manning threw for 4,000 Yards and 31 Touchdowns(and only 8 Interceptions except one game), yet somehow he did it. Manning proved that he is the Colts and that he and he alone can make an offense. All in all, Peyton Manning is scary and I shutter to think what he would’ve done at the reigns of the Pats’ Offense.

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Honorable Mentions
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Karlos Dansby, LineBacker, ARI
Ronde Barber, CornerBack, TAM
Ben Roethlisberger, QuarterBack, PIT
Fred Taylor, HalfBack, JAX
Julius Peppers, Defensive End, CAR
Amobi Okoye, Defensive Tackle, HOU
Mario Williams,Defense End, HOU
Plaxico Burress, Wide Receiver, NYG
Dwight Freeney, Defensive End, IND
Trent Cole, Defensive End, PHI
Kevin Williams, Defensive Tackle, MIN
Brian Dawkins, Free Safety, PHI

End Of The Year Awards + All-Pro Team...

2008-01-04T20:18:00.000-05:00

Offensive Player Of The Year: Randy Moss
The reason that Moss takes this award as opposed to Brady is because he is more valuable to the Patriots offensive success this year than Brady is. In fact, Brady, like in previous years, still manages to be amongst the league leaders in "poor throws" leading to incompletions, but the difference this year is that he's throwing a lot of em up to Randy Moss and he's coming down with more than Brady's old receivers would. For an example see the first Dolphins game. While Tom Brady, Wes Welker is good and Jabar Gaffney are all looking the best they've all looked it's because of the looks their receiving with Randy Moss lining up at Wideout. Moss gives Defensive Coordinator's a chess match every defensive snap and those other three individuals take advantage of it and thus are having their best seasons since being in the league. However, Moss has still managed to get his production in, bringing about 1,500 Yards, 23 touchdowns, and 98 receptions. Moss is having the best season a Receiver has had in the modern pass-happy NFL, including that record-setting touchdown total, and is having the receiver equivalent to what LaDainian Tomlinson did last season. But the most undeniable reason that Moss wins this is because he's the league leader in scoring for non-kicker, thus ranking him 2nd by a mere 3 points. The next closest offensive player is LT tied at 21st.
Runner-Up: Tom Brady. Whether you love him or hate him... love or hate the ineffecient way that he did it, or just plain don't want to acknowledge it as better than the year that Manning did it, the fact is Tom Brady tossed up 50 touchdown passes this season vs. a mere 8 Interceptions. That is 300 points of offense off of touchdown passes, and only turning the ball over a mere 8 times. The only reason I feel that Moss was more deserving of the nomination and win is because his play was more indicative of himself, hence why a Wideout can never win MVP... Brady's play was more indicative of how great this offense clicked, and how well that, not only he, but that entire offense played throughout this season

Defensive Player Of The Year: Kerry Rhodes
Can I just say that Kerry Rhodes is, beyond the shadow of a doubt, having the best season that a Safety has ever recorded, and yet he wont be a Pro Bowler, not an AP All-Pro. However, he's the Defensive Player of The Year beyond the shadow of a doubt, and the league's best Safety this year. Why is having such a good year? Well, he's 1st in legitimate coverage interceptions amongst all Defense Backs(including CornerBacks) with 5, and 2nd to Sammy Knight in legitimate coverage passes defensed amongst all Safeties with 8. However, what makes it even more impressive is that he's playing in the box effectively as well, being the only Safety within the top 50 defensive players in Stuffs with 6.5. With his remaining two sacks, two forced fumbles, fumble recovery, and resulting touchdown from that recovery, is it any wonder that he's been the league's best Safety? What is most impressive about this stat line? Is that on 3rd down Rhodes has 4 stuffs, a forced fumble, a recovery , 2 passes defensed, 2 Interceptions and his touchdown. It's pretty clear, if you actually bother to look at New York's defensive players, that Rhodes is the league's best defender this year. If Jason Taylor can win on a losing team last year, I see no reason why Rhodes shouldn't win this year.
Runner-Up: Jared Allen. As dominant as Kerry Rhodes has been this season at the Safety position, Allen has been equally dominant in the front 7. With a league-leading 15.5 Sacks, 9 stuffs against the run, 3 forced-fumbles and an absolutely ridiculous 10 passes defensed Allen is unquestionably the league's best Defensive End this year. Allen is the only D-Lineman with over 10 passes defensed. However, he's also only one of a few Linemen with double digit sacks as well, and is fifth in stuffs against the run for D-Linemen and third amongst DEs. Allen is the only DE in the top 5 in all 3 of those statistics.

Offensive Rookie Of The Year: Adrian Peterson
Big suprise... After all, this award seemed to be locked up after week 9. At that point, Peterson looked to be the next coming Jim Barry Payton... Well, while he hasn't continued on that pace, hitting a rookie wall that has included both injury and malproductive games, Peterson is still the runaway winner of this award. In a season that saw a noticable decline in HalfBack yardage totals, Peterson is one of the few HalfBacks that have amassed 1,300 yards rushing and 1,500 yards from scrimmage. But perhaps what's more impressive than that are the 13 total touchdowns from scrimmage that Peterson has put up for the Vikings, who's offense seemed to skyrocket from the bottom half of the league to the top once Peterson emerged. Plain and simple, for a short time Peterson had me contemplating doing something I protested I'd never do... place a one year guy in the top 5 at his position.. Seriously, to put it into perspective, there are only two Halfbacks in the league that are top 5
in every HalfBack catergory excluding receptions... Peterson is the first, and the other is last years League MVP, LaDainian Tomlinson. Pretty good company if I do say so myself.
Runner-Up: Dwayne Bowe. Calvin Johnson who? You take the guy with the "potential" and "perfect Wide Receiver body"... Everyone else will take the hard worker, and Bowe is a hard worker. Dwayne Bowe should finish 2nd in the voting. Dwayne Bowe is the only rookie receiver of the 2007 draft class that totaled 1,000 yards(yes, I am constituting 995 yards as a 1,000 yard season). He also provided 5 receiving touchdowns and 70 receptions. What's most impressive about all this... He did it for the Chiefs who had no competent QuarterBack, run game, or Receivers for that matter... Bowe was the only Chiefs Wideout that was thrown at 40 or more times.

Defensive Rookie Of The Year: Tanard Jackson
Tanard Jackson was robbed of a Pro-Bowl spot, and he doesn't lead the league in tackles, so nobody is talking about him for Defensive Rookie of The Year honors except for a select few. While what Patrick Willis is doing is his impressive one has to realize that a significant portion of his tackle totals are indicative of his defense being on the field so much because of an inept offense. Jackson, however, is a key-player on one of the league's best defenses that is vastly responsible for it's team's success. Jackson has 7 Legitimate Coverage passes defensed, placing him in 3rd place amongst all Safeties. Jackson has helped to return a Buccaneers defense, that looked like a shade of it's self last season, to an amazing pass defense that now ranks 1st at the end of the season. This pass defense ranks 1st overall because it is 2nd in number of pass plays 20+ yards or more given up, with 31(22 w/ Jackson as a starter), which is indicative of how well he's been playing. However, why I place him over Willis winning the award(though he actually wont) is because of their 3rd down play. While Willis has more complete 3rd down statistics, prior to Jackson sitting the last 7 quarters of the season, Jackson's numbers were virtually even in terms of stops in less attempts at a tougher position to do it. If Bob Sanders is in the running for DPOTY, and the preliminary talking says that he is, then Jackson should get a heavy bid at Defensive Rookie Of The Year.
Runner-Up: Patrick Willis. Let's not lie, Willis is, arguably, having the best season ever for a rookie LineBacker, and broke the "unofficial official" record of 169 tackles in a season with his 174 tackles. He has emerged as the unquestioned leader on that 49ers defense, and is playing well with an ineffective 3-4 Defense around him that is much better than it looks on paper. However, aside from his tackling, which, while tackle numbers don't impress me, manages to impresses me because of how crisp it is, Willis hasn't made too many plays for me to annoint him a top 10 player at his position, while Jackson is nudging at the S position at around 13 or 14. Unfortunately for Willis he reminds me a lot of Ernie Simms of last year.

Comeback Player Of The Year: Bobby Engram
Yeah, you remember that Bobby Engram fellow, right? You know, even though the Seahawks WR Corp has always been deep, he's that guy that has always seemed to be a key part of their Receiving Corp. Well this year, he's proven to be an even more key component, emerging for over 1,147 yards receiving and 6 touchdowns. Now I realize that these aren't Randy Moss numbers, but there is a key difference in Engram's performance and Moss'. Moss' improvement is a result of not trying the previous year. Engram's improvement, however, comes a year after being diagnosed with "Graves Disease" the previous year, and only playing 7 games as a result. Despite this, Engram returned for another season in the NFL and produced his best season ever, not only statistically, but effeciency and example-wise. While Moss is incredibly impressive, Engram is just downright impressive and a story that the media should cover and show the kids these days what it means to persevere. While Seattle has a Corp that has two former 1,000 yard recievers, Engram somehow emerged as the unquestioned best out of all three this year, even without Branch's injury. By the way, did I not mention that Engram is lights' out this year, having been thrown at 134 times and only has 2 drops, placing him with the best ratio in the NFL. He also caught an insane 70.1% of passes intended for him. It's ridiculous!
Runner-Up: Ben Roethlisberger. One year after a motor cycle accident that had many calling Roethlisberger the worst starter in the NFL, Roethlisberger has proven last year to be a fluke. He's thrown for 32 touchdowns vs. 11 Interceptions, placing him 3rd in touchdown passes, and has lead his team to an AFC North Championship, and has done it despite the fact that he's been sacked a ridiculous 47 times. However, what's most impressive is that Roethlisberger played his first complete season for the Black & Gold and has amassed his first Pro Bowl appearance if he choses to go and doesn't get injured.

League Most Valuable Player: Tom Brady. Do I think he is the league's Most Valuable Player? Honestly? No. I think that there are a lot of players more important to their team's success and their respective team making the playoffs this season than Tom Brady. However, the New England Patriots are 16-0, and I can say that Tom Brady is a very key component in that record. Without Brady, the Patriots would've been a 13 to 15 win team. But that is how valuable Brady was to the Patriots. That one game difference between 15-1 and 16-0 is arguably more valuable than the 3 or 4 games that other players won for their teams. Oh, did I happen to mention that he directly and indirectly set records for touchdown passes, number of points scored by an offense, and helped his Wide Receiver set the record for touchdown receptions over a 16-game season, and also came pretty darn close to setting the completion % record. Brady also wins this because it seems the player with the mo
st touchdowns always wins this award. However, what's most impressive about Brady's play this season is that his play style didn't change at all. He made the same kinds of throws that he made, regardless of his Wide Receiver corp in the previous seasons.
Runner-Up: Adrian Peterson. NFL Single Game Rushing Record. Three various Franchise Records. 1,300 rushing yards and 1,500 yards from scrimmage. 12 rushing touchdowns and another receiving touchdown from scrimmage. All of those are some impressive feats by Adrian Peterson, but what remains the most impressive is the Minnesota Viking's riding him to a .500 record and a shot at the post-season, something that even Vikings fans didn't see coming. Adrian Peterson's performance throughout this year has players looking better than they actually are. Peterson has given Tony Richardson an undeserved Pro Bowl, and Sidney Rice, though he's underachieved, owes a significant portion of his yardage to Peterson and the Viking's playaction... However, the player that owes Peterson his paycheck? Tarvaris Jackson.

All-Pro First Team:
QB: Tom Brady, NWE - 50 Touchdown Passes, 8 Interceptions, 16-0 Record, a sure-fire league MVP coming in the wakes, and numerous records set. Tom Brady had this spot, and arguably the league MVP locked up by week six. No QuarterBack's season came close to Brady's. Hell, on paper, Brady had the best season ever for a QuarterBack. I doubt that anyone will come close to this season, but then again, I said that 3 years ago.
HB: Adrian Peterson, MIN -13 Touchdowns and 1,500 Yards From Scrimmage as well as a heavy bid for the league MVP. Peterson set numerous franchise records as well as an NFL record with the most yards ever ran for in a single game. However, as impressive as all of this was, what was perhaps the most impressive about his season was that he, aside LaDainian Tomlinson, were the only HalfBacks in the top 5 for every respective statistic for HalfBacks.
FB: Thomas Tapeh, PHI -Lead-blocker for the League's All-Purpose Yardage leader. Westbrook ran 20 more times with Tapeh as a lead-block than alone, and yet managed the same amount of yardage. The key differnce, however, is Westbrook's ability to follow Tapeh for first downs and touchdowns. 53% of Westbrook's 1st downs where with Tapeh as a lead block and 10 of Westbrook's 12 touchdowns were with Tapeh throwing some key blocks.
TE: Jason Witten, DAL -Essentially Witten sat out the final game, leaving after a few series, which cost him to lead two of three Tight End statisics. Even still, Witten finished with 96 receptions, 1,145 yards receiving, and 7 touchdowns. Witten had, undeniably, the best season by a Tight End this year, and even before Tony Gonzalez had a catchup game, had one of the best seasons ever for a tight end, and probably still does have one.
WR: Randy Moss, NWE -23 Touchdowns... That's all I really have to say. He finished 2nd, overall, in scoring, with the next closest offensive player ranking tied for 21st. However, Moss finished 7th in receptions, 2nd in yards, 1st in touchdowns, and tied for first in first downs. That is one hell of a season, and while some may disagree with it being the best season ever for a Wideout, on paper, it arguably is.
WR: Terrell Owens, DAL -Despite sitting out the last game of the season, and missing a critical amount of time vs. Carolina with an ankle injury, Owens managed to produce a top 5 season in this one where Wide Receivers were playing lights out. Owens turned in the 5th most receiving yardage, was third in touchdowns with 15 and ranked 3rd in big plays over 20 yards. Most impressive about that? He did it on 10 and 20 receptions less than the two individuals above him.
LT: Jammal Brown, NWO -He may have missed a game, but it doesn't change the fact that Brown did something amazing. He allowed 2 sacks on the season at the Left Tackle position. Despite this, he wasn't honored with a Pro Bowl appearance. It'd be understandable, if it weren't for the fact that Brown was responsible for protecting Drew Brees who was throwing so much he set the NFL record for completions and attempts in a season.
LG: Eric Steinbach, CLE -Jamal Lewis suden reemergence as a Pro Bowl calibur HalfBack this season is no coincidence. It was because Eric Steinbach was blocking lights out when it came to run blocking. Lewis managed a whopping 5.2 Yards Per Carry behind Steinbach, and ran fo 5 touchdowns. More impressive? Lewis ran for 44% of his first downs running to Steinbach's side, and Steinbach never was flaged for holding the defender.
C: Jeff Saturday, IND -Is there any question that Jeff Saturday is the NFL's best Center? Saturday, once again, for the 9th time in his career, has allowed 1 or less sacks throughout a season. Even more impressive? For the 2nd time in as many seasons Saturday has been flagged only once, this year for Holding. But what's most impressive about this "little guys" performance is another "little guys" performance. Joe Addai still chooses to run behind him more than any other Colts' lineman.
RG: Brad Butler, BUF -In his first season starting, Butler has emerged as one of the league's best Guards. Not only an excellent run blocker, as Marshawn Lynch runs for over 5 per carry behind him and another 3 touchdowns. Fred Jackson averaged 7 yards per carry behind Butler as well. Aside from providing the most first downs, despite not having the highest lead block % on the O-Line, Butler was also the league's 2nd best pass blocking Guard, allowing only 1.5 sacks and never holding the opponent.
RT: Jordan Gross, CAR - Gross was far and away the league's best pass blocking Right Tackle and it wasn't even close. Gross afforded a mere 3 sacks on the season, and let's not forget that he didn't exactly have anyone stout avoiding the rush in the backfield all season. Despite this, he only was flagged for holding a mere one time. He also proved a valuable run blocker for Foster and Williams, affording them over 200 yards on the ground.

RDE: Jared Allen, KNC -Easily the league's best Defensive End this year, Allen notched a league-leading 15.5 sacks and 10 passes defensed. However, he was no slouch against the run either, managing 9 stuffs vs. the run as well. Perhaps what was most impressive about Allen's play was that he esentially took away the first 5 yards of the field from all of his opponents and managed to do it in a mere 14 games. Allen should finish no worse than 2nd in the DPOTY voting.
LDE: Patrick Kerney, SEA -While Kerney may have started the season off slow in terms of sack totals, when he caught on in November the rest of the league had hell to pay. Now Kerney finishes 2nd in Sack totals at the end ofthe season with 14.5. However, he's not just a pass rusher, as he's offered 3.5 Stuffs against the run, and interception, and an astounding 5 forced fumbles... Kerney was the NFL's best Left Defensive End.
LDT: Pat Williams , MIN -"Fat Pat" Williams had a season that most Defensive Tackles would kill for.. Williams racked in an astounding 11 Stuffs behind the Line of Scrimmage on his own, best at the position. However, when you figure that the Vikings' Middle LineBacker E.J. Henderson contributed another 12.5 because of Williams' penetration and you see why he should be an All-Pro. Williams' three passes defensed, two sacks and fumble recoveries don't hurt either.
RDT: Albert Haynesworth, TEN -Another one of those individuals that should receive significant Defensive Player of The Year attention, Albert Haynesworth only played 11 games. The majority of the 5 games in which he was absent, the Titans lost. Additionally, the Titans' defense was run all over. Despite his short season, Haynesworth has 7.5 stuffs, 6 sacks, 5 passes defensed, and is a key reason that Kyle VanDenBosch made the Pro Bowl. He's come a long way from being "the face-stomper"...
LOLB: DeMarcus Ware, DAL -All off-season I heralded this guy as the league's best 3-4 Outside LineBacker, and he cemented that notion beyond the shadow of a doubt this season. However, he may be the league's best OLB regardless of defensive arrangement. Ware finished in the top 5 in sack totals, put up 84 tackles, 8.5 stuffs, 4 forced fumbles and 2 legitimate passes defensed, with another batted down at the line.
MLB: Nick Barnett, GNB -How many of these players are DPOTY candidates? Seriously, Nick Barnett was starting his case in Week 1 when he made a tackle for loss and then intercepted a screen pass on the very next play. He hasn't stopped since. Barnet posted 131 tackles, 5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, 3.5 Sacks, a fumble recovery and 3 legitimate passes defense, with 2 direct coverage interceptions from excellent plays on the ball.
ROLB: Thomas Howard, OAK -Somebody move this guy to CornerBack quick! No, but seriously, when a LineBacker has 11 passes defensed and 6 Interceptions with 2 touchdown returns, a good portion of them are tipped balls or not from direct coverage. However, 6 of Howard's PD are from direct coverage, and an astounding 3 of his interceptions are as well. However, he's no slouch offering up 96 tackles, a sack, 4.5 stuffs and a fumble recovery as well.
LCB: Charles Woodson, GNB - Woodson wasn't exactly a playmaker, outside of his fumble return for a touchdown, however, what he was was a shutdown CornerBack that was very influential in how the Packers defense played. Perhaps the best way to show Woodson's impact was the Dallas game in which Green Bay had to revert to ineffective zone coverage. Woodson, plain and simple, kept Wide Receivers out of the endzone. While Woodson wasn't exactly picking off the best-thrown passes, he did his first job best... keep the opponent out the endzone.
RCB: Terence Newman, DAL -Another guy who didn't start for the first two or three weeks of the season, this time because of injury. Though Newman didn't turn in his best season in terms of preventing the opposition from reaching the endzone, he did turn in 4 interceptions and 12 passes defensed. Of these, 3of the interceptions were legitimate, made in direct coverage, with one resulting in a TD. The other interception, though a missthrow was still excellent. His 10 direct PDs don't hurt either.
SS: Sammy Knight, JAC -Among all Safeties, Sammy Knight maintained the most legitimate coverage passes defensed throughout the NFL's 2007 regular season with an astounding 9. He also contributed 3 Interceptions through legitimate direct coverage, and was even asked to do a significant amount of coverage against 3 and 4 Wide Receiver sets, hence the numbers. However, Knight managed to play effectively in the box contributing 93 total tackles, 3 stuffs and a forced fumble.
FS: Kerry Rhodes, NYG -The player that should, undeniably be the league's Defensive Player of the Year, Kerry Rhodes is the only Safety in the NFL that is within the tops of every metric. He turned in 6.5 stuffs, 5 legitimate interceptions, which ranked first amongst all Defensive Backs, and turned in the 2nd most legitimate passes defensed amongst all Safeties with 8, and managed to be a force within the box with two sacks, two forces fumbles, a recovery and a touchdown.

All-Pro Second Team:
QB: Ben Roethlisberger, PIT -In a 15 game season Ben Roethlisberger managed to throw for the 3rd most touchdowns in the NFL. However, the guy who threw for the 2nd most played only 15.5 games. The reason, however, that Roethlisberger makes the second team is that with less talent on the offensive line and at the skilled positions, Roethlisberger tossed only 4 less touchdowns and a whopping 8 less interceptions. Aside from the yardage tossed by the QuarterBacks, which is made very different by the Yards After Catch by the Receivers in favor of Romo by 500 yards, and Ben Roethlisberger had the better season by far.
HB: Brian Westbrook, PHI -As mentioned in his backfield mate's profile, Westbrook is the league's leader in yardage from scrimmage. He ran for the 3rd most yardage of all HalfBacks, but then added an additional 700+ yards receiving out the backfield and proved that he was the league's best all-purpose runner beyond the shadow of a doubt. This man is probably a solid MVP candidate if Brady isn't playing this year and probably would've won it, given that he's the only player with over 2,000 yards from scrimmage.
FB: B.J. Askew, TAM -For years, if there was an All-Pro from Tampa at the FullBack spot, his name would've been "Mike Alstott". Well B.J. Askew is paving the way for any HalfBack that runs in Tampa. Prior to going down with a devastating knee injury, Carnell "Cadillac" Williams managed 3 touchdowns, all ran for behind Askew. When Cadillac went down, Earnest Graham came in and ran for 9 touchdowns behind Askew as a key blocker. Askew was lights out, and Alstott might find himself out of a job.
TE: Tony Gonzalez, KNC -Contrary to popular belief, Tony Gonzalez deserved his Pro Bowl bid, and even though Jason Witten didn't play the entire season finale, it can be argued that Gonzalez had the best season amongst all Tight Ends in the NFL. Gonzo ended the year first amongst all Tight Ends in receptions(99), yardage(1,172) and though he wasn't in the top 5 in touchdowns, he turned in a respectable five touchdowns. He was a very important factor in Dwayne Bowe receiving for 995 yards. However, Gonzo was still a pertinent blocker as well, which he why he finishes as a 2nd team All-Pro.
WR: Braylon Edwards, CLE -Remember last season when it seemed like Mark Clayton was the AFC North 3rd-Year Wide Receiver that would emerge... boy was that idea wrong. Braylond Edwards came onto the scene hard and heavy this year, surpassing everybody's expectations. Though Edwards was 17th in receptions, he managed nearly 1,300 yards receiving and and a whopping 16 receiving touchdowns, good for 2nd place amongst Wide Receivers. Equally as impressive is that Edwards finished 4th in big plays amongst receivers.
WR: Reggie Wayne, IND -If I told you that Marvin Harrison would've went down early in the season and Reggie Wayne would've produced the most receiving yardage, would you have believed me? Well either way, he did, and if not for his "low" touchdown totals, he probably would've been a first team All-Pro with his high reception totals(104) and league-leading yardage(1,510). Wayne also went for the second most big plays at the receiver position and fell two first downs short of a three-way tie for first for first down receptions. Given he sat out the last game, and had no legitimate number 2 option, and he deserved his spot strongly.
LT: Joe Thomas, CLE -Honestly, if Jammal Brown had allowed a sack or two more, Joe Thomas probably would've won the first team position because, unlike Brown, he was incredibly effective when it came to run blocking. Thomas' 4.25 sacks allowed are impressive when you actually take the time to examine each one one-by-one. While Thomas was never a lead block for a significant portion of rushes, every time he was, Jamal Lewis, a Power Back, was never tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Given that Thomas only had 1 hold his season was very impressive.
LG: Steve Hutchinson, MIN -Minnesota HalfBacks averaged 5 Yards Per Carry running behind Steve Hutchinson as a lead block and plowed it into the endzone a grand total of eight times. However, what continues to make this accomplishment impressive is that Steve Hutchinson didn't have a single hold held up throughout the season and had only 1 false start. That false start marked Hutchinson's first penalty in three seasons, and Hutch's pass protection improved over last season, leaving him a 2nd-team All-Pro.
C: Brad Meester, JAC -Brad Meester only played in 11 Games this season, but in those 11 games he continued to cement the fact that he is the league's best run blocking Center. The two-headed monster known as Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor run behind Center significantly more than they do anywhere else. 56% of all of their rushes have come up the middle, and once Meester came back is when Fred Taylor went on his tear that had numerous individuals claiming he should go to the Pro Bowl. Up the middle they went for 10 touchdowns and 47 first downs, and while those weren't all Meester, most of them were.
RG: Chris Snee, NYG -The Giants had a HalfBack by committee type offense this season that was a large reason they went 10-6. Regardless of who was in there, they won. Perhaps, because Snee was blocking lights out at the Right Guard position. New York HalfBack's averaged 5 yards per carry running behind this guy as a lead block, and ran for 702 yards. More impressive are the 7 touchdowns and the 31 first downs ran forbehind Snee. His 1.5 Sacks allowed and 1 Hold round out an excellent season.
RT: John Runyan, PHI -Again, let me say that the Right Tackle play this season hasn't exactly been particular, however, Jon Runyan played pretty good this season. Runyan's most impressive aspects were his pass protection and his ability to get out in front of Brian Westbrook on screen plays. Runyan was a key aspect in Westbrook's screens, and while Andrews was getting a lot of the credit, Runyan deserved some of it as well. Runyan's 5.5 sacks allowed offered a .5 sack improvement over last season, and the fact that he commited no penalties last season shows how ridiculously disciplined he was.

RDE: Trent Cole, PHI -If Trent Cole predominant played Left Defensive End he would've won this position, but because the majority of his snaps are logged against the Left Tackle, he had to settle for the second team. Cole's statistics ranks very similair to first-teamer Jared Allen's with the sole difference being the passes defensed. Cole managed to turn in 14.5 sacks on the season and an astounding 10 stuffs against the run. However, Cole has put forward a good 4 forced fumbles and a recovery, as well as 2 passes defensed.
LDE: Michael Strahan, NYG -When Osi Umenyiora tallied 6 sacks against the Eagles his ticket was punched for Hawaii. He added 7 more sacks throughout the season, but he probably wasn't even the 2nd best DE on the Giants. Michael Strahan, however, was arguably the league's 2nd best Left Defensive End. Strahan offered up 9 sacks, and numerous QB pressures alongside all Giants DEs. But Strahan also contributed 8 stuffs against the run, a forced fumble, a recovery, and 2 passes defensed.
LDT: Casey Hampton, PIT -Over the last three seasons it was argued who was the superior Nose Tackle, Casey Hampton or Jamal Williams. Well, both lost their respective Left Defensive End, and their play suffered, however, Hampton managed to step his personal game up which is why he's the fisrt Nose Tackle listed. Hampton's LineBackers totaled 26 sacks thanks to his penetration, and his team's run Defense ranked number 3 in the league. Hampton also turned in 2.5 stuffs and .5 sacks.
RDT: Darnell Dockett, ARI -Arizona Cardinal's Defensive Tackle Darnell Dockett turned in an impressive season, and at one point in the season, was considered the best DT in the NFL, statistically. To end the season, Dockett turned out 58 tackles, 9 sacks, and an impressive 6.5 stuffs. He added an additional 2 forced fumbles, 2 recoveries and a pass defensed. Dockett, achieving career highs in the first 5 statistics, turned in a very good season.
LOLB: James Harrison, PIT -Joey Porter who? All Off-season Steelers fans protested that Joey Porter's departure wasn't a big deal, and it looks like they knew what they were talking about, huh? Harrison turned in 86 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 7 stuffs against the run, 6 forced fumbles, an additional 3 recoveries, 3 passes defended, and an Interception. Harrison's season can give him a claim at possibly being the league's 2nd best overall 3-4 Outside LineBacker behind DeMarcus Ware.
MLB: Lofa Tatupu, SEA -Although Tatupu turned in three, almost identical, interceptions vs. A.J. Feely, don't let it negate the fact that he turned in a very impressive season. Tatupu registered 109 tackles, a sack, 3 forced fumbles, 7 stuffs, another interception to those previous 3, and an additional 9 passes defensed(6 of which were in direct coverage). Tatupu is showing no signs of slowing down from his rookie season.
ROLB: Julian Peterson, SEA -Tatupu's LineBacking Corp mate turned in an impressive season, and for the first 8 weeks of the season was the front runner for the Defensive Player of the Year award. Peterson turned in, as a 4-3 Outside LineBacker, 74 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 4 stuffs, 2 Interceptions(both legitimate), 2 fumble recoveries, and 3 passes defensed, 2 in coverage, 1 batted by him at the line of scrimmage.
LCB: Marcus Trufant, SEA -After Marcus Trufant's 2006 season, who in the heck would've thought he'd have an opportunity to be a 2nd team All-Pro falling just short of the 1st team. Despite being the league's 2nd worst Corner in 2006, Trufant pulled a complete 180 degree turn and played as one of the three best Corners in the 2007 NFL season. Trufant turned in 78 solo tackles, 15 passes defensed(8 legitimate) and 7 Interceptions(3 legitimate), one of which lead to a Touchdown.
RCB: Asante Samuel, NWE -Remember this guy? Remember how he was the dime back for like three or four weeks because he held out for most of the off-season? Well, when he finally got back to his starting position, he showed why he deserved it. He managed 5 Interceptions and 16 passes defensed upon returning to the starting position, which doesn't figure in the interception and 2 PDs he had before starting. Of these 10 PDs are legitimate, alongside 3 interceptions and a resulting touchdown.
SS: Darren Sharper, MIN -Whether you believe it or not, Darren Sharper put together a decent season. While he as literally not a force in the box, with 0 sacks, 0 stuffs, and mininal plays within the Box, he was still a force against the pass. Sharper turned in 8 passes defensed and 4 Interceptions. Of those, 3 of the Interceptions were in legitimate coverage and 5 of the passes defensed where in legitimate coverage. The remaining interception via misscommunication resulted in a 20 yard touchdown return.
FS: Ed Reed, BAL -One thing you have to love about Ed Reed is that in a "down year" he still manages to produce 7 interceptions. While he only turned in 39 total tackles, he managed to turn in 2.5 stuffs against the run. However, in typical Ed Reed style, Reed turned in multiple interceptions, 3 of which were legitimate. He also turned in 13 passes defensed, 5 of which came against excellent throws.

All-Pro Third Team:
QB: Tony Romo, DAL -Tony Romo's two bad games against Buffalo and Philadelphia are the reason he isn't the 2nd team's QuarterBack. His inconsistancies are the reason he fell a notch below. While Romo throws together great seasons, he, like Brett Favre seems to be the only QuarterBack that you can "garuntee" will have a bad game sometime soon. However, whoever you are, and whether you like him or not, you have to admit that his 36 touchdowns and 4,000 yards are impressive.
HB: LaDainian Tomlinson, SDG -Tomlinson had a "down year" and still managed to win the Rushing Title. Tomlinson was the league's only HalfBack to put up near 1,500 yards rushing, and added an additional 475 yards receiving on 60 receptions, placing him 2nd in yards from scrimmage. In his "down year", Tomlinson managed to produce 15 touchdowns rushing and another 3 receiving. If not for the fact that he has a better offensive Line, Tomlinson would've been the 1st teamer.
FB: Lorenzo Neal, SDG -How exactly do I put this? Even though he did well without "Lo Neal" towards the end of the year, LaDainian Tomlinson is not the same back without Neal. He's still the league's best back, but Neal just plain and simple paves opening lanes up for Tomlinson to find pay dirt. It's no coincidence that the majority of Tomlinson's touchdowns come in the Power I. It's also no coincidence that once the Chargers started to go more Power I that Tomlinson's numbers caught up that eventually earned him the rushing title.
TE: Kellen Winslow II, CLE - While Kellen Winslow Jr, known by NFL fans as "K2" was wrongfully passed up for a Pro Bowl spot, it wasn't by Tony Gonzalez. It was by Antonio Gates. Winslow finished 3rd in yardage for Tight Ends, 1st in Yards Per Reception amongst Tight Ends with over 20 receptions, and managed to turn in an additional 5 touchdowns on 82 receptions. Not to mention he was robbed of an amazing game-winning touchdown catch vs. Arizona that cost the Browns their shot at the playoffs.
WR: T.J. Houshmandzadeh, CIN - I've been saying it for years, and I'm finally vindicated in saying so, that TJ Houshmandzadeh is every bit as good as Chad Johnson. "Housh" as he's known aroud the league tied for the league lead in receptions, producing the 13th most yardage amongst all Wide Receivers. But Housh's biggest asset this year was his ability to get the ball into the endzone for an enemic Bengal's offense. Housh reached paydirt 12 times, tying him for 4th most amongst Wide Receivers.
WR: Larry Fitzgerald, ARI - You probably forgot about this guy, given that everyone is stating that he isn't even the best Wide Receiver on his team, but Larry Fitzgerald produced a very good season, capped off by his Week 17 performance. Fitzgerald produced the 4th most yardage amonst all Wide Receivers this season, and edged out Chad Johnson because he always had better touchdown totals throughout the season, finish with 2 more than him. Plus Fitz put up 100 receptions in 1 less game.
LT: Chad Clifton, GNB/Michael Roos, TEN - Chad Clifton has been the league's best Tackle in my eyes for about 2 or 3 years, and this year was no different. Though he started off having a down year, eclipsing his total sacks allowed last season within the first half of the season, the latter half of the year he finished strong. In the end Clifton allowed a mere 3.5 Sacks on an offense that was about as pass heavy as if gets in the NFL. | The people over at Football's Future know about this guy, but nobody else really does,but Michael Roos is one of the 5 best Tackles in the NFL, and was robbed of a Pro Bowl berth. In his 3 years starting in the NFL Roos has given up a mere 13.5 sacks, including only 4 this season. Most impressive about that is he was only flagged for holding once, and false started only 3 times. Additionally, VY had, arguably, some of his best rushing totals behind Roos.
LG: Alan Faneca, PIT - Steelers fans may think he's over the hill, but he actually isn't. Sure, the Steelers O-Line is horrible at pass blocking, and Faneca is one of the worst pass blocking Guards, and even managed to regress, but he's still been one of the Steelers better pass blockers overall, and for the 5th year in a row, did not have a lasting holding call. But just like in year's past, Faneca is the lead block for Willie Parker on an astounding 37% of his rushes, and averages his 2nd best YPC behind Faneca and his most first downs.
C: Andre Gurode, DAL - Andre Gurode's going to Hawaii in February and deserves it. Gurode is easily remembered as the guy that got his head stomped on by Albert Haynesworth, but Gurode has played a large hand in helping Marion Barber III, Julius Jones and Tony Romo lok good. The 'Boys' backs have run for 4 touchdowns running behind Gurode and he has been good in pass blocking as well, allowing 1.5 sacks and being flagged only twice. Flo Adams can learn discipline from him.
RG: Bobbie Williams, CIN -You probably heard of a guy named Kenny Watson that came in and replaced Rudi Johnson up in Cincinnati. Well, despite the horrid play of Rudi Johnson, Bobbie Williams continued to be the Bengals best run blocker for another year. Running behind him, Kenny Watson didn't average the best numbers, but he did put up what was most important... 6 touchdowns. However, when Johnson did play he was runnning behind Williams for 4 Yards Per Carry and a touchdown.
RT: Erik Pears, DEN - While they didn't do it as often as possible, running to the Right, the Denver Bronco's HalfBacks had major success, averaging 5.5 Yards Per Carry. That's why Pears makes this list. The Broncos' Backs ran for about 1/6th of their yardage to the Right, despite running that way about 14% of the time. His decent pass protection has helped protect Cutler, yielding 6.5 sacks and only being flagged four times. Not great, but not bad for a 2nd year player.

RDE: Mario Williams, HOU - All I can say is... I told you so. Taking a "sure-fire" Defensive star is a much better pick than taking a HalfBack that can't be an everydown back. Williams, in only his second season in the NFL has emerged as one of the league's premier pass rushers, bringin 14 sacks, 59 tackles, 4.5 stuffs, 2 forces fumbles, a recovery and a pass defense in his Sophomore season. When it was all said and done, Williams was robbed of a Pro Bowl spot, but not this All-Pro spot.
LDE: Aaron Kampman, GNB - Throughout the off-season I kept hearing that this guy was the best Defensive End in the NFL, whether it be the Left or Right Side. Well, while he certainly wasn't the best last season, he wasn't a slouch. His run support left something to be desired with only 1.5 stuffs, but he was stout against the pass with 12 sacks and a forced fumbles and recovery.
LDT: Vince Wilfork, NWE - It appears that Vince Wilfork has finally taken the leap expected of him. In a year where Jamal Williams regressed and Casey Hampton and Vince Wilfork stepped their games up, Wilfork arguably played as the league's best Nose Tackle. His filtering allowed his LineBackers to achieve 24.5 sacks, and his force against the rush allowed for the Pats to rank 10th against the run. Most impressive is that he did it for 6 weeks without Richard Seymour.
RDT: Kevin Williams, MIN - Working alongside our first teamer, Pat Williams, the other Williams, Kevin, turned in a pretty decent season. He offered up 38 total tackles, 3 sacks and 4 stuffs against the run. He also offered a Forced fumble and a recovery. But his most impressive plays of the season were his plays where he got his hands up. Williams defended 6 passes, and turned two of them into Interceptions that he returned for touchdowns. I don't think I've ever seen a Defensive Tackle do that.
LOLB: Mike Vrabel, NWE - After having much success as one of the Patriots' 3-4 Inside LineBackers, Mike Vrabel was moved to the outside where he found immense success. Vrabel was capable of producing two 3-sack games, and probably should've been a 2-time Defensive Player of the Week this year. Vrabel turned in 77 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 1.5 stuffs, and 5 forced fumbles. A pretty competent season at the 3-4 OLB position.
MLB: Brian Urlacher, CHI - Despite what the average fan and the media thinks, Brian Urlacher had one of his betters seasons this year. In fact, Urlacher shed the mold of a "North-South" LineBacker and played the way that many fans had been claiming he used to play in the past. Urlacher finally made an actual dent in the passing game, racking up 12 PDs(8 legitimate) and 5 Interceptions(3 legitimate), including one returned for a touchdown. He added 2.5 stuffs, 5 Sacks and 123 total tackles.
ROLB: Michael Boley, ATL - This guy was robbed of a Pro Bowl, but he certainly was one of the three bright spots to come out of Atlanta this season. Boley turned out 103 tackles, 3 Sacks, 2 Interceptions(both legitimate), 7 passes defensed(5 legitimate) and also contributed 3 forced fumbles. Boley had a ridiculous season and yet flew under the radar because the big story in Atlanta was how they sucked, their coach "sucked", and how Michael Vick and the aforementioned Coach screwed them over.
LCB: Sheldon Brown, PHI/ Ike Taylor, PIT - For the 3rd time in 4 years, Sheldon Brown has been the Eagles' best CornerBack. Allowing few touchdowns, and only having one "bad" game against Seattle where he allowed a go ahead TD, Brown played lights out this season. Brown offered up 68 total tackles, 2 stuffs against the run, and a forced fumble. Brown also offered 14 passes defensed(9 legitimate) and 3 Interceptions(1 legitimate). Brown has been exremely consistant. | Once again, if Ike Taylor had a decent set of hands, he'd probably be a 1st team All-Pro on both mine and the Associated Press's lists. Taylor turned in 69 solo tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and recovery, 16 passes defensed(11 legitimate) and 3 Interceptions(1 legitimate), one for Touchdown. Taylor's season is best recaped when realizing that aside from the Anthony Smith play to Randy Moss, Taylor gave up no big plays over 40 yards and was left on an island a lot.
RCB: Nnamdi Asomugha, OAK - In all honesty, Asomugha could've honestly been a 1st teamer... if his team's run defense was even marginally better. In terms of blanketing Wide Receives, Asomugha had one of the best seasons in NFL history, and arguably the best considering the day and age we live in. He was only charted as the target roughly 29 times and allowed few completions but still logged 6 legitimate passes defensed and a legitimate interception. But the number of throws against him yields a bias because teams were taking advantage of the front 7's inability to stop the run.
SS: Bob Sanders, IND - In all honesty, despite their down years, I could still make a case for Roy Williams or Troy Polamalu, because they both turned in as many turnovers as Sanders and had as good a season as Sanders did. The only difference is that Sanders is loved by the media. However, Sanders was part of the #1 pass defense in the NFL and offered career bests of 3.5 sacks, 6 passes defensed(3 legitimate) and 2 Interceptions. However, his defense finishing #1 in Points and Pass D pushed him over for the final spot.
FS: Sean Taylor, WAS - Despite the fact that he passed away last month, and wouldn't have played a complete season anyway, this spot isn't simply to be a memorial to Sean Taylor. The fact is, that while he was playing, and before he died, Taylor was playing his best season of his career, bouncing back from one of the worst seasons ever by a Safety. Taylor had offered up 9 passes defensed(1 legitimate) and 5 Interceptions(1 legitimate)

Runners-Up that fell Just Short:
*Cooper Carlisle of Oakland fell just short of 3rd team RG to Williams*
*Ronde Barber of Tampa Bay fell just short of 3rd team CB to Asomugha*
*Logan Mankins of New England fell just short of 3rd team LG to Faneca*

Blaq's Midway Point Hero & Heel List...

2007-11-11T05:24:00.000-05:00

he time has come where each team has at least played 8 games, so therefore they're halfway through their season. While nothing is set in stone until the season is over, at the halfway point we can get a moderate understanding of who has been playing with their motor reving for each team, and who has disappointed, not only the fans, but the franchise in some cases as well. I'm sure, as with all my articles there will be some controversy, however, I hope that it's constructive rather than an attack of character.

Arizona Cardinals
Hero(es): Mike Gandy, Reggie Wells, & Al Johnson/Lyle Sendlein
The Left Side of the Arizona Cardinals’ Offensive Line is the reason that they’ve put together their season so far. Even with the carousel of Quarterbacks in Arizona pre and post-injury, this side of the O-Line hasn’t allowed a single sack amongst them. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, they’re also the strong side that Edgerrin James has reclaimed his name running behind. While Edge only manages 3.67 Yards Per Carry to the right side, he manages 4.2 Yards Per Carry behind the left, as well as has rushed for three of his four touchdowns to the left as well. This group has played so well collectively it made it hard to choose a single individual or two for the hero nomination.

Heel(s):Clancy Pendergast
Simply put, the Defensive Coordinator is here because he has underutilized Adrian Wilson this season. Yes, Wilson’s coverage game in zone is improved this season (though it wasn’t very hard to be even marginally better), however, Adrian Wilson is the most efficient blitzer in the NFL, and yet Pendergast suddenly feels the need to keep Wilson out in more coverage. I understand Bertrand Berry is finally healthy again, so theoretically Wilson doesn’t need to compensate for the oft-injured Berry, however, the injuries have clearly taken a toll as Berry isn’t forcing pressure. The Cardinals have some excellent personnel on their Defense, and a power run game this year, and yet they’ve given up 16 touchdowns from scrimmage on the season.

Atlanta Falcons
Hero(es): Roddy White & John Abraham
Blaq say what? Mr. Drops himself being a Falcon’s hero? That’s right. In a season where just about everyone on the Falcons has been disappointing, Roddy White has been quietly having his best season. White is on pace for 72 Receptions and over 1,000 yards with a revolving carousel of QuarterBacks. What’s most impressive is that he’s bringing in 72% of passes intended for him, and has a mere 2 drops. On the defensive side of the ball John Abraham has been playing outside of his mind managing to produce 6 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and PDs. What makes it even more impressive? Only one of those PDs were at the line. The rest were in actual coverage. He is playing out of his mind.

Heel(s): Joe Horn & Justin Blaylock
You might recall that on message boards I was raving about the signing of Joe Horn for the Falcons. Well, boy was I wrong. He’s done nothing but hurt their anemic offense. Horn has brought in a mere 17 receptions for less than 200 yards. However, it’s not as if it’s a result of not being thrown at. He’s been targeted only 10 less times than leading WR Roddy White . Horn just isn’t making plays on balls, nor making anything happen after the catch. Another signing that I was raving about was that of Justin Blaylock. I thought he’d emerge as a top Guard off the bat. Wrong. Blaylock hasn’t been trusted to be the lead block on many rush plays (only a mere 6% of them) . But his pass blocking, currently having gave up 6.5) is leaving him on pace to break Ruben Brown’s mark for most sacks allowed by a Guard in a season. Boy was I wrong about these Birds.

Baltimore Ravens
Hero(es): Ray Lewis & Derrick Mason
On a Ravens team that is still in playoff contention for reasons beyond my comprehension, there are but two players that have stepped up and given it there all this season, despite the fact that many thought they were over the hill. The first of these two players is Ray Lewis. In the first defensive snap of the season Lewis tore his triceps, yet returned onto the field and still continue to play. But he’s playing at a high level still. Lewis has made plays all over the field, being a literal sideline to sideline guy, as well as playing coverage amongst the best in the league this season. While I disagree with his criticisms of the team, he’s justified in that he is indeed showing up weekly. Meanwhile another player who may be a little long in the tooth, yet still is producing is Derrick Mason. While Mark Clayton looked to evolve into a premier Wideout and the starter for the Ravens, Mason is playing great. While Mason’s Yards Per Reception aren’t the most desirable, his reception totals and yardage are pretty good, and he’s one of the few non-Linemen on this team that is showing up very week, despite not having consistent Quarterback play.

Heel(s): Steve McNair, Mark Clayton & Chris McAlister
Basically all three of these individuals are on this list because they’re not only failing to live up to expectations; they’re just flat out not playing good. Steve McNair has become the NFL’s check-down king, throwing for a measly 5 yards per attempt, and taking minimal shots downfield. He hasn’t displayed his ability to run, nor his trademark toughness. Essentially, he hasn’t been Steve McNair, and for this reason he’s holding the Ravens back. Meanwhile, Mark Clayton, as stated earlier, emerged last season, and was supposed to join the NFL’s elite this season. Instead, his counterpart that he’ll be compared to for years, Braylon Edwards, took that step, while Mark Clayton regressed largely. While he’s had some lower leg injuries there is no excuse for, 8 Games into the season, having worse reception stats than Willis McGahee. And finally, Chris McAlister is continuously billed as a shutdown Corner. However, for a few years he was no where near shutdown, but reemerged in 2006 to be the league’s second best CornerBack. Not so this year. In fact, “C-Mac” as he is known as hasn’t been horrible, however, he’s been outplayed by quite a few Corners this season, including AFC North counterparts.

Buffalo Bills
Hero(es): Brad Butler & Angelo Crowell
Yet another lineman makes this list, because as you probably know, linemen are pretty underappreciated. In fact, Marshawn Lynch has run for two of his touchdowns to Butler’s side, and is averaging well over 5 Yards Per carry to the right. Additionally, Butler also has provided adequate pass blocking, but he’s displayed a heads up understanding with only one penalty, which is very important for this young team. However, the Buffalo Bill that is playing out of his body so far this year is former unknown Angelo Crowell. Not only does Crowell have 72 tackles, he also has a sack, a stuff, and a forced fumble, all of which have come all over the field. But what’s most impressive about Crowell’s play this year? His coverage. He’s been lights out running with Tight Ends and has made coverage plays within the box, as well as downfield. He is clearly leading this young defense by example.

Heel(s): J.P. Losman & Aaron Schobel
J.P. Losman ended the 2006 season filled with promise. He and Lee Evans looked to be a duo that would connect for years. Well Losman must’ve believed that as well, because this year Losman has keyed in on Evans and forced balls to him. The last two weeks it has seen favorable results, however, before that, it didn’t work very well and aided in Losman’s losing of his job. Losman looks to be rebounding recently, but at this moment, he’s hurt his team. Another Bill that has been a heel on this team is Aaron Schobel. After being top 5 in sack numbers since entering the NFL, Aaron Schobel has seen a noticeable decline in his production. Schobel has produced the pressure, but rarely closes the deal. His two and a half sacks come against average pass blocking tackles such as Marvel Smith and D’Brickashaw Ferguson. But biggest of all is that Schobel hasn’t been productive in either the run Defense, despite being the most tenured guy on the defensive roster.

Carolina Panthers
Hero(es): Jon Beason & Steve Smith
Jon Beason is the best Defensive Rookie that you haven’t heard of. While, unfortunately, P-Willie will run away with the DPOTY award, Jon Beason should receive some votes, because he is on the same teir. Not only is Beason a sound trackler, but he is playing coverage like some of the league’s best veteran LineBackers even ACTUALLY playing 30 yards down field. He also plays sideline to sideline and can stuff the run. Steve Smith is on this list merely because, while he’s not playing at an elite level in all aspects, he’s doing it with a common theme…. a revolving carousel of Quarterbacks, and while his metrics aren’t great, he has still produced the yardage and touchdowns. A small flicker on a dim team.

Heel(s): Julius Peppers & Kris Jenkins
When you think Carolina Panthers you think Smith and D-Line. Unfortunately the two best players on the D-Line, Peppers and Jenkins, aren’t playing up to their potential. Peppers is the league’s best pure Defensive End, and yet he’s produced a mere 1.5 sacks,2 forced fumbles, 1 blocked kick, and 2 fumble recoveries. He has not been an excellent coverage DE like in the past and has been reduced to a one-dimensional pass rusher that isn’t producing. However, Peppers can’t do it himself. While he should be receiving help from Kris Jenkins, he isn’t. In fact, Jenkins is playing like a mere shell of his former self. Jenkins isn’t getting push up the middle which is a reason this D has given up 9 TDs on the ground and are 20th in rush D.

Chicago Bears
Hero(es): Olin Kreutz & Devin Hester
On a Bears team that may have a few players that are considered the best at their position, but aren’t, two of them have stepped up and kept the Bears in their games. Olin Kreutz has consistently been considered the leagues best Center, despite never actually being as much… except he may be this year. He’s on pace for his best years pass blocking with 0 sacks allowed. Most impressive about that though, is that every other member of that line has already allowed more sacks than they did last season. Meanwhile, Devin Hester has already proven that last yea was no fluke. His three returns have all been electric and come at important moments within their respective games. However, he’s also proven that his move to Wide Receiver wasn’t just to be pretty, but can actually be effective as well, whether it be with the ball in his hand or as a decoy.

Heel(s): John Tait, Ruben Brown, Roberto Garza & Fred Miller
These guys are an embarrassment. In case you don’t know they’re the two starting Guards and Tackles. While Rex Grossman and Brian Griese have been getting all of the blame, the fact is that they’ve gotten no protection from their line. As mentioned above, only 8 games into the season each one of these guys have allowed as many, or more sacks than they allowed throughout 16 games last year. However, what makes them ultra disappointing is the fact that the Bears pride themselves on being a smashmouth football team on the offensive line, and yet these guys have not been helping this power run game. Cedric Benson is averaging 3.1 Yards Per Carry behind these big guys. Unfortunately, the O-Line is a double edged sword, and unfortunately for the rest of the Bears offense, these guys are not getting blamed for their inadequacies.

Cincinnati Bengals
Hero(es): TJ Houshmandzadeh, & Chad Johnson
These guys are the heroes of the Bengals team for two reasons. The first is their production, which will place both of them in the Pro Bowl as AFC representatives. They field a combined 1,400+ yards receiving as well as 13 Touchdowns between the two also. While nobody else on the Bengals offense that was proclaimed to be almost unstoppable coming into the season has done their job, both Johnson and Housh have shown up. Johnson is having his best season in terms of pass catching efficiency and not dropping balls, while Housh is one of the league leaders in terms of scoring, and when you examine efficiency numbers, then TJ Houshmandzadeh may be the league’s 2nd best overall Wide Receiver at this point. However, what really helps them make this hero roster is that they’re not running their mouths when losing this year, rather acting like grown men, finally.

Heel(s): Carson Palmer & Chris Henry
Carson Palmer came into the season as the consensus pick for the league’s fourth best Quarterback, as well as the third best in some fan’s eyes. Well, Carson Palmer isn’t playing like it. Palmer is a mere 2/11 downfield, and it’s not the Receivesr’ fault. Additionally, Palmer has thrown 10 interceptions in eight games compared to throwing 13 and 12 in his previous two complete seasons. In short, Palmer has been forcing the ball to Johnson, without favorable results. However, all the blame can’t be placed on Palmer because he’s missing an integral cog in the offense, Chris Henry. Chris Henry’s lack of common sense is why he’s here, because he’s hurt this team big time. Henry is leaving Palmer without a great deep threat and capable slot receiver. Because of this Palmer’s been handicapped, however, Palmer isn’t a product of a system, so therefore, he should be playing a lot better than this.

Cleveland Browns
Hero(es): Derrick Anderson, Joe Thomas, Eric Steinbach , Kellen Winslow & Braylon Edwards
The Browns are just such a feel good story that there are so many heroes on this team. Unfortunately I’m only affording so much space for each team. Joe Thomas is on this list because he’s living up to the hype. He’s on pace to give up only 4.5 sacks as a rookie Left Tackle. Eric Steinbach is run blocking out of his min, as Lewis is running for 6 YPC behind him and 4 of his 6 touchdowns. Kellen Winslow is still playing at last years level, however, the difference is that he’s a deep field threat bringing in an average of 17 yards per reception. Braylon Edwards is also bringing in nice numbers for his Quarterback and these two receiving options should both be seeing Honolulu this year. Another individual that deserves Pro Bowl consideration is Derek Anderson who is the spark for all of these players. His leadership and eye for the field has surpassed what everyone expected, especially after Week 1. He is 4th in the NFL in touchdown passes halfway through the year and is a possible MVP candidate.

Heel(s): Hank Fraley & Kamerion Wimbley
Meanwhile, not every Brown is playing perfectly. Kamerion Wimbley isn’t playing badly, however, he is not playing up to the promise that he showed last season. In fact, he hasn’t been a force from sideline to sideline, which most 3-4 OLBs aren’t. However, he was last year, so he’s expected to at least mimic it. Additionally, he’s been almost non-existent in the pass defense aside from rushing the QB. Meanwhile, Hank Fraley has been the clear weak point on the offensive line. He’s not generating push for the Browns’ power run game, but he’s not even adequate in pass blocking though either. He’s allowed 2.5 sacks this season, which is what some centers give up a whole season, but to his credit, his pass blocking has been much better than last season.

Dallas Cowboys
Hero(es): Leonard Davis & Jason Witten
Lets face it. Leonard Davis should never have been playing Tackle lately. However, he’s reviving his career as a Guard in Dallas. In fact, you’ll hear hundreds of people talking about how impressive Marion Barber runs and breaks tackles. Well that is because he usually has Davis as a lead blocker, meaning Barber III, who is an excellent tackle breaker, is freed up to take on a single defender, and just runs through them. Both Barber and Jones run for over 4.5 yards per carry and 2 of their touchdowns behind Davis. But Davis’ pass blocking has been superb(with a little help from Romo’s mobility) allowing 0 sacks from the Guard position. Another Cowboy that is tearing it up is Jason Witten. Jason Witten has been an elite Tight End for years, however, he’s putting together an amazing All-Pro caliber season. Not only his he an large part in Julius Jones’ rushing style, but Witten is a key pass catcher as well. More impressive than his catch and run without a helmet on Sunday? He’s on pace for 90 receptions, 1,234 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns… all of which would be career highs.

Heel(s): Roy Williams, Terrence Newman & Ken Hamlin
These three members of the Cowboys secondary are their only current weakness. Newman is on this list because of his inability to rehab from his foot injury. As a result of this the Cowboys have been forced to start Jacque Reeves. However, Roy Williams’ coverage skills are not at the level that they were at last season. While Williams was elite in all pass defense metrics last season, he’s merely decent to good this season. His coverage within the box against tight ends has been lights out barring two play-action gaffs. However, when asked to play deep zone coverage this year, Williams hasn’t prevented the big play. However, not as bad as other Safety counterpart, Ken Hamlin. With Williams being average this year in the overall coverage aspect, Cowboys fans would hop e that Hamlin’s play has masked the mediocrity. Unfortunately for that secondary, Hamlin has been nearly as bad as 2nd-year man Pat Watkins was last season. With the injuries in the secondary and the inconsistent Safety play, it’s clear to pick the reasons that this defense has allowed 19 throws over 20 yards and 4 over 40.

Denver Broncos
Hero(es): Jason Elam & Brandon Marshall
Is there any doubt of who the best Bronco has been this season? Unfortunately, when your best player is your kicker that many thought might be over the hill coming into the season, it’s all to indicative of your season. Without three last minute or overtime field goals that won the game, the Broncos would be staring at 0-8. In fact, let’s not forget his kick that sent the Broncos into OT only for the D to fail them. But Elam isn’t the only Bronco that is living up to the expectations that the entire team had. Second year Wide Receiver Brandon Marshall is living up to the much disserving praise he received over the off-season with over 600 yards receiving and 2 touchdowns. However, Marshall has been excellent after the catch, again, bringing in 37% of his yardage after catching passes, and is a tough one to break down. In a WR corp that was heralded over the off-season, Marshall has stepped up with Walker going down and Stokley not living up to his past resume in Indy, and that’s why he is a hero.

Heel(s): Champ Bailey & Sam Adams
In case you haven’t noticed, while the offense hasn’t been horrible, it’s not the main reason the Broncos are below .500 when they should probably be winning this division. The defense, in both the front seven and the secondary has not played up to their talent level. And when you speak of talent, one defensive player immediately comes to mind…. Champ Bailey. Yes, Bailey is playing with a quadriceps injury, however, it’s not the first time in his career that he’s played with leg injuries, and those times he performed well. Plain and simple, Bailey’s been targeted almost as much in 8 games as he was through whole seasons so far. While he’s been playing well against the short ball, Bailey’s been giving up the deep ball. Bailey’s one interception has come on an overthrown pass, and he has one pass defended where he made a legitimate athletic play on the ball. That is not the play of the league’s best Corner. Meanwhile Sam Adams was brought in to sure up their run Defense wi
th the loss of Al Wilson. Needless to say Sam Adams isn’t taking up space on the line, and was a useless signing.

Detroit Lions
Hero(es): Rod Marinelli
Everyone laughed when Jon Kitna claimed that the Lions could win 10 games this season. Well halfway into the season they’re ahead of schedule and it’s because of Rod Marinelli. Coming into the season we all knew that the Lions had the personnel to throw the ball throughout a game with that WR corp and that offensive coordinator Mike Martz would utilize them a lot. However, Mike Martz’s gameplan lead the Lions to a 3-2 record, with both losses coming as a result of their inability to force their will to pass on opposing defenses. Well, after the embarrassing loss to the Redskins and following the bye week, Rod Marinelli has shown that he is the coach of this team, not Martz and has allowed Kevin Jones to run the ball since then, balancing the offense, and causing teams to compensate for a running game, helping those Wide Receivers. Prior to the bye week the Lions were running the ball less than 15 times a game. Since then? 22 times a game between Kevin Jones and TJ Duckett.

Heel(s): Jeff Backus & George Foster
Let’s not lie. The Lions do owe a few of their wins on their passing attack. Immense and unrivaled depth at the Wide Receiver position, a gutsy Quarterback and a line that features one of the league’s best pass blockers in Dominic Raiola. Unfortunately, none of these guys play Tackle for the Lions, because the passing attack has also been responsible for the two losses. Backus and Foster are a huge part of the passing attack and the only members of it not playing up to par. In fact, metrically, they’re the worst pass blocking duo in the NFL yielding a combined 16.75 sacks, which is more sacks than 19 other offensive lines have given up this season.

Green Bay Packers
Hero(es): Nick Barnett & Brett Favre
Despite the fact that he is getting no press (at least in the last two or three weeks), Nick Barnett is still the league’s Defensive Player of the Year. Why do you ask? Well, it’s because Nick Barnet is the only LineBacker in the NFL that is single-handedly making a game winning impact in both the run and the pass. While other LineBackers get hype from individuals, while actually doing nothing, Barnett is actually producing. Barnett has 3 Stuffs, 1.5 Sacks, 2 Interceptions, 3 PDs, and a whopping 69 tackles. Unlike the majority of LineBackers, Barnett is actually making plays in coverage, whether it be man or zone. All 3 of his media recordable plays against the pass came from undercutting well thrown balls or from hitting the ball lose. Meanwhile Brett Favre is the Packers offense. In a time where Clifton and Tauscher are having extremely down years, Favre is having one of his better years in recent memory, with no running game to speak of. Is there any doubt who this team’s heroes are?

Heel(s): AJ Hawk & Mark Tauscher
Let me just say that 9 weeks ago before the season even started I knew that AJ Hawk would be on this list. Why? Well, because AJ Hawk is not a dominant LineBacker that takes over games. When you couple this with the fact that he’s playing next to a top 10 Middle LineBacker and it figures that he’s not going to live up to his name as long as he and Barnett play in the same corps. Both of Hawk’s passes defended are a result of overthrown passes, and he’s made no impact against the run. Plain and simple, Hawk isn’t making an impact in either the passing game or the run game, despite Green Bay being great against both the pass and run this year. However, like with their heroes, Green Bay has a heel on both side of the ball as well. On the offensive side of the ball Mark Tauscher is letting the team down. Let’s be honest, the Packers‘ Halfbacks aren’t going to rush for 1,000 yards any time soon, so we know they’re gonna pass the ball. However, Tauscher’s been around the block in a pass-heavy offense before, but this year, he’s already allowed the same amount of sacks as he did over the past three seasons. And his run blocking isn’t helping either.

Houston Texans
Hero(es): Kevin Walter & Owen Daniels
When I was correcting Madden ratings for the 2008 edition to make them accurate a little gem caught my eye. His name was Kevin Walter, and he caught my eye because of how elusive he is. Well, Kevin Walter has lived up to larger expectations than I thought he would when putting in his attributes. Walter has stepped up with the loss of Johnson, having 5 strong games since he went down, and is on pace for a near1,000 yard season. Walter has exceeded all expectations and the only negative of his season this year is that he hasn’t been elusive. Meanwhile, in case you didn’t know, the future at the Tight End position is Owen Daniels. While he hasn’t put the ball into the endzone this year, he’s a reception machine, bringing in 39 receptions for slightly less than 500 yards at the 9-game mark. He’s come down with 86% of intended targets, which isn’t bad given that he’s only got 3 drops. Matt Schaub and Sage Rosenfels have overthrown and overthrown his a considerable amount, and yet he still comes down with the ball, even if the ball is on it’s way out of bounds. Mark my words, when it comes to talking about top five Tight Ends next season, you will hear ESPN talking about Daniels as if they discovered him.

Heel(s): Ephraim Salaam & Matt Schaub
One thing has been proven this year. It wasn’t always the Texans line. Davis Carr was the majority of the problem when it came to those legendary sack totals for the Texans. However, Ephraim Salaam is still on the team from last year that gave up numerous sacks. Funny thing? While the rest of the line looks tremendously improved with both Schaub and Rosenfels at QuarterBack, keeping their sack totals down, Ephraim Salaam is having a horrid season, that is worse than Walter Jones’ 2006 season. Salaam has given up over half of the teams sacks to this point, and with a half of a sack given up in the Texans’ next game, he will already have performed at a lower level, both pass blocking and run blocking wise, than he did last season. Meanwhile, while Schaub looked impressive when he first came in, he has regressed mightily since being injured against Jacksonville. Since then he’s been injured in every game that he’s played and offered no touchdowns through the air, but 3 interceptions. At this point, the Texans made the right decision to trade for Schaub, however, without Andre Johnson Schaub looks like nothing more than an average QuarterBack.

Indianapolis Colts
Hero(es): Joseph Addai, Reggie Wayne & Bob Sanders
Is there any doubt who is carrying the Colts at this point in the season? While Manning may still be calling the signals and not turning the ball over, he’s on pace for one of his lowest touchdown totals since entering the league., and not playing the same pass heavy style of years past. However, Colts’ fans don’t fret. Joseph Addai is living up to the hype and is almost assured a spot in the Pro Bowl barring injury. Addai is 3rd in the league in rushing yards, despite being tied for 11th in attempts. But what’s most impressive about his performance? He’s 2nd in the NFL in rushing TDs and is responsible for 33% of the Colt’s total scoring. Meanwhile, Reggie Wayne is also helping to move that offense. With the league’s best Wide Receiver(arguably) in Marvin Harrison going down to a knee injury, Wayne has taken it as a chance to try and finally emerge from Marvin’s shadow and say that he can be a No. 1 Wide Receiver in this league. Needless to say, he’s doing it, and he is th
e Colts biggest threat for a long play. Not to mention his efficiency numbers are amongst the top three in the NFL.

Heel(s): Anthony Gonzalez & Freddy Keiaho
When the Colts picked Anthony Gonzalez in the first round everyone knew he was meant to be Brendan Stokley’s replacement. I, however, always wondered why they picked him. They won a Super Bowl using Clark as a slot WR, so a later round pick could possibly have gotten the job done. But Gonzalez looked like a perfect fit. Unfortunately for the Colts, even prior to Harrison going down, Gonzalez’s efficiency numbers were horrid. Now that he’s the No. 2 Receiver by default, they’re even worse. In fact, the best example of all of this is when Gonzalez had what looked like a TD in the biggest game of the year only to drop it. Meanwhile, as I’m sure you know, Cato June departed for Tampa in the off-season and Freddy Keiaho replaced him. And while Freddy looked drop dead amazing in the first game, he’s been non-existent at the Weakside since. In fact, the Colts have been using CornerBacks as weak side LineBackers to play coverage because Keiaho’s inability to play the Tampa 2 scheme
effectively and take away an area of the field, or at the very worst, shield it.

Jacksonville Jaguars:
Hero(es): Dennis Norman & Maurice Jones-Drew
Over the summer I said “now that Jeff Hartings is retired, Brad Meester is the best run blocking center in the NFL.” Well looking at the play and numbers halfway into a season where Meester has only played in 4 games, and the system is virtually the same. MJD and Taylor both average over 4.5 Yards per carry up the middle, and most of their combined touchdowns come there as well. The guy that took over for Meester as he recovered was Dennis Norman, so he gets credit where credit is due for stepping up like some of the previously mentioned playes. Meanwhile, Maurice Jones-Drew is returning for a season after one in which he was robbed of a “Offensive Rookie Of The Year” title. While Jones-Drews’ isn’t putting up numbers of the caliber he put up last season, he is still putting up amazing numbers and his ability to run and pick up yardage is very important to the Jags record. Drew, like last season, gets it done all over the field, and though whatever methods that it takes. As
I type this, through eight games Jones-Drew has 1,182 total yards and 5 touchdowns; 3 rushing, 1 receiving and 1 return. He’s ridiculous.

Heel(s): Mike Peterson, Rashean Mathis & Marcus Stroud
Two seasons ago Mike Peterson was unquestionably the best LineBacker in the NFL, in terms of production, leadership, and on-the-field play. He helped to lead the Jags to a top 5 defense and a 12-4 record. Unfortunately for him, the Associated Press felt that Brian Urlacher, somehow deserved the DPOTY award. The following season Peterson was injured, and this season Peterson hasn’t played up to par. Peterson has been a force against the run; however, he’s been non-existent against the pass. His two passes defended where a result of the receiver dropping the ball. While Peterson has been a tackling machine(with a solo to assist rate of nearly 12 to 1), he hasn’t done much else. Meanwhile, Rashean Mathis who has made his living grabbing interceptions and batting down balls hasn’t really done either of the two this season. While he’s still an important cog in the defense running well, he clearly isn’t taking the chances that he used to take, which usually resulted in positive pl
ays over negative plays. Mathis chooses to allow the short completion and stop as opposed to the possible short completion and following run as a result of a gaff. Finally, Stroud makes this list because of his suspension for four games. Over those four games the Steelers will play opponents with a combined record of 21-11. They really would have needed him.

Kansas City Chiefs
Hero(es): Dwayne Bowe, Jared Allen, Donnie Edwards, Napoleon Harris & Derrick Johnson
What can I say about the Chiefs? They’re all over the place. Some of them are playing lights out(namely the Front 7 of the defense and their two leading receivers), while others are just plain sucking it up. This is the reason that this 4-4 team has so many heros and so many heels. Dwayne Bowe is a hero because he’s averaging 17 yards a reception and is on pace for 1,000 yards and 6 TDs, including a game-winner. He’s shown up without a doubt. Meanwhile on the defensive side of the ball the Chiefs have only allowed 3 touchdowns on the ground, because of a stout LineBacking corps that really needs to start getting some recognition. Additionally, Jared Allen is a possible Defensive Player of the Year offering 8.5 sacks, 1.5 stuffs, and an incredible four passes batted down at the line of scrimmage. On a team filled with players who should probably be benched, and ones playing as if they’re in contract years, it’s clear who the heroes are.

Heel(s): Damion McIntosh, Brian Waters, Casey Weigmann, John Welbourn, Larry Johnson & Damon Huard
In case you didn’t know, the first four names listed here are the Offensive line from the Left Tackle to the Right Guard. Why are they here? Because not only are they not living up to their reputation as stout run blockers this year, not opening up holes in the middle, but they’re also not pass blocking well either, evidenced by the fact that they’ve given up 52% of the line’s total sacks. Meanwhile, while you need some adequate blocking from your line to go over 1,600 yards rushing, if you’re an elite HalfBack than you don’t need a great O-Line. Yet, Larry Johnson, who many anointed the second best HalfBack in the NFL over the past two seasons, isn’t doing much on his own. If the league’s best HalfBack can put together All-Pro years without a decent line, shouldn’t the league’s second best Halfback be able to do relatively the same thing? Especially when one of his linemen is still run-blocking very well. I like LJ, but the 400+ carries last season clearly has affected, not only him, but his offensive line as well. Finally, wasn’t Damon Huard supposed to lead this team to victory after he got the reigns for this season? Yet, he’s been playing horrible, despite having better weapons than last season. Can you say product of a run team?

Miami Dolphins
Hero(es): Vernon Carey, Chris Liweienski, Samson Satele, Rex Hadnot, L.J. Shelton & Ronnie Brown
There Is a reason this team is 0-8. And when your sole and only hero that is not on your offensive line is on injured reserve it pretty much sums up your season. Prior to going down, Ronnie Brown was the only skilled position player for the Dolphins that has been doing anything of note. While Cleo Lemon is a fighter, he’s not winnign any games. Anyway, back on topic. Not only is this group dominantly run blocking(allowing their ball carriers to average 5 yards a carry), but they’re dominating pass blocking as well, only having allowed 16 sacks. In fact, this is embodied by Vernon Carey who, though making the move to Left Tackle, is playing at an All-Pro level, yet going unnoticed. Only playing seven games into the season, Brown had 991 yards from scrimmage, and was a clear cut Pro Bowl choice. Unfortunately, as you know, an ACL-tear ended his season early, and with it, any hopes of the Dolphins finishing the season strong.

Heel(s): Joey Porter, Jason Taylor & Ted Ginn Jr.
When Joey Porter was signed by the Dolphins there was a rift between NFL fans. Many thought he would dominate playing opposite of Jason Taylor while the other half thought he robbed the Dolphins of money and was over the hill. It would seem, at least halfway through the season that the latter group was correct. Porter, who is mainly a pass rusher, with great zone skills, has really demonstrated neither this season and is a large reason this defense is disappointing. Jason Taylor is another reason for the disappointing defense, and has taken the brunt of the blame. Taylor comes off a Defensive Player of the Year season, and has received the noticeable gameplanning around him, however, he hasn’t been able to shed blockers, or made many plays in coverage. While he has at least sacked the QB multiple times, unlike Porter, and even forced fumbles, he’s producing his second worst season, statistically, since entering the league. Finally, though many felt he was a project, not worth of an early first round pick, Miami drafted Ted Ginn Jr. at the 10th overall spot. Needless to say, he’s still clearly a project, as he’s produced one touchdown, in garbage time, and hasn’t done much more.

Minnesota Vikings
Hero(es): Adrian Peterson & E.J. Henderson
Is there any question who the hero for the Minnesota Vikings is? I don’t know, could it be the Rookie that has set two NFL records, 4 team records, and is a virtual lock for the “Offensive Rookie Of The Year” award barring hitting the rookie wall extremely hard? Adrian Peterson had many calling him the best HalfBack in the NFL, AS A ROOKIE! If the above doesn’t say it all, I don’t know what does. He’s clearly the hero of, not only the Vikings, but arguably, the hero of the season, barring one player on the next team. Additionally, it’s not as if Peteron is a product of that amazing run blocking left side; nope, in fact, he has numbers that are arguably better to the right. However, while Peterson is a big reason the Vikings have two of their three wins, let’s not forget E.J. Henderson. Against the run, E.J. Henderson is having the season of a lifetime. With his team only playing 8 games, Henderson has already record 9.5 stuffs. Some Defensive Ends don’t get that over two or three seasons! If Henderson could just make some plays in coverage, he would be freakishly scary. But for now, he’s helping to carry that defense to being one of the better rush defenses in NFL history in continuance of what they did last season.

Heel(s): Tarvaris Jackson & Tony Richardson
Quarterback of the future? I don’t think so. I understand that franchise QuarterBacks get injured(I mean look at Carson Palmer, Ben Roethlisberger and Drew Brees), but if Jackson is to truly be the Vikings’ franchise Quarterback, he needs to stay on the field! And when he does, he needs to produce. There’s a reason Peterson has so many yards, and it’s because Jackson can’t deliver the ball where it needs to go, even facing 8-man fronts. A mobile Quarterback that can’t throw the ball well, nor run, and avoid contact, doesn’t do service to anybody. Meanwhile, Tony Richardson, who was once considered the league’s best Fullback by some, is almost unnecessary on this team. I contested that he was overrated over the Summer, and still stand by that notion. Peterson has been running just fine(and more often) as the Lone setback than with Richardson in the backfield, and with the run blockers on that offensive line, Richardson is almost useless, and replaceable with a young fullback if you ask me.

New England Patriots
Hero(es): Tom Brady, Randy Moss & Vince WIlfork
Is there any question who the Patriots’ heroes are? After all, it’s week 9 and he is on pace for nearly 60 Touchdown passes, as well as has a virtual lock on the league’s Most Valuable Player award. Brady is on pace to set every single season passing record for the QuarterBack position by the end of the year. That about sums up his heroics in a single sentence. Plain and simple, if there was any doubt about him making the hall before, it’s gone now. Meanwhile, Brady owes a significant amount of thanks to Randy Moss. While Brady has an extravagant receiving corps, it’s pretty clear that the gameplanning around Moss is the reason that their passing game is so effective for all parties involved. In fact, Tom Brady is still one of the league leaders in statistically “Poor Throws”, and yet his numbers are vastly different. That alone should let you know Moss is the determining factor. Meanwhile, Moss is having his most efficient year ever as well, as well as one of his best seasons numbers wise. However, arguably the second biggest hero on the Patriots is Vince Wilfork. Wilfork has been playing as arguably the NFL’s best Nose Tackle, allowing his LineBackers to rack up 15 sacks, and his front 7 to be ranked 6th against the run, and only allow 3 touchdowns. Yet, you wont hear the media mentioning his name as a reason why the Pats D is playing so well. Did I mention he’s doing it without Richard Seymour?

Heel(s): Lawrence Maroney & Donte Stallworth
On a team that is 9-0 and dominating the rest of the league like what’s never been seen before, it’s hard to pick a heel, but I forced myself to do so. Amazingly, I found two of them. Lawrence “Boney” Maroney and Donte Stallworth. While both are actually putting up good seasons, they’re probably the least productive significant role players on the team. Maroney, mainly because he’s been often injured, but also because he hasn’t punched the ball into the endzone, while eighteen others for the Patriots have. However, I must, once again, emphasize that he’s on here because of his injuries this season. Meanwhile, Stallworth is on here because he was brought in to be the no. 2 Wide Receiver, but lost his job to Welker. Since then Welker has out produced him in every receiving category except for yards per reception. However, I will commend Stallworth for only having two drops this season, something I thought impossible of him.

New Orleans Saints
Hero(es): Jammal Brown, Jamar Nesbit, Jeff Faine, Jahri Evans & John Stinchcomb
For those of you out there who just love the skill positions, you probably only truly know who one of these guys are. The rest you probably just know because of who they’re listed with here on this list. But the thing is, the Saints offensive line has played lights out, barring Opening Kickoff Night, and don’t allow Drew Brees to be touched often. While the same cannot be said for Reggie Bush, their pass blocking has been amazing, allowing a mere five sacks to their opponents. This includes a string of five games in which Drew Brees never hit the ground with the ball in his hand. Essentially, the Saints started 0-4 because their offense couldn’t get going, but it was in almost no way the Offensive Line’s fault. They can hang their heads with pride, as they’re on pace for the possibility of allowing single digit sack totals as a unit throughout a season. Couple this with the fact that Drew Brees is on pace to throw his arm off(i.e. set the record for attempts in a season), and it’s made even more impressive and tells us at least one of these guys should see a Pro Bowl.

Heel(s): Drew Brees, Reggie Bush & Marques Colston
Meanwhile, while Drew Brees has been lights out over the past three or four games, I am not going to merely brush aside his horrible first four games that were even worse than What Ben Roethlisberger strung together to start the season last year. Brees is still, undoubtedly, a good QuarterBack, but I refuse to ignore the fact that he, Bush and Colston, singlehandedly have the Saints fighting four a first round home game, as opposed to a bye and homefield advantage at this point. That’s right, Brees, Bush and Colston’s inability to play up to the level of last season was the reason that the Saints lost their first four games. Bush, has begun to run between the tackles, and has done it effectively. However, unfortunately for him, he’s struggling at running outside of the tackles and thus was harming the Saints offense. While these guys have turned it around, it just remains way to hard to ignore that this is and will be an offensive team, and thus their Defense will give up points, but their offense should be putting up large number of points. The 0-4 start was a result of a lack of a defense, but the Saints came into the season knowing they had no defense. However, what they thought they had was a dependable offense.

New York Giants
Hero(es): Eli Manning & Antonio Pierce
You may be wondering why Eli Manning is here with a mere thirteen touchdown passes vs nine interceptions. On paper, Eli Manning looks like he hasn’t made any improvement. However, when you watch Manning on film you see that he is gradually maturing into the field general that the Giants traded for. Why isn’t Plaxico Burress on this list? Because he’s still dropping passes, still not taking them for first downs, and still only coming down with 50% of his balls. Despite his horrible inefficiency numbers, Burress is on pace for 1,000 yards and 16 touchdowns. Wonder why? Because Manning’s accuracy has stepped up leaps and bounds, and he is leading Burress to give Burress the best chance possible to create plays after the catch, which Burress has done perfectly; placing 230 yards after the catch on the table. Meanwhile, as I’m sure you know, I believe Antonio Pierce is overrated… however, this year he is playing up to the level the media acted as if he’d been playing on throughout his career. All it took was him being ignorant to an innocent young lady. But since Week 2, Pierce has been a force against the pass and has made tackle after tackle. He has stepped his game up big time, and if he can force a few more turnovers, he might finally actually be an elite LineBacker.

Heel(s): Jeremy Shockey
Sadtly, of the Giants, the only one that I can think of that hasn’t played up to the expected level is Jeremy Shockey. Supposedly one of the five best Tight Ends in the NFL, Shockey has dropped out of most fans’ top 5, and even some fans’ top 10 lists. Shockey hasn’t been dropping many passes, only two, however, he hasn’t been able to beat jams and create separation between himself and the defender. In fact, Shockey’s route running has been somewhat sloppy in comparison to the past and as a result Manning has to force balls into tight spots. However, I will give credit where credit is due. Shockey has been well above average with his rush blocking this season, even with a Halfback by committee thing going on in New York. Simply put, Shockey is only disappointing in that he cannot get separation and as a result hasn’t been producing in the redzone like he has in previous years.

New York Jets
Hero(es): Leon Washington, Laveranues Coles & Jerricho Cotchery
Can I just say that if Leon Washington doesn’t go to Honolulu than I’m going to personally hurt somebody. Is there any question who the best kickoff returner in the NFL is this year. Washington’s been returning balls so well that many Jets fans are calling for him to start over an excellent HalfBack in Thomas Jones. In fact, while New York’s only won one game, Washington has surely kept them competitive in a few. And speaking of keeping the Jets in games, that is exactly what Laveraneus Coles and Jerricho Cotchery have done. The pair of funnily named receivers is secretly one of the best in the league, despite inconsistent QuarterBack play. Cotchery is slowly emerging into a moderate pass length threat for whoever is playing QuarterBack, while Coles complements him perfectly as a possession Wideout that gets it done in the red zone. While the duo isn’t as sure handed as they were last season, in continuance of what was said earlier, Cotchery is emerging into an individual that can move the chains. There’s a reason that this Jets team is 1-7… because Coles and Cotch could have better numbers, however, they’re still amongst the clear cut heroes for this team.

Heel(s): Jonathan Vilma & D’Brickashaw Ferguson
I said it last Summer, and I’ll say it now as the Jets look to shop him across the league during the Off-Season. Jonathan Vilma is a great LineBacker, but he’s a North-South LineBacker that doesn’t play outside the tackle box. As evidenced by, not only his numbers since playing in a 3-4, but by Eric Mangini’s reactions towards him. Vilma has struggled in coverage, which is extremely important for a 3-4 Inside LineBacker, and cannot shed blockers, but needs big bodies in front of him to open holes. Unfortunately for him, that’s not what the 3-4 is about, and as a result Vilma has almost been, if not has been, a liability for the Jets defense. Meanwhile, I know I’m going to take flack for this, but D’Brickashaw is still a letdown for me. While he’s an amazing talent, we can’t forget he was taken 4th overall, and yet hasn’t received any criticism. At this point, having arguably played better, only less mature, Robert Gallery was being ripped apart. While D’Brickashaw has shown extreme intelligence for the game, he has seemed to regress in the way of physicality. While his season isn’t horrible, I just don’t like the hypocrisy of Brick not getting criticized and thus he makes the heels list.

Oakland Raiders
Hero(es): Thomas Howard & Kirk Morrison
When a LineBacker has three interceptions, a lot of them probably came on errant throws from the QuarterBack. When a LineBacker has four interceptions, a lt of them probably came on errant throws. However, this isn’t the case for either of these two Raiders LineBackers. In fact, of their combined 7 interceptions, only two of them have come about as a result of a gaffed throw; once on an underthrown pass, and another where the receiver ran the wrong route. For those who haven’t connected the dots yet, this means that the Raiders Linebackers are good, not only in zone coverage, but in man coverage as well. In fact, I could probably say that the Raiders LineBacking Corp is the best coverage unit in the NFL based merely on the play of two of their LineBackers. However, they’re not one dimensional players that can only play the pass. While their play against the run isn’t as stout as their passing defense, they’re no slouches. Both of these men should probably get Pro Bowl bids, but unfortunately, they more than likely wont get any.

Heel(s): JaMarcus Russell, Daunte Culpepper & Josh McCown
Admittedly the Raiders are the team that I’ve watched the least this season because they’re always playing at the same time as the Patriots. However, I have seen enough to know that Josh McCown, when he does play, needs to step his game up, even if it is ever so slightly. Unfortunately for the Raiders, McCown is amongst the top players in the NFL in “Poor Throw Percentage”, however, the key difference is that others that are high in that category are throwing touchdowns. Additionally, Daunte Culpepper, while providing a moderate spark plug when made the starter, is still playing at his Miami level as opposed to the level that he played at before injuring himself in Minnesota. However, perhaps the Raiders wouldn’t need a QuarterBack by committee if JaMarcus Russell would’ve signed on time. I have no time with wanting to feed your kids, but the fact of the matter is, that as the first overall, you could get paid over 30 Million and take one snap and get injured, yet Russell felt the need to hold out. Excuse me for being ignorant, but Russell should be happy he’s even getting the opportunity, not taking advantage of the fact that he could get some money. Because all he did was hurt his development, and as a result the team.

Philadelphia Eagles
Hero(es): Brian Westbrook, Sheldon Brown, & Williams “Tre” Thomas
Is there any Halfback in the NFL more consistent than Brian Westbrook? Despite who’s playing QuarterBack, despite who’s blocking for him, and despite how his body is feeling, Westbrook lines up and produces every week. He runs it and catches it with the best of his ability. Fortunately for the Eagles that’s at the caliber of the best versatile HalfBack in the NFL. Despite the problems in Philadelphia and missing a game, Westbrook still has over a thousand yards from scrimmage. But he’s not the only one on the offense that’s displayed his importantce. Williams Thomas, the Left Tackle, has continued to show that he one of the league’s top 5 Left Tackles, and arguably the most complete in the NFL, allowing players to run for 7 yards per carry and 2 touchdowns with him as the lead block. His importance was best emphasized during the Giants game when he went down and the line fell apart. Meanwhile Sheldon Brown has returned to his All-Pro caliber form that was equal to top 10 at the position until he played badly last season. Browns coverage has been especially well when the team blitzes.

Heel(s): Shawn Andrews & Reggie Brown
While William Thomas has shown how elite he is, and just how important he is to the offensive line, Shawn Andrews can leave you wondering otherwise. Sure, Andrew may be the lead block on 26% of Westbrook’s screen passes, but that doesn’t negate the fact that Westbrook has had Andrews as a leadblock for only 11% of his rushes, which is absolutely horrid for what is anointed as “The League’s best Guard under 25”. Not to mention the fact that Andrews has been one of the worst pass blocking guards in the NFL. “Big Haus” as they call him needs to step it up. Meanwhile, so does Reggie Brown. While everyone is trying to blame McNabb they need to realize that he’s actually not playing well… he’s just not punching it into the endzone. That’s more on the receivers than the QuarterBack, as they don’t create separation. However, at least Curtis has gotten it done once in the red zone. Brown needs to step it up, as we know he can seeing as how he got 800+ yards last season, otherwise, he needs to take some of the blame.

Pittsburgh Steelers
Hero(es): Ben Roethlisberger, Casey Hampton & Ike Taylor
What can be said about the season that Ben Roethlisberger is having. He’s 2nd in the NFL in touchdowns and thus touchdown percentage and has him 8th amongst all QuarterBacks that have started every game. Speaking of which, that is quite possibly the biggest reason that Roethlisberger is a hero this season. It looks as if, for the first time in his season, Roethlisberger will play all 16 games for the Steelers. And if he continues at the rate he’s going, I’m sure Western Pennsylvania will be happy. Meanwhile, while everyone is naming Albert Haynesworth as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, Casey Hampton continue to play at an All-Pro level. Hampton, a 3-4 Nose Tackle, has opened holes for his LineBackers to gather an astounding 19.5 sacks, but also only allowing 76 yards per game on the ground, and still only 1 100-yard rusher in 58 games. In short, Hampton has this 3-4 Defense as one of the most efficient 3-4 Defenses of all time. And speaking of efficient, props to Ike Taylor for returning to his 2005 form. While he only allowed two touchdowns then, 8 games into 2007 he’s allowed a mere 1 TD and taken away half the field. If Taylor could grow a set of hands he’d lead the NFL in interceptions, not only this year, but over the past three seasons.

Heel(s): Troy Polamalu & Brett Keisel
Unfortunately for Troy Polamalu’s numbers on paper, Mike Tomlin loves Cover 2 Shells that drop him into deep coverage. It’s unfortunate because Polamalu is going to stay back and not rack up as many tackles, or short range undercut interceptions. Also, Polamalu hasn’t been playing his strong suit of man coverage at all this season. Instead Troy sits back and waits for the ball to be delivered and then nails the receiver hard. In fact, he‘s one of the NFL leaders in terms of balls jarred loose at this time. However, this doesn’t mean Polamalu doesn’t blitz, because he has. However, he hasn’t gotten to the QuarterBack first any of the times he’s gotten there. Meanwhile, when it comes to blitzing, Brett Keisel was the Steelers most effective lineman last season, and was most efficient two seasons ago. However, this year, Keisel has not only put the QB on the ground with the ball in his hand, but he’s failing to get pressure or eat up blocks, and as a result has split time at the DE position.

San Diego Chargers
Hero(es): Antonio Gates & Nick Hardwick
Is it any surprise that one of the two flagship members of the Chargers is one of the only ones that is playing like a hero? While LaDainian Tomlinson got off to a slow start, Antonio Gates came out of the blocks running extremely hard. Gates posted over 75 yards and 6 receptions in the first 5 games of the season and two more good games prior to last week’s showing. He also saw the endzone five times at that point. In case this isn’t hitting home, Gates is on a ludicrous pace for 94 receptions, 10 touchdowns and 1,300 yards receiving. As previously mentioned, Tomlinson started slow, but has since picked up his play. That’s because Nick Hardwick is playing at a Pro Bowl level. Hardwick has offered up 0 sacks in the passing game, but has been just as dominant in the run game as well for the six games that he has played. Tomlinson has run with Hardwick as his lead blocker for the majority of his plays despite this, and still averages over 4 Yards Per Carry and has brought in two touchdowns behind him. Hardwick is solidifying himself as the future at Center in the AFC.

Heel(s): Philip Rivers, Jamal Williams & Shawne Merriman
The Chargers are a team filled with more talent than any other team, or so the media likes to tell me. However, as with the majority of all teams, it all starts with the QuarterBack play. And while Philip Rivers played excellent last season, he surely isn’t this season. In fact, of the three big QuarterBacks of the 2004 season that’ll be compared throughout their careers, Rivers is bringing up the rear this season. Rivers has just not been accurate this season, nor has he been able to thread the ball into his big physical receivers without overshooting them or it being knocked away by a Defensive Back. Furthermore, Rivers Touchdown percentage is only .8% higher than his Interception percentage. This alone should tell you how average, if that, he’s playing. Meanwhile, the Chargers other 2004 first round pick isn’t playing up to par either. Shawne Merriman is proving that the loss of the blitz heavy system of Wade Phillips is really effecting him. While he’s blitzing more efficiently, he’s not racking up record breaking totals because he’s not rushing the QuarterBack every play anymore. While not all of Merriman’s passes defended have been recorded at the line this year, they haven’t exactly been a result of stout coverage. I’m sorry, does anyone still think this guy is the league’s best overall LineBacker? I hope not. Finally Jamal Williams makes this list simply for the fact that “The League’s Best Nose Tackle” has an injured arm, but even still should never allow a record setting day from a rookie on his run defense.

San Francisco 49ers
Hero(es): Nate Clements & Patrick Willis
Nate Clements signed the biggest contract ever for a Defensive Back. And while many believe that he wasn’t worth the money, myself included, you cannot deny the season that is having. Clements is, arguably, playing like the best CornerBack in the NFL this season. In a division that include the most depth and talent at the receiver position, Clements is playing lights out, and while the lack of production from the NFC West Receivers isn’t just because of Nate Clements coverage abilities, you can’t bet your chips that he has a good part to do with it. Meanwhile, while I feel that “P-Willie” isn’t as good as his unofficial tackle totals would lead one to believe, one cannot deny that he is a sound tackler, and most importantly, as a rookie he is already a defensive leader for one of the league’s best defenses. But shh… don’t tell anybody that the 49ers, led by a rookie, secretly have an elite defense.

Heel(s): Jim Hostler
Yet another coach or coordinator makes this list. Why is this? Because Hostler is almost single handedly responsible for the six losses that the 49ers have. As mentioned above The 49ers actually have a pretty good defense. Unfortunately for the defense though, the offense turns the ball over in enemy territory often and leaves them with their backs at the wall. Trust me, the problem isn’t Alex Smith, nor was it even Trent Dilfer. It was the offensive playcalling which never opened up. With a Halfback like a Frank Gore and a talented WR Corp with 4 viable targets you would think that the 49ers offense wouldn’t be the worst in the NFL…. And yet It is. Why is this? Because the offense continues to remain conservative, not opening up the passing game and not running plays with routes that eventually develop far downfield. Unfortunately for Frank Gore and Alex Smith, their numbers suffer as a result and individuals are going to negate Gore’s 2006 and Alex’s improvement in 2006.

Seattle Seahawks
Hero(es): Bobby Engram & Nate Burleson
With a spastic run game, and their Number 1 Wide Receiver having been out for 3.75 games, is it any question that these guys have been the Seahawks heroes? Bobby Engram has stepped his game up fourfold. Since Deion Branch went down against the Steelers, Bobby Engram has brought in 29 receptions, 1 touchdown and 332 yards in 3 games. That is pure dominance at the Wide Receiver position over that game span. While last season it looked as is Engram should quite possibly retired, this season Engram is showing that veterans can still get it done, and they can do it when it’s needed the most. However, Engram has only stepped up in the passing and running game(via blocking), where as Burleson has stepped up in both of those matters, as well as in the punt return game. Already a fierce punt and kick returner, Burleson has returned two for touchdowns this season, including one of extreme importance last weekend against the Browns that nearly won the game if not for a courageous effort from Jamal Lewis. However, Burleson has contributed roughly 50 yards receiving a game over the three game span without Branch as well. If only all team’s receivers would step up like this when their Number 1 goes down.

Heel(s): Walter Jones & Shaun Alexander
I don’t care what you try and tell me… guess what? Walter Jones hasn’t been the league’s best Left Tackle, let alone a top 5 one for some time now. At least not without Steve Hutchinson next to him. Does Walter Jones get it done? Yes. Is he one tough guy? Heck yes. But I have a note for Seahawk fans… you can’t try and cite his injuries, which Holmgren doesn’t even report to the injury log as a reason as to why he’s given up more sacks over the past 25 games than any other Left Tackle in the NFL. Guess what? Every lineman plays injured, but right now Jones is hurting the Seahawks more than helping them. While I may catch flak on that one, I know I won’t for criticizing 2005 MVP Shaun Alexander who fans are calling for the head of. Alexander has avoided contact when running, run softly, and not shown the effort that a starting HalfBack should. I understand that he’s over 30, but if you’re starting for an NFL franchise should you not be giving your all? And it can’t be the line because Mo Morris and Leonard Weaver have been able to work with them effectively.

St. Louis Rams
Hero(es): Torry Holt
On an 0-8 team, like the Dolphins, there is only one hero on this team. Torry “Big Game” Holt. Despite the fact that he’s been playing with multiple Quarterbacks, all of which have been injured, and thus not very good, Holt has still produced and is still holds, at worst, the second best pair of hands in the NFL. On a team where the offense is supposed to be the key focal point, only one member of the big name offense has actually shown up and produced; Holt. Holt’s been targeted 73 times, on pace for a career low, and only dropped one pass. However, he is still on pace for 92 receptions, 1,100+ yards, and eight touchdowns. However, in this year of the wide receiver would those numbers be truly worth of a Pro Bowl bid?

Heel(s): Steven Jackson, Milford Brown & Marc Bulger
Steven Jackson is on this list because he is not only the Rams’ biggest heal, but he is, quite possibly, the NFL’s largest heel. Many NFL fans, myself included, had Jackson anointed as the league’s second best HalfBack, but unfortunately for us, Jackson hasn’t been healthy enough, and thus hasn’t produced to reaffirm that notion. Jackson has played in half of the games, and has only finished two of them. Additionally he has carried the same amount of times as rookie Brian Leonard, and produced 2 less yards. At this point in the season I’m sure many people, especially fantasy owners, believed Jackson would have over 1,000 yards from scrimmage, not 340-something. As previously mentioned, the Rams’ QuarterBacks have been consistently battered because their offensive line being consistently battered. However, the member of the offensive line that possibly deserves that most blame is Milford Brown, who is, not only blocking ineffectively against the run, but is on pace to have the worst pass blocking season ever for a Guard. And while Marc Bulger is playing with bad ribs, he’s still an elite QuarterBack and thus shouldn’t be playing at the caliber of Jamie Martin or Gus Frerotte. He too is to blame for the Rams starting out 0-8.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Hero(es): Jeff Garcia, Ernest Graham & Joey Galloway
Is there any doubt to anybody’s mind why the Buccaneers are still in the running for an NFC playoff position? We know the Buccaneers. Whoever is the coach doesn’t matter; they’re always going to be known for their defense. And while Tampa’s defense has shown up, their offense has shown up nicely as well. Jeff Garcia has only thrown three interceptions this season and all of them have come in one game. But he has also thrown a moderately nice 9 touchdowns. Excellent QuarterBack play like that is always going to keep you in the game. Especially when you can simply plug in a Halfback like Ernest Graham and still impose your will in the running game. Speaking of Ernest Graham, did anybody know who this guy was at the start of the season? Let alone did anyone think he could feel the Cadillac’s tires? Well he did, and has been doing so well, including recording his first 100 yard game last weekend. While, mathematically, he isn’t on pace to run for 1,000 yards I can guarantee you that he will. Finally, the player that helps to make Garcia’s QB play and Ernest Graham’s running ability a possibility is Joey Galloway. Despite being in his late 30s, Galloway is still one of the league’s biggest burners, causing Safeties to play outside the box and giving Garcia and Graham much more to work with. However Joey still is on pace for a 1,300 yard season and 10 touchdowns.

Heel(s): Alex Smith & Michael Clayton
Both of these young men showed immense potential when they first entered the league. Unfortunately though, the two dominant pass catchers on this team are two men well over 30.Simply put, these guys need to step it up. They are 4th and 6th, respectively, in terms of receptions for the team, which includes being behind a Halfback. If even one of these two guys can get their head in the game and start producing even moderate numbers it would gradually help what is already a good offense. Clayton has only been targeted 11 times this season. Smith? A mere 25. While this may be Jeff Garcia’s inability to see other eligible receivers, something tells me with the way that offense is run, at least Smith should be getting involved in the passing game more, and that Clayton has regressed so far from his rookie season that Gruden doesn’t trust him to have the ball in his hands. Just another example of veterans proving an understanding of the game and the ability to remain healthy is more important than extreme and youthful talent.

Tennessee Titans
Hero(es): Michael Roos, David Stewart, Kyle Vanden Bosch, Albert Haynseworth, Antwan Odom & Travis LaBoy
Cam you say that it’s all won in the trenches? Despite not having anyone excellent at the CornerBack position, or any notable HalfBacks or Receivers in Tennessee they somehow find themselves in the playoff hunt as one of the league’s better teams. Why? Because Michael Roos, as I’ve been saying for two seasons now, is arguably the league’s best pass blocking Left Tackle. Unfortunately for him, until the media says your name you’re a virtual unknown. However, he’s also getting help from his counterpart, Right tackle David Stewart. The duo combined have given up 0 sacks. Meanwhile the Titans are fielding the league’s best Defensive line led by Albert Haynesworth and Kyle Vanden Bosch. While the former is in Defensive Player of the Year talks, the latter is playing at an equally high level. Combind with Antwan Odom, Travis LaBoy and Tony Brown, the Titans front 4 is tops in the NFL against the run, and is in the top 5 for teams with sacks garnered by defensive lineman. Does “Vince Young Win Games” or does the “Front Line Win Games”? You be the judge.

Heel(s): Vince Young
Last seasons’ “Offensive Rookie Of The Year” is clearly hitting a sophomore slump. Despite the fact that his team is well over .500 at this point, it’s pretty clear that VY10 has been a liability for the Titans, not an asset. On a team where the two tackles have given up a combined 0 sacks, Young has thrown 5 more interceptions than touchdowns and fumbled more times than he’s punched the ball into the endzone. Vince Young is, in fact, a turnover machine. Young has been so unreliable that the Titans have had to not only rely on a top defense that is arguably the best in the NFL, but they’ve had to rely on 2nd year Powerback Lendale White to carry the load even if his average yards per carry has to take a significant drop to 3.5 YPC to win. I’m sorry, but Young didn’t deserve the “Offensive Rookie Of The Year” award last season, and he isn’t helping his team this season. If the Titans are to continue on to the playoffs, then Young’s play needs to improve drastically… otherwise the Titans are looking at an early Wild Card exit.

Washington Redskins
Hero(es): Sean Taylor & Antwaan Randle-El
Last season Sean Taylor was, metrically, the worst Safety to ever play the position. He gave up more touchdowns than any Safety and missed a rather considerable percentage of his tackles. As a result he saw a drop in many top Safeties lists… He must have taken that to heart, because Taylor is playing lights out. No, honestly, Taylor has a pass rush now, and it’s gradually affected his game. Don’t believe me? 3 of Taylor’s 5 Interceptions came on balls that were underthrown because the QuarterBack was under pressure. Another was from an overthrow from the exact same reason. However, Taylor has taken ripe advantage of the situations and has put together an All-Pro caliber season, playing excellent zone coverage. However, Antwaan Randle-El is the offenses’ biggest hero. In a Wide Receiver Corps that has 6+ receivers who cannot stay on the field, Randle-El has played every game, and despite only having 3 more receptions than the next leading receiver, he has nearly 200 more yards. Randle-El has been the only bright spot for young QuarterBack Jason Campbell and has been a security blanket for him, including being very efficient with only 2 drops.

Heel(s): Santana Moss & Brandon Lloyd
On the other side of the spectrum Santana Moss and Brandon Lloyd have let the Redskins down big time. I recall that over the off-season I got into a heated argument with a Redskins fan that attempted to tell me that Santana Moss was a top 15 receiver in the NFL despite his career underachieving, barring one year. As you’d expect he cited Moss’ first season in Washington. Anyway, Moss continues to be a career underachiever that, injured or not, doesn’t play up to potential and seems to be nothing more than another speed project that didn’t pan out in the long run. However, fortunately for the Redskins he wasn’t a bank breaker. Brandon Lloyd, however, was. Brandon Lloyd has seen the field, despite being healthy enough to suit up, only twice and has only brought in two receptions for 16 yards. At 5-3 imagine what Washington’s record could possibly be if they could actually get two of their first three receivers on the depth chart to remain on the field consistently and produce. I think that the term for these two isn’t “Heels” but “Thieves”.