Today, we recap where we are in terms of blue-chip players in the NFL. I’ve read all the comments and will make adjustments as I see fit based on the final list. I appreciate the comments, so keep them coming. Look over the final list, send in your comments and I’ll review them over the weekend. However, the person who wrote that I was an idiot for not noting fullback Lorenzo Neal of the Raiders as a blue, don’t bother sending any more comments. He was released Wednesday.
This is a tough list to make everyone happy -- remember, they never dedicated a monument to a committee. But I do listen. I don’t have all the answers, and I do love to read thoughtful and provoking comments.
After I break down the positions, I will break down the teams, assigning a point value to blues (FYI: QBs, left OTs and pass rushers will have a higher blue value) and almost blues, then rank the teams from 1-32. This will be in the Tavern all next week. So it’s very important that I double- and triple-check the list.
Here is the AFC/NFC Position Blue “Simmons Project” Breakdown:
OFFENSE
QB (12): Brady, Palmer, Roethlisberger, P. Manning, Rivers, Romo, E. Manning, McNabb, Cutler, Rodgers, Brees, Warner.
APSteve Slaton
RB (12): Slaton, Jones-Drew, Tomlinson, C. Johnson, Jacobs, Westbrook, Portis, Forte, Peterson, Turner, D. Williams, Gore.
TE (6): Daniels, Clark, Gates, Witten, Gonzalez, Winslow.
WR (12): Evans, Moss, A. Johnson, Wayne, Marshall, V. Jackson, C. Johnson, Jennings, R. White, S. Smith, Bryant, Fitzgerald.
OT (8): Long, Roos, Thomas, Clady, Peters, McKinnie, Gross, W. Jones.
OG (3): Mankins, Snee, Hutchinson.
OC (1): Mangold.
Punter (1): Lechler.
Specialist (4): McKelvin, Washington, Welker, Hester.
DEFENSE
DE (10): Freeney, M. Willliams, Ware, Tuck, Umenyiora, Jenkins, Cole, Allen, Abraham, Peppers.
DT (10): Henderson, Rogers, Wilfolk, Jenkins, Ngata, A. Smith, Ratliff, Haynesworth, Williams, Dockett.
ILB (6): Mayo, Pierce, Beason, Vilma, Rudd, Willis.
APTerrell Suggs
OLB (5): Suggs, Porter, Woodley, Harrison, Merriman.
CB (6): Finnegan, Revis, Mathis, Asomugha, Rogers, Winfield.
S (5): Sanders, Reed, Polamalu, Landry, Wilson.
What I’ll do now is go back through my almost blues and add some to this list since I clearly need to move a few up. Keep the recommendations -- based on facts -- coming.
hey Michael,
Great, informative site.
Anquan Boldin has to make your blue list -- aside from his contract dispute and an overheated super bowl moment -- which I am sure are not part of the criteria you formed to not include him -- he is tough, dedicated, speedy, a bona fide and incredible yards after catch receiver, whose presence helps Fitz every bit as much as Fitz helps his. Look at Breaston -- emerged as a result of both. But Anquan is a superb receiver. I would rate him above V Jax, A Bryant and even Roddy -- although I agree V Jax and Roddy should be on your list.
I agree with 95% of the choices on the list and I really look forward to the ranking of these players.(you will see dozens of comments once that post comes up) I only have a problem with 2 players.
Lee Evans is not a blue chip receiver. He has 2 or 3 big games a season but tends to disappear in most games.
Bob Sanders is a great player when healthy but he is never healthy. The problems of being a 5'8' safety that lays big hits are finally catching up to him. No way he should make this list.
Vincent Jackson still confuses me. I've watched him and never thought he was that special. Same goes for B. Jacobs and Clinton Portis. Both are good, but neither stand out to me.
I think wes welker should be on that wide receiver list.
Pierce is the most likely candidate to not even be a borderline blue this year. I'm surprised he's on the list at all -- it's the only choice that really made me scratch my head and wonder whether we were watching the same games... In my opinion he was a stretch to be included based on last year -- and he plays behind the best/deepest defensive line.
Rather than add borderline blues to the list and dilute the concept, just take only the top ten secondary, top ten linebackers, & top ten special teams/specialists... that way you can cut Pierce, McKinnie, etc..
You should add Kris Deilman LG for the Chargers he hasn't given up a sack in like 2 years and is a monster in the run game. He is one of the best guards in the NFL and deserves a look
Mike do you think Al Davis might hire John Madden as a HC now that he has nothing to do?
As a Packer fan and Wisconsin alum, I love seeing Jennings and Evans on the list. However, I can't see taking either one over Boldin. Loved him before the terrible injury last year, love him even more after.
Based on comments, Mike, you need to seriously consider Charles Woodson as a blue corner. There were more comments on him than any other player. You missed the boat on him; otherwise, nice job.
Forgot Ware on list of OLB
Yeah, the Vincent Jackson one gets me too. I don't see it but I'm not an "expert".
Another one that I think is deserving is Mat McBriar, the punter for the Cowboys. He was hurt in the Arizona game last year and the Cowboys missed him greatly. I would say that he is a blue.
Mike, it's a very solid list, but I noticed you don't have a single 4-3 OLB on your list. Now I know that the 3-4 rush end type is better for amassing stats, but not one guy from a defense that 2/3 of the league uses as a base? I think Keith bullock is definitely someone who should be considered.
Also, I know a lot of people have brought up vjax, but c'mon mike... The guy didn't have 1100 yards last year (his only decent year statistically), and only had 7 tds, despite being in an offense with a blue qb, and seeing single coverage because of his blue rb and TE...he isn't top 10 at receiver, and arguably isn't top 15... Even almost blue seems like a stretch
vincent jackson is ridiculous. brandon jacobs too. i agree w/ first poster there but clinton portis is a definite blue-chipper. wes welker? lol.
I'll keep bringing it till you admit you messed up Mike. ;)
Charles Woodson:
INTs: 7 TDs: 2 Sacks: 3
Finnegan:
INTs: 5 TDs: 1 Sacks: 1
Revis:
INTs: 5 TDs: 1 Sacks: 1
Woodson is a blue, no matter how many holding penalties he gets. The man played the ENTIRE SEASON on a broken toe.
He was on a terrible defense on a disappointing team, so no one gives him any respect. But the guy is a Top 5 corner in the NFL and now that he has a competent defensive coordinator, the national pundits will finally see what the hell they've been missing.
Where's the love for the D? 54 offensive players versus 42 defensive players? This after a year where the Super Bowl was yet again won with solid defense?
I know it's tougher to measure the impact of defensive players, partly due to the lack of reliable stats, and partly due to officiating changes that continually put emphasis on passing.
I won't go after the O players who I don't think should be on the list (though there are a few), but rather suggest one who I think absolutely should be there: Ray Lewis.
Lets break down your criteria first:
"Player has abilities that can create mismatches vs. most opponents in the league."
With impeccable tackling, and an ability to read plays that's second to none on the defensive side of the ball, Lewis is the biggest reason why the Ravens continually rank amongst the best against the run. While he may not have the sideline to sideline speed that he once did, he rarely lets anyone get beyond the second layer. Only the Giants had any success on the run against the Ravens last year, and they led the league in rushing, both overall and YPC.
"Is a featured player on the team and has impact on the outcome of the game."
How often do you see teams bounce outside on the run against the Ravens? Trying to avoid someone, perhaps?
"Not one player can take him out of the game."
Tough to define for the ILB position, but I again refer to team's lack of success on the ground against the Ravens D. Also, Lewis' defensive "quarterbacking" skills allow for an impact beyond simply making tackles.
"Each week he has a consistent level of performance."
Tackles by game in 2008: 5, 4, 13, 7, 6, 10, 5, 4, 9, 10, 4, 7, 13, 7, 5, 8. And for those who argue his stats are padded by "friendly" stats keeping, all but one of those double digit performances are away games.
"Plays at a championship level performance."
Does anyone really argue that the Ravens made the AFC Championship game on the back of Flacco's arm? It was D all the way. Flacco simply didn't get in the way.
"He rates in the top ten at his position in the league."
Easy.
He certainly benefits from a solid D line, but Gregg was out last year and Justin Bannan has some work to do if he wants to make the Pro Bowl. Also, Lewis allows the Ravens to get creative with blitzes, as they can rely on him to mop up behind them.
He may be getting older, but he is only 34. Hardly geriatric. And does anyone really think that he'll take a step back with a new contract? If anything, I think he'll play with an even bigger chip on his shoulder after his embarrassing foray into free agency when he overestimated ILB value.
His solo play qualifies him as blue chip on it's own, but when you add his leadership skills to the mix, it's a no brainer. He improves the players around him (I know it's an old argument, but look at the success - or lack thereof - of former Ravens LB's after signing lucrative FA contracts). When a player makes his whole team better, I don't see how much more blue chip you can get.
I have no problem with your list of CB but as far as game changers you are defiinitely missing Woodson. Winfiedl deserves to be on the list due to unbelieveable tackling and sound corner, but he does not scare anyone or make changes due to his coverage. Woodson can make plays every down and he does. Teams are scared to throw to his side and when they do, he takes advantage. I focus on these two because I watch both teams each week. Woodson tops Winfield, but Winfiedl is deserving.
Boldin clearly should be there, and Vincent Jackson is questionable by comparison. Boldin's played 13.3 games avg the last 3 seasons which isn't that bad. More importantly, moving forward, it's hard to hold last year's jaw injury against him and call him injury prone--that was just a vicious hit where he was very unlucky, and he proved his toughness coming back. It's not like he pulls his hamstring every year and misses games.
Two guys came to my mind when looking at your list. I think Heath Miller is a blue player for the steelers. He can control the edge in the running game and while not a big play passing threat, he possesses excellent hands and is good in the red zone. I also think Mike Scifries for the Chargers is a blue player. He is a big weapon for them as far as field possession and came up huge in the playoff game vs. the Colts. Great job on the list.
I think Charles Woodson at corner and Will Blackmon at return specialist should be on this list. If you watch Blackmon he's always a threat to take one to the house. And Woodson had a fantastic year last year despite being injured. In his tenure at Green Bay he's been great and other than Asomugha [sic?] he's probably the best corner in the league.
Solid list but definitely whiffed on not including Woodson
Mike, I'm glad you added Gore as a blue chip RB.
On my post about him I forgot to substantiate it with his numbers.
As a quick recap: 1) Our OL talent is average to above average overall. It's in constant change every year with the switching of positions & the addition of new faces. 2) We have no franchise QB 3) We have had for the most part one of the worst group of WR's in the NFL ever since TO left us..except for 1 year when we had a #1 WR in Antonio Bryant for a brief while. 4) Vernon Davis has been a disappointment as a playmaker thus far having only 1 productive year in 2006. Because of this we lose our hope of adding a 2nd legit playmaker on Offense other than Gore. 5) Because of items 2, 3, & 4 Gore is the ONLY weapon & opposing teams solely FOCUS ON HIM stacking 8-9 in the box. 6) **NEW: This is now our 7TH OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR IN 7 YEARS...a new one each & every year. Although it's probably not too difficult for a RB to make the adjustment the fact is the OL in regards to the running game NEVER GET THE CHANCE TO MASTER THE PLAYBOOK or their favorite running plays. With every new OC there's new running plays, blocking assignments, & philosophy. Overall the Offense is not as effective as the QB & all the players must learn a new system thus yet again putting most of the pressure on the primary weapon we have...GORE. 7)**ALSO NEW: Gore has never had a LEGIT #2 complimentary RB a la the Panthers, NYG's, San Diego, etc. The closest legit RB maybe was last years Desean Foster but he didn't show too much & I haven't heard his name anywhere this year so I'm assuming he retired. Gore is the one & only RB & IS the primary Offensive workload.
Now the numbers: Despite all these deficiencies Gore STILL HAS MANAGED TO HAVE 1,000 YARD RUSHING SEASONS FOR THE PAST 3 YEARS. I think it's a huge feat & accomplishment when you consider the horrendous circumstances. 2006: Just under 1700 yards / 2007: 1100 yards / 2008: Just over 1000 yards. Gore is an ultimate warrior & teammate & we're extremely lucky to have in San Fran. TEAR IT UP THIS YEAR FRANK!!!! Good luck in staying healthy as well.
Where's the love for the D? 54 offensive players versus 42 defensive players? This after a year where the Super Bowl was yet again won with solid defense?
I know it's tougher to measure the impact of defensive players, partly due to the lack of reliable stats, and partly due to officiating changes that continually put emphasis on passing.
I won't go after the O players who I don't think should be on the list (though there are a few), but rather suggest one who I think absolutely should be there: Ray Lewis.
Lets break down your criteria first:
"Player has abilities that can create mismatches vs. most opponents in the league."
With impeccable tackling, and an ability to read plays that's second to none on the defensive side of the ball, Lewis is the biggest reason why the Ravens continually rank amongst the best against the run. While he may not have the sideline to sideline speed that he once did, he rarely lets anyone get beyond the second layer. Only the Giants had any success on the run against the Ravens last year, and they led the league in rushing, both overall and YPC.
"Is a featured player on the team and has impact on the outcome of the game."
How often do you see teams bounce outside on the run against the Ravens? Trying to avoid someone, perhaps?
"Not one player can take him out of the game."
Tough to define for the ILB position, but I again refer to team's lack of success on the ground against the Ravens D. Also, Lewis' defensive "quarterbacking" skills allow for an impact beyond simply making tackles.
"Each week he has a consistent level of performance."
Tackles by game in 2008: 5, 4, 13, 7, 6, 10, 5, 4, 9, 10, 4, 7, 13, 7, 5, 8. And for those who argue his stats are padded by "friendly" stats keeping, all but one of those double digit performances are away games.
"Plays at a championship level performance."
Does anyone really argue that the Ravens made the AFC Championship game on the back of Flacco's arm? It was D all the way. Flacco simply didn't get in the way.
"He rates in the top ten at his position in the league."
Easy.
He certainly benefits from a solid D line, but Gregg was out last year and Justin Bannan has some work to do if he wants to make the Pro Bowl. Also, Lewis allows the Ravens to get creative with blitzes, as they can rely on him to mop up behind them.
He may be getting older, but he is only 34. Hardly geriatric. And does anyone really think that he'll take a step back with a new contract? If anything, I think he'll play with an even bigger chip on his shoulder after his embarrassing foray into free agency when he overestimated ILB value.
His solo play qualifies him as blue chip on it's own, but when you add his leadership skills to the mix, it's a no brainer. He improves the players around him (I know it's an old argument, but look at the success - or lack thereof - of former Ravens LB's after signing lucrative FA contracts). When a player makes his whole team better, I don't see how much more blue chip you can get.
Boldin clearly should be there, and Vincent Jackson is questionable by comparison. Boldin's played 13.3 games avg the last 3 seasons which isn't that bad. More importantly, moving forward, it's hard to hold last year's jaw injury against him and call him injury prone--that was just a vicious hit where he was very unlucky, and he proved his toughness coming back. It's not like he pulls his hamstring every year and misses games.
Charles Woodson not a Blue?
hahahahahahahahahahahahaha
Moving on.
Why is lechler continually being picked as a stud punter over scifres? Did anyone not watch the punting clinic he put on against the colts in the playoffs last year?
12 QBs detracts from the integrity of the exercise. Gotta make some cuts there.
Why isn't David Stewart of the Titans also mentioned?I know he's an RT and not an LT but he plays in the AFC South against some very talented pass rushers. He's not at the level of Roos but he's a mauler in the run game and good against the pass. In 16 starts he gave up 2 sacks and was part of a line that only allowed Kerry Collins to be sacked 8 times as well as helped anchor the leagues 5th ranked run game. In my opinion he should have at least been given almost blue consideration.
On a separate note thanks for writing your column it's become a lunch time ritual of mine. Keep up the good work!
I have saved my comments until this series has been complete. Have to say I enjoyed it quite a bit (and not just the blue-chipper, but I kept track of all the close ones you listed as well).
1. Maybe I missed the follow up article, but you originally had Darren Sproles a blue-chipper. I don't agree with that, so maybe you reconsidered.
2. Speaking of Sproles, I think I'm against your "specialist" class and how much they have an impact. I don't think Sproles, Welker, Hester or Washington are blue-chip players. And also Cribbs and Parrish should not have even been mentioned as almost. Both groups should be downgraded a "class" in my opinion.
3. I think the WR I'm most against is not V. Jackson (which has drawn a lot of heat), but Antonio Bryant. He's a one-year player to me right now while players like Bouldin and Owens are proven commodities over a number of years. If Bouldin is too hurt to make the jump to Blue-chipper, what's up with Antonio Bryant, who has only started 71 out of a possible 112 games since drafted (and has never played in the post-season ever)?
4. If age is holding back Owens, I see no reason why Joey Porter is still a blue-chipper. His season last year was aberration. Before last year he averaged 7 sacks/season the previous five seasons (2003-2007). At 32 years old, he's not going to repeat that type of season and everyone knows it. Joey Porter is not a blue-chip, top-10 pass rushing OLB in my opinion. Not for 2009.
5. I still consider Champ Bailey a blue-chipper (more so that all the complaints about Woodson). He's in a tough situation in Denver with the worst front-7 I've ever seen. Bailey to me is one of the best CB of all-time and a lock hall-of-famer. I think Bailey is better than both Winfield and Rogers right now.
6. Agian, on the use of health in evaluation, how is Kellen Winslow a blue-chipper (and no mention of Heath Miller at all)??? I think the group of almosts at TE should have included Winslow, Miller, Cooley (which you did) and maybe Greg Olsen as an up-and-comer.
7. I don't know if I consider Matt Forte a better player than Stephen Jackson. I don't mind Jackson an "almost" because of health, but Forte and his 3.9 average and 1-year service doesn't make him his a blue-chipper yet in my book.
Thanks for reading.
There seem to be some guys who are injured too much for your list, and others who's more extensive injuries you overlook. Bob Sanders has played in more then six games only twice in his five years in the league. Steven Jackson, meanwhile, has missed four games in each of the last two years. Cullen Jenkins has been the Packers' "best defensive lineman" presumably since the last four games of 2006, then missed the final 12 games last year (24 games on, 12 off). In the same time, Charles Woodson missed two games. And last season, Charles Woodson made plays all over the field. The way you've dealt with injuries is too inconsistent.
Marcus Stroud belongs on your list. Last season he improved the Bills run defense by more than 10 spots from the previous year.
I have a tough time thinking of Lee Evans and Antonio Bryant as better receivers than Marques Colston. Just started reading today, so not exactly sure what the criteria are but hard to imagine a set of criteria that leads to that evaluation.
Not sure if you could take someone off the DE list to add him, but Robert Mathis deserves a look at the defensive end position. He has 50 sacks over the past 5 seasons while playing mainly a situational pass rusher role. Granted he may not be as complete a player as most of those DE listed and you could argue he gets some sacks b/c of the attention paid to Freeney; but you'd be hard pressed to find too many players at his position with such consistent output over a fairly decent amount of time.
Hi Mike, thanks for the time and patience to read everyones comments.
Charles Woodson and Aaron Kampman need to be on that list. They ARE the D in GB.
You need to get Kampman on there although he "switched" position, he is a sack monster and will be huge this season in Capers new defense. He is definetly worth a Blue spot.
Also take Clinton Portis off that list. He is not Blue.
Thanks
What about Jeff Feagles? He doesn't have the power anymore, but no one pins opponents inside the 20 like he does.
I think you've nailed the list pretty well. I disagree with Vincent Jackson (unproven), Antonio Bryant (1 good season), Romo (not clutch), E Manning (1 good playoff push), Winslow (never healthy and all hype).
Good job!
I hate to pile on, but Charles Woodson is a blue chip corner. I mean, no-brainer. Often takes on the hardest assignment, all the picks, has ligned up at safety in a pinch. He needs to be on that list.
You should add Jahri Evans at the guard position. It's hard to state facts for guards since there aren't any stats, but I have read articles citing NFL scouts that think he's the best young guard in the league, and in the discussion for best guard overall.
Since 2006, the Saints offense has been a juggernaut, and if you look at offensive roster changes from 06 to 07, the major players (that are still with the team) are Brees, Bush, Colston, and Evans. Colston and Bush have missed time and the offense kept rolling, but Brees and Evans have consistently been standout players on the best offense in the league. Brees is on the list, and Evans should be, too.
Good list but I would put Marion Barber on the RB list before most of the guys you have listed. You would rather have Portis than Barber? Talent aside, Portis is on the downslope of his career. Forte is neither as strong or explosive as Barber. I would rather have MBIII than Tomlinson at this stage of his career also.
I like the list, Mike, but I have a few questions:
1. If the definition of a blue is the top ten players in the league, how can we have 12 blue quarterbacks? You can't have 12 players in the top ten of the league. To be a blue quarterback, shouldn't you really have to be a top 5 or 8?
2. There are two offensive guards and one quarterback, and yet you only named three guards as blue chippers? Does this mean most guards are average and not game planned for? Also, I think Davin Joseph of the Bucs deserves consideration as a blue chipper.
3. Who is more important to a team, a premiere left tackle or a premier running back?
What about Jahri Evans?
Forget adding people I think you should cut some from QB, RB, and WR. You did say they had to be top 10 at their position.
QB - I would say Manning and Warner. I know Warner had one of the best seasons of his career last year but I think his effectiveness is going to plummet this year with reports coming out about a bad hip.
RB - Jacobs and Portis. Portis is stil an effective RB but he just isn't blue anymore. Jacobs lack of receiving ability and need for supporting RBs drop him out of top 10.
WR - Jackson, Bryant and Marshall. Marshall cannot be a blue chip player when he is on the sideline twiddling his thumbs instead of learning the dog gone playbook. Definitely a blue chip player when on the field though but you need to know what to do on the field. And right now Marshall is just as lost on the field as he is off of it.
Players to add: Ware (you missed him on the recap), Charles Woodson, and Champ Bailey. Bailey does not take away half the field like he used to but he still takes away a third. He was in a bad scheme and injured last year. In a defense that is designed to win turnover battles I see Champ having another monster year.
I feel the need to make a final case against Eli Manning:
A Blue player by your definition:
Has abilities that can create mismatches vs. most opponents in the league.
- Eli has a hard time beating normal coverages with his passing skills, needing above average receivers and a legit play-action threat to pass effectively.
Is a featured player on the team and has impact on the outcome of the game.
- Eli is about as un-featured a QB as one can have. He is rarely called on to shoulder the burden of winning games, and most defenses are comfortable loading the box and daring Eli to beat them.
Not one player can take him out of the game.
- Not terribly applicable to the QB position, but Eli does get taken out of most giants games as a factor.
Each week he has a consistent level of performance.
- Eli is all over the place. Will Good Eli or Bad Eli show up this week, has been a common refrain the last 2 years.
Plays at a championship level performance.
- Since he did win a championship in '07 this could be said of him briefly, but he certainly didn't play at a championship level of performance in '08.
He rates in the top ten at his position in the league.
- I'd rank Eli somewhere between 11 and 16.
Mike, when you set this up, I recall you saying that only the top 10 at each position are eligible to be included as Blue-Chips. So... you can't have 12 QBs, RBs or WRs. Then, there were other requirements, just to make sure this wasn't a top-10 list. I find it very hard to believe that, by your (and SG's) definition of "Blues", there are so many out there. These guys should be the studs that work on any team, with any guys around them, in any system. Given that, I find the following to be lacking:
QBs: Warner, Romo
Warner has played well with great players around him (Bruce, Holt, Faulk; Boldin, Fitz) but not so great with average skill players. Romo has yet to be on the winning side in a playoff game, despite some great opportunities. I think that pushes him out of the top 10. For now.
RBs: LDT, Portis
LDT wasn't the same guy last year. He didn't have the burst of past seasons. I don't think anyone should assume he'll get it back this year (he may, but why assume it?). The question to ask yourself is, if you were preparing for this season, which of these RBs would you want - then rank them. I think Portis fits this mold, too. Just too many miles on the tires.
WRs: Bryant, V. Jackson
Bryant is befuddling. Statistically, last year was an outlier season, and he only had a career-high of 7 TDs. He has remarkably little on his resume for a 6 year vet. And he's got some mental "issues." This isn't a guy that you can stamp as a "Blue Chip" is it? If you had him on your team, are you set knowing that he will beat coverages all day and be the bonafide #1 you've always wanted? I just don't see it. As for Jackson, we know you love him - physically, he's tremendous. But there are production issues which should keep him out of the top 10, and, therefore, out of the "Blue"...
And, Mike, don't add anymore because you don't "have enough" at a certain position. Remember what SG said - if you have to think about it, then the guy isn't a Blue Chip.
Too many blues on the QB list. I would say Romo is light blue at best, McNabb faded blue, E. Manning blue only in the sense he wears a blue uniform. Rodgers? Come back in a couple of seasons, and we can have an intelligent discussion. Not after one year on a non-playoff team. Derek Anderson looked very blue after the '07 season. Now, not so much.
No Lance Briggs? I know he is not a sacks guy like many of the other LBs on the list, but he plays in a different type of defense.
Face injury aside, Anquan Boldin still missed the Carolina playoff game with an injury. Dude gets injured, and it's probably going to shorten his career. Great player, but he's not a guy who defensive coordinators have to focus on when they're scheming. They just have to make sure their defenders know how to tackle him. Brandon Marshall (who does many of the things that Q does but is also a deep threat in the passing game) seemed to barely make this list. All that leadership that Q ostensibly brings didn't help much his first five seasons in the league, when the team stunk.
Also, yes, for all those people who are wondering where MB3 is on this list. I would rather have Clinton Portis right now than MB3. MB3 is a really good version of someone like T.J. Duckett. He's a closer. MB3 has never had a 1000 yard season, and last year he got injured in his first season as the primary ball carrier and averaged 3.7 YPC. You better hope that he's not the second-coming of Troy Hambrick. I think that Felix Jones will be the starter for the Cowboys by the end of the year.
Cullen Jenkins is a great end, but he's changing systems and coming off a surgery, should he really be on the list? You missed the mark on Charles Woodson too, 3 sacks, 7 INTs, 2 TDs last year and that's the mark of someone who's injuries affected his year? Plus throw in the ridiculous stunt where they moved him to safety for a few weeks, and let's just say there is no way you can compare Woodson to Harris.
No Lance Briggs at OLB? Guess 4 straight probowls mean Nothing. Add to that the omission of Demarcus Ware, just a beast.
don't sleep on Brandon Mebane. On the verge of being a blue chip. The seahawk line depends on him
| powered by TheSeats.com |
No one knows the future, but one...
Unconventional thinking, plus...
Questions and thoughts about the...
Super Bowl thoughts: Freeney,...
Is Browns GM serious about Tebow?...
Aug 20, 2009
06:43 PM
Rogers?.. You mean RODGERS
Don't you think Charles Woodson is one of the very best at his position in the league?