Alright Right, 13-3 on he year so far. Let's see how well I do with these selctions:
ATL at NE Winner: ATL
I know that New England has the home field advantage and should be mad from the bad beat from the Jets, however, that defense is what I thought it was, listless. It completely lacks passion and leadership. Atlanta;'s offense is going to gut them and the Atlanta defense will take advantage of a tentative Tom Brady and keep Atlanta off long enough to pull out the win. Expect a completely blow-out if Moss and welker don;t play.
SF at MIN Winner: MIN
The Williams Wall is still playing at a high level and that should be the differences in this game. Expect a defensive war of attrition between these two tough teams.
GB vs. STL Winner: GB
This Game shouldn;t be close. Green bay has been able to score at will in the past few weeks and the St. Louis Rams are deep in re-building mode. This should be a show-case for Green Bay offensive players.
KC vs. PHI Winner: PHI
This is a bit of a toss up. Kansas City has been fighting, despite losing thier first two games. Philadelphia hasn;t been good without Donovan McNabb the past year or two. The talent of the Eagles has me picking them, but it wouldn't surprise me if the Chiefs won this game.
JAC at HOU Winner: HOU
While Jacksonville has tried to play hard in thier first two losses, Houston's passing game should abuse the pass-rush deprived Jaguars. Also, Steve Slaton had his breakout game against the Jags last year. Another blowout is expected.
TEN at NYJ Winner: NYJ
The Titans have played tough in thier first two games but have been unable to keep up with thier opponents. They'll be angry coming into the Meadowlands. However, the Jets defense with simply be too much for the Titans offense to overcome.
NO at BUF Winner: NO
I view this game as more of a toss up then anything else. The Saints offense has been amazing in thier first two games, however the defense has been mediocre at best, only contributing when they get turnovers. Despite that they are still averaging over 24 points given up each game. Should the solid defense of the Bills stop the passing game of the Saints, then the Bills should be able to take control. I still think the Saints will win this game but it will be closely contested.
NTG at TB Winner: NYG
The Buccaneers are re-building and they look like it. The Giants are the best team in the NFC, without question. Blowout.
WAS at DET Winner: WAS
The Redskins are tough. The Lions are still working thier way outta of the gutter. This game could be closer than most think, however, I think that Washington will win by at least two touchdowns.
CHI at SEA Winner: CHI
With Seneca Wallace at starting QB for the Seahawks, the Bears defense should have a field day with the Seahawks offense. Jay Cutler burns the worn out Seahawks D in the second half.
DEN at OAK Winner: OAK
Denver has been surprisingly good in thier first two games and Oakland has looked like a team that should be 2-0 right now. Inspite of the surprising run defense of the Broncos, I still think the Raiders are the better team and that they'll do just enough to win this game.
PIT at CIN Winner: PIT
Cincy is another team that should be 2-0 right now. Thier gritty defense and resurgent offense has put them back into the race in the AFC north. However, they play the Steelers today and those Steelers are angry after the heartbreaking loss to the Bears last week and I just don;t see the Bengals finding a way to get past Big Ben and his arsenal of tricks.
CLE at BAL Winner: BAL
Cleveland has looked pretty bad in thier first two games. Thier offense just hasn;t been able to get into a rythm and as such, the defense Is always worn out toqwards the end of the game when teams will pull away from them. Baltimore has looked excellent in thier first two games and I look for them to blow out the Browns.
MIA at SD Winner: MIA
With LT out for another game and the San Diego defense looking at best tentative, I look for the Chargers to blow another close game. I also think this is the game were the Dolphins defense starts applying consistent pressure on QBs.
IND at ARI Winner: IND
Two explosive offenses meet. Indy just seems to be more clutch to me than does Arizona. However, the Arizona defense has been more stout than has the Indy defense. In the end Peyton pulls another one out in a tight game.
CAR at DAL Winner: DAL
Carolina is looking like one of the worse teams in football right now. Dallas has incentive to be better after lsoing thier home opener and just has more talent. Watch DeMarcus Ware rack up 2-4 sacks in this game.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Predictions for Week 2
Ok, Let's get these pciks rolling:
Car at Atl Winner: Atl
Jake Delhomme has been horrid in his last two games and the Panthers backups aren't much better at this point. Against a defense that has John Abraham on it, I highly doubt the Panthers offense with be able to get in rythm and the Falcons potent Offense should wear down the Panthers D over time to pull out the victory.
Min at Det Winner: Min
This seems like a no brainer. A rookie quarterback is facing one of the best defenses in the league and will like lose his entire running game to the effects of the Williams wall. This shouldn;t be close.
Cin at Gb Winner: Cin
This is probably the biggest upset I'll pick this week. I can see this game going either way, but with the way the Bengals defense played against the Broncos (miracle touchdown aside) and how anemic the Packers offense looked against the Bears, I think the Bengals will be able to squeak by and win. To do that they will have to be careful and watch the blitzs of the Packers.
Oak at Kc Winner: Oak
Oakland looked really good on monday night. Thier running game seemed to have really come together well and against a changing KC defense, they should be able to make enough plays to win. Also, the Raiders defense is underrated and will be in Brodie Croyle's (Matt Cassell is very unlikely to start) face most of the game.
Ari at Jac Winner: Ari
In spite of the outcome of the game against San francisco, the Cardinals still showed a solid offense and a tough, physical defense that can play with any team. I believe that this Arizona D will do a good enough job containing David Garrad and the Jags passing offense that the Cardinals will win.
Ne at Nyj Winner: Nyj
This game come down to the defenses. Can the Jets defense contain the star power of Brady, Taylor, Moss and Welker? Can the Pats defense hold in the Jets running game and force Mark Sanchez to beat the Pats for three downs instead of one? I think the first is more likely and so I went with the Jets,
No at Phi Winner: No
With no Donovan McNabb to lead the offense, I think the Eagles offense is paltry at best. New Orleans wins by a fair margin.
Hou at Ten Winner: Ten
Tennessee's offensive and defensive lines are just too strong to be effectively contained by the Texans, and he who wins the trenches, wins the day.
Stl at Was Winner: Was
In spite of the loss to the Giants, the Redskins showed great toughness and grit against a much better Giants team. The Rams are still rebilding and the process doesn;t get easier when facing the Redkins after being beat by the Giants.
Tb at Buf Winner: Buf
Many Bills fans are still suffering from what happened last week. This game should be a good pick-me-up. The Bucs offense is predictable and the defense is no longer what it once was. Buffalo wins going away.
Sea at Sf Winner: Sf
With Mike Sngletary at the helm, the 49ers are the real deal. Singletary's aggresive style will get Matt Hasselback crushed by an improved and motivated D.
Pit at Chi Winner: Pit
This is really a toss up. The best I can say is that Big ben will find a way to win. I don;t know how, but he will.
Cle at Den Winner: Cle
This may shock some, but I think it's obvious. The Browns played better against a better defense last week than did the Broncos against a worse defense. When you only win games like that with 'miracle' catches, you are in bug trouble.
Bal at Sd Winner: Bal
The defense of the Ravens showed better than did that of the Chargers. Also, Rivers is an immature punk who's constant taunting is going to cost the Chargers a game on of these days. The Ravens have none of that distractiing garbage going on in thier locker room and will hammer Rivers into submission without his favorite hand-off weapon, Ladainian Tomlinson.
Nyg at Dal Winner: Nyg
The Giants are the better team. In every facet of the game they continously show thier ability to beat a team. Period end of discussion.
Ind at Mia Winner: Ind
The Colts high powered offense wont; slow down and if the Dolphins thought playing John Abraham was hard, Dwight Freeney is completely healthy. Have fun Jake Long.
Car at Atl Winner: Atl
Jake Delhomme has been horrid in his last two games and the Panthers backups aren't much better at this point. Against a defense that has John Abraham on it, I highly doubt the Panthers offense with be able to get in rythm and the Falcons potent Offense should wear down the Panthers D over time to pull out the victory.
Min at Det Winner: Min
This seems like a no brainer. A rookie quarterback is facing one of the best defenses in the league and will like lose his entire running game to the effects of the Williams wall. This shouldn;t be close.
Cin at Gb Winner: Cin
This is probably the biggest upset I'll pick this week. I can see this game going either way, but with the way the Bengals defense played against the Broncos (miracle touchdown aside) and how anemic the Packers offense looked against the Bears, I think the Bengals will be able to squeak by and win. To do that they will have to be careful and watch the blitzs of the Packers.
Oak at Kc Winner: Oak
Oakland looked really good on monday night. Thier running game seemed to have really come together well and against a changing KC defense, they should be able to make enough plays to win. Also, the Raiders defense is underrated and will be in Brodie Croyle's (Matt Cassell is very unlikely to start) face most of the game.
Ari at Jac Winner: Ari
In spite of the outcome of the game against San francisco, the Cardinals still showed a solid offense and a tough, physical defense that can play with any team. I believe that this Arizona D will do a good enough job containing David Garrad and the Jags passing offense that the Cardinals will win.
Ne at Nyj Winner: Nyj
This game come down to the defenses. Can the Jets defense contain the star power of Brady, Taylor, Moss and Welker? Can the Pats defense hold in the Jets running game and force Mark Sanchez to beat the Pats for three downs instead of one? I think the first is more likely and so I went with the Jets,
No at Phi Winner: No
With no Donovan McNabb to lead the offense, I think the Eagles offense is paltry at best. New Orleans wins by a fair margin.
Hou at Ten Winner: Ten
Tennessee's offensive and defensive lines are just too strong to be effectively contained by the Texans, and he who wins the trenches, wins the day.
Stl at Was Winner: Was
In spite of the loss to the Giants, the Redskins showed great toughness and grit against a much better Giants team. The Rams are still rebilding and the process doesn;t get easier when facing the Redkins after being beat by the Giants.
Tb at Buf Winner: Buf
Many Bills fans are still suffering from what happened last week. This game should be a good pick-me-up. The Bucs offense is predictable and the defense is no longer what it once was. Buffalo wins going away.
Sea at Sf Winner: Sf
With Mike Sngletary at the helm, the 49ers are the real deal. Singletary's aggresive style will get Matt Hasselback crushed by an improved and motivated D.
Pit at Chi Winner: Pit
This is really a toss up. The best I can say is that Big ben will find a way to win. I don;t know how, but he will.
Cle at Den Winner: Cle
This may shock some, but I think it's obvious. The Browns played better against a better defense last week than did the Broncos against a worse defense. When you only win games like that with 'miracle' catches, you are in bug trouble.
Bal at Sd Winner: Bal
The defense of the Ravens showed better than did that of the Chargers. Also, Rivers is an immature punk who's constant taunting is going to cost the Chargers a game on of these days. The Ravens have none of that distractiing garbage going on in thier locker room and will hammer Rivers into submission without his favorite hand-off weapon, Ladainian Tomlinson.
Nyg at Dal Winner: Nyg
The Giants are the better team. In every facet of the game they continously show thier ability to beat a team. Period end of discussion.
Ind at Mia Winner: Ind
The Colts high powered offense wont; slow down and if the Dolphins thought playing John Abraham was hard, Dwight Freeney is completely healthy. Have fun Jake Long.
UW beats USC
HO-LY S---
I expected USC to lose. I expected them to lose to a Pac-10 team. I NEVER expected this. Great win.
As for USC, they have basically lost thier chance to compete for a national championship. No matter how hard they play the remainder of the season, they will always have the stigma of thier first loss to washington in 16 years hanging over thier head. A loss to a team that won no games last year.
Regardless of that fact, thier is still the fact that Oregon State, California and Notre Dame are all better teams than USC and each should give them a run for thier money. I expect at least two of these teams to beat them and wouldn't be surprised if USC lost to all three of them.
I expected USC to lose. I expected them to lose to a Pac-10 team. I NEVER expected this. Great win.
As for USC, they have basically lost thier chance to compete for a national championship. No matter how hard they play the remainder of the season, they will always have the stigma of thier first loss to washington in 16 years hanging over thier head. A loss to a team that won no games last year.
Regardless of that fact, thier is still the fact that Oregon State, California and Notre Dame are all better teams than USC and each should give them a run for thier money. I expect at least two of these teams to beat them and wouldn't be surprised if USC lost to all three of them.
Monday, September 14, 2009
My thoughts on the Bills Game
Good Lord, how you must pity the Bills.
They have the entire game in hand, and yet they still lost. Granted, Tom Brady had a great deal to do with that particular happening, but ultimately the bills choked the game away with a fumble on thier own side of the field.
In spite of this loss, the Bills have more positives to bring away from this game than do the
Patriots. Trent Edwards was poised and made smart decisions through the majority of the game, doing all of this without targeting big weapons Lee Evans and Terrell Owens eccessively. Fred Jackson was able to fill in effectively for Marshawn Lynch, noticably gaining momentum as the game went on. Though new Left Tackle Demetrius Bell struggled noticably against the Pats pass-rush, the remainder of the offensive line played well against a more talented Pats defensive front. The defense was able to keep the Pats out of the endzone with excellent effeciency. Though Leodis McKelvin did fumble a kickoff return that cost the Bills the game, his speed and return ability are a dangerous weapon.
The Pats on the other hand seemed out of sorts during the majority of them game. Brady played well in the later half of the game and ultimately led the Pats to a victory. The offense looks to be playing well. The defense, however, looked to really be missing the presence of vetern players like Rodney Harrison, Mike Vrabel, Tedy Bruschi and Richard Seymour. The play of the defensive line looked particularly lackluster. The talent to do what they needed to do was still there, but they often looked somewhat lost and unsure of themselves during the majority of the game. This was clearly the effect of losing someone like Richard Seymour and I think that against superior and more experienced offensive lines, they may get absolutly man-handled. The Pats D needs a leader to step-up and become a leader and they need it soon.
They have the entire game in hand, and yet they still lost. Granted, Tom Brady had a great deal to do with that particular happening, but ultimately the bills choked the game away with a fumble on thier own side of the field.
In spite of this loss, the Bills have more positives to bring away from this game than do the
Patriots. Trent Edwards was poised and made smart decisions through the majority of the game, doing all of this without targeting big weapons Lee Evans and Terrell Owens eccessively. Fred Jackson was able to fill in effectively for Marshawn Lynch, noticably gaining momentum as the game went on. Though new Left Tackle Demetrius Bell struggled noticably against the Pats pass-rush, the remainder of the offensive line played well against a more talented Pats defensive front. The defense was able to keep the Pats out of the endzone with excellent effeciency. Though Leodis McKelvin did fumble a kickoff return that cost the Bills the game, his speed and return ability are a dangerous weapon.
The Pats on the other hand seemed out of sorts during the majority of them game. Brady played well in the later half of the game and ultimately led the Pats to a victory. The offense looks to be playing well. The defense, however, looked to really be missing the presence of vetern players like Rodney Harrison, Mike Vrabel, Tedy Bruschi and Richard Seymour. The play of the defensive line looked particularly lackluster. The talent to do what they needed to do was still there, but they often looked somewhat lost and unsure of themselves during the majority of the game. This was clearly the effect of losing someone like Richard Seymour and I think that against superior and more experienced offensive lines, they may get absolutly man-handled. The Pats D needs a leader to step-up and become a leader and they need it soon.
Top 11 Players from the 2000 Draft.
11. Plaxico Burress
In spite of recently being sentenced to two years in prison and never making a Pro Bowl, Plaxico has consistently been a threat in the passing game that couldn’t be ignored. Every year where he has played the majority of games (defined by 14 or more starts) in a season, he has had no less than 60 catches, 850 yards and (with the exception of one year) 6 touchdowns. His size, strength, speed combination changes coverages in a similar way to Randy Moss. All of this places him at # 11.
10. Thomas Jones
Jones, like Burress, has also had some rough patches in his career. In his case he started his career very slowly, bouncing from the Cardinals and Buccaneers to the Bears. After joining the Bears the light seemed to really click for him and he’s rushed for an average of 4.1 yards per carry and 7.2 touchdowns a season since that time. While his age may lead to his career ending prematurely, his consistency in the past five years has put him on this list.
9. John Abraham
Abraham’s ability as a pass rusher is second to none. He has quick first step and the speed to get around any tackle before they even get out of their stances. He also has enough strength to push tackles back into the quarterback without too much difficulty. He’s had more than nine sacks 6 times in his career and even when he doesn’t get to the quarterback, the pressure he causes forces the QB to throw before he’s ready, effectively, forcing an incompletion or turnover. Given all this praise I’m providing, why then is he so low on the list? He’s more fragile than that Leg Lamp in “A Christmas Story.” For as much as he’s been a premier pass rusher, he’s also had a hard time starting all 16 games in any given season. There’s been talk recently of making him a pass-rush specialist this season and essentially cutting his snaps in half to prevent injury. While this will mostly likely allow him to be more effective as a player, it also shows that he simply can’t be counted on to be a complete D-End at this point in his career. That being said, his impact on any team is far too great to be ignored.
8. Keith Bulluck
While never making a Pro Bowl, Keith Bulluck has been the best linebacker that is never talked about outside of insiders. He’s consistently at the top of team in tackles and has also provided a fair amount of sacks, passes defended and interceptions. His leadership cannot be denied either, without him the Titans defense may never have been as good as it has been. His consistency is another striong point but to be fair, he doesn’t make as many impact plays as a linebacker of his talent should. That’s the main reason he’s so low on this list. However, he is still a top notch defender.
7. Julian Peterson
This is more of what Keith Bulluck could’ve been. While Peterson is less consistent than Bulluck in most phases of the game, he’s still incredibly good when it comes to rushing the quarterback and causing fumbles. This is made particularly impressive when one considers the fact that he is a 4-3 outside linebacker who doesn’t necessarily get blitzed a whole lot. This can partially account for the years where the sack total was low, but the pressure he caused allowed others to rush the passer more effectively. He also has been great at causing fumbles when he gets to the quarterback.
6. Shane Lechler
This is where there will probably be some criticism of my pick, however since the Raiders selected Lechler and Sebastian Janikowski (1st Round) the Raiders haven’t needed to address those respective positions. Even highly picked specialists usually get shuffled from team to team cause its cheaper to find a rookie specialist rather than working on a large contract with the proven veterans. This hasn’t been the case with Lechler. He’s up here instead of Janikowski because Lechler hasn’t had the kind of lows that Janikowski has had. He averages 40 yards to a punt for his entire career and has only had 2 punts returned for touchdowns in his entire career. This kind of consistency is what most teams only hope that they can find in any punter found in any round.
5. Shaun Alexander
While his career took an abrupt downhill turn following his MVP season in 2005, his overall numbers and impressive consistency over a five year period. From 2001 to 2005, he averaged 1500 yards and 17 touchdowns a season. This kind of offensive production was something that had never been seen before when it came to a runningback being so important to the success of his team. Although following that 2005 season where he lead the league in rushing and was named MVP of the league, injuries shortened his effective career and he currently is without a team. In spite of that, his 100 rushing touchdowns and 12 receiving touchdowns puts him at this point on the list. He will get considerable Hall of Fame consideration.
4. Jamal Lewis
While not considered one of the best runningbacks to play in the past ten years, the numbers show quite clearly that he has been one of the best, most consistent runningbacks to come into the league in the past ten years. While he didn’t sustain the height of his career as long or as highly as Shaun Alexander, his highest high was higher (2066 yards in 2003) and his lowest total was higher (906 yards in 2005) than Alexander’s. In fact, other than that 2005 season, he has never had less than a thousand yards rushing. He has also been one of the toughest runners in the league in the past ten years. For all the arguments about his average of yards per carry, he has averaged 4.2 yards per carry for his career. His hard running style and consistent production puts him in as one of the best backs of this decade and he should be put in the Hall of Fame.
3. Chris Samuels
A six-time pro bowler including four times consecutively since 2005, Chris Samuels has been the anchor on Redskins offensive line. His quick fit and means streak have allowed him to be a solid pass defender and a mauling lead blocker in one of the most efficient running games in the past six years. Though he wasn’t recognized for his work during the 2004 season, his work has allowed Clinton Portis to be one of the consistent runningbacks in the league. Though Redskins quarterbacks aren’t considered among the best in the league, it isn’t for lack of protection from the left tackle. He has been very consistent in how he handles the fierce pass rush of guys like Michael Strahan, Trent Cole, DeMarcus Ware and Osi Umenyiora. He has the credentials to make a run at the Hall of Fame and enough years left in his career to improve those credentials to an undeniable level.
2. Brian Urlacher
Urlacher’s career is the perfect combination of Julian Peterson’s play-making ability and Keith Bulluck’s consistency in every facet of the game. He has been the emotional and vocal leader of the Bear’s defense since he came into the league. A six-time pro bowler, four-time all-pro, defensive rookie of the year and the 2005 defensive player of the year, Urlacher’s credentials rank him right up there with legendary Bear’s linebackers Dick Butkus and Mike Singletary. He regularly averages over 100 tackles a season and will normally add in a good number of sacks, forced fumbles and interceptions. His leadership cannot be questioned and he has never had any kind of legal trouble. He will undoubtedly join Singletary and Butkus in the Hall of Fame after his career is over.
1. Tom Brady
Well duh. I doubt there is anyone would have argued with this selection for #1. It’s well documented what Brady has done in his career. 2007 league MVP, 50 touchdown passes in 2007 (an NFL record) and of course, 3 Super Bowl wins. It’s actually kinda odd, really. If Brady hadn’t of lost that fourth super bowl against the Giants, I might have shocked a lot of people and put Brady third. Honestly I never bought into the hype of Brady before that Super Bowl, but during that Super Bowl against the Giants, I found myself never doubting the fact that Tom Brady could lead the Pats back to win that game. In that loss, I gained more respect for him and his accomplishments than I ever had when he was winning Super Bowls. His career touchdown to interception ratio of 197 to 86 is undeniable and his ability in the clutch is legendary. Although he does get overrated a bit in his clutch performances, that only because he’s called the greatest clutch quarterback of all-time (Sorry, Joe Montana still reign’s supreme). This still doesn’t detract from his place as a future Hall of Famer and the best player from the draft of 2000.
Other Big Names from this Draft:
Marc Bulger
Adalius Thomas
Laveranues Coles
Fred Robbins
Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila
Sebastian Janikowski
In spite of recently being sentenced to two years in prison and never making a Pro Bowl, Plaxico has consistently been a threat in the passing game that couldn’t be ignored. Every year where he has played the majority of games (defined by 14 or more starts) in a season, he has had no less than 60 catches, 850 yards and (with the exception of one year) 6 touchdowns. His size, strength, speed combination changes coverages in a similar way to Randy Moss. All of this places him at # 11.
10. Thomas Jones
Jones, like Burress, has also had some rough patches in his career. In his case he started his career very slowly, bouncing from the Cardinals and Buccaneers to the Bears. After joining the Bears the light seemed to really click for him and he’s rushed for an average of 4.1 yards per carry and 7.2 touchdowns a season since that time. While his age may lead to his career ending prematurely, his consistency in the past five years has put him on this list.
9. John Abraham
Abraham’s ability as a pass rusher is second to none. He has quick first step and the speed to get around any tackle before they even get out of their stances. He also has enough strength to push tackles back into the quarterback without too much difficulty. He’s had more than nine sacks 6 times in his career and even when he doesn’t get to the quarterback, the pressure he causes forces the QB to throw before he’s ready, effectively, forcing an incompletion or turnover. Given all this praise I’m providing, why then is he so low on the list? He’s more fragile than that Leg Lamp in “A Christmas Story.” For as much as he’s been a premier pass rusher, he’s also had a hard time starting all 16 games in any given season. There’s been talk recently of making him a pass-rush specialist this season and essentially cutting his snaps in half to prevent injury. While this will mostly likely allow him to be more effective as a player, it also shows that he simply can’t be counted on to be a complete D-End at this point in his career. That being said, his impact on any team is far too great to be ignored.
8. Keith Bulluck
While never making a Pro Bowl, Keith Bulluck has been the best linebacker that is never talked about outside of insiders. He’s consistently at the top of team in tackles and has also provided a fair amount of sacks, passes defended and interceptions. His leadership cannot be denied either, without him the Titans defense may never have been as good as it has been. His consistency is another striong point but to be fair, he doesn’t make as many impact plays as a linebacker of his talent should. That’s the main reason he’s so low on this list. However, he is still a top notch defender.
7. Julian Peterson
This is more of what Keith Bulluck could’ve been. While Peterson is less consistent than Bulluck in most phases of the game, he’s still incredibly good when it comes to rushing the quarterback and causing fumbles. This is made particularly impressive when one considers the fact that he is a 4-3 outside linebacker who doesn’t necessarily get blitzed a whole lot. This can partially account for the years where the sack total was low, but the pressure he caused allowed others to rush the passer more effectively. He also has been great at causing fumbles when he gets to the quarterback.
6. Shane Lechler
This is where there will probably be some criticism of my pick, however since the Raiders selected Lechler and Sebastian Janikowski (1st Round) the Raiders haven’t needed to address those respective positions. Even highly picked specialists usually get shuffled from team to team cause its cheaper to find a rookie specialist rather than working on a large contract with the proven veterans. This hasn’t been the case with Lechler. He’s up here instead of Janikowski because Lechler hasn’t had the kind of lows that Janikowski has had. He averages 40 yards to a punt for his entire career and has only had 2 punts returned for touchdowns in his entire career. This kind of consistency is what most teams only hope that they can find in any punter found in any round.
5. Shaun Alexander
While his career took an abrupt downhill turn following his MVP season in 2005, his overall numbers and impressive consistency over a five year period. From 2001 to 2005, he averaged 1500 yards and 17 touchdowns a season. This kind of offensive production was something that had never been seen before when it came to a runningback being so important to the success of his team. Although following that 2005 season where he lead the league in rushing and was named MVP of the league, injuries shortened his effective career and he currently is without a team. In spite of that, his 100 rushing touchdowns and 12 receiving touchdowns puts him at this point on the list. He will get considerable Hall of Fame consideration.
4. Jamal Lewis
While not considered one of the best runningbacks to play in the past ten years, the numbers show quite clearly that he has been one of the best, most consistent runningbacks to come into the league in the past ten years. While he didn’t sustain the height of his career as long or as highly as Shaun Alexander, his highest high was higher (2066 yards in 2003) and his lowest total was higher (906 yards in 2005) than Alexander’s. In fact, other than that 2005 season, he has never had less than a thousand yards rushing. He has also been one of the toughest runners in the league in the past ten years. For all the arguments about his average of yards per carry, he has averaged 4.2 yards per carry for his career. His hard running style and consistent production puts him in as one of the best backs of this decade and he should be put in the Hall of Fame.
3. Chris Samuels
A six-time pro bowler including four times consecutively since 2005, Chris Samuels has been the anchor on Redskins offensive line. His quick fit and means streak have allowed him to be a solid pass defender and a mauling lead blocker in one of the most efficient running games in the past six years. Though he wasn’t recognized for his work during the 2004 season, his work has allowed Clinton Portis to be one of the consistent runningbacks in the league. Though Redskins quarterbacks aren’t considered among the best in the league, it isn’t for lack of protection from the left tackle. He has been very consistent in how he handles the fierce pass rush of guys like Michael Strahan, Trent Cole, DeMarcus Ware and Osi Umenyiora. He has the credentials to make a run at the Hall of Fame and enough years left in his career to improve those credentials to an undeniable level.
2. Brian Urlacher
Urlacher’s career is the perfect combination of Julian Peterson’s play-making ability and Keith Bulluck’s consistency in every facet of the game. He has been the emotional and vocal leader of the Bear’s defense since he came into the league. A six-time pro bowler, four-time all-pro, defensive rookie of the year and the 2005 defensive player of the year, Urlacher’s credentials rank him right up there with legendary Bear’s linebackers Dick Butkus and Mike Singletary. He regularly averages over 100 tackles a season and will normally add in a good number of sacks, forced fumbles and interceptions. His leadership cannot be questioned and he has never had any kind of legal trouble. He will undoubtedly join Singletary and Butkus in the Hall of Fame after his career is over.
1. Tom Brady
Well duh. I doubt there is anyone would have argued with this selection for #1. It’s well documented what Brady has done in his career. 2007 league MVP, 50 touchdown passes in 2007 (an NFL record) and of course, 3 Super Bowl wins. It’s actually kinda odd, really. If Brady hadn’t of lost that fourth super bowl against the Giants, I might have shocked a lot of people and put Brady third. Honestly I never bought into the hype of Brady before that Super Bowl, but during that Super Bowl against the Giants, I found myself never doubting the fact that Tom Brady could lead the Pats back to win that game. In that loss, I gained more respect for him and his accomplishments than I ever had when he was winning Super Bowls. His career touchdown to interception ratio of 197 to 86 is undeniable and his ability in the clutch is legendary. Although he does get overrated a bit in his clutch performances, that only because he’s called the greatest clutch quarterback of all-time (Sorry, Joe Montana still reign’s supreme). This still doesn’t detract from his place as a future Hall of Famer and the best player from the draft of 2000.
Other Big Names from this Draft:
Marc Bulger
Adalius Thomas
Laveranues Coles
Fred Robbins
Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila
Sebastian Janikowski
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