My NFL ALL STAR TEAM
QB
1-Peyton Manning
2-Matt Schaub
3-Donnovan McNabb
WR
Andre Johnson
Reggie Wayne
DeSean Jackson
Sidney Rice
TE
Owen Daniels
Dallas Clark
RB
Chris Johnson
Frank Gore
O-Line
Indianapolis Colts
D-Line
Minnesota Vikings
Linebackers:
Ray Lewis
Brian Cushing
Demarcus Ware
Safeties:
Darren Sharper
Troy Polamalu
Jarrius Byrd
Corners
Nnamdi Asomugha
Charles Woodson
At QB, Peyton and Schaub guarantee receivers like Andre and Reggie accurate shots. The run game is covered by the immense speed that Chris Johnson brings to the field. Johnson with the Colts O-Line, is surely set for many yards. Jackson and Rice are simply speed. They are rarely covered by more than one player, since they run routes that confuse defensive backs. With Gore on backup, the speed is complimented with what I like to call, a 'powerhouse train wreck waiting to happen'. Gore thrives off his ability to burn a corner or a safety and his strength, when a tackle is made. With Owen Daniels and Dallas Clark, not only is another star player added to the receiving core, a possible blocking magician is established. The relevance they have to the run game is not noticed by many. When a tight end breaks out in a play, he can either use his speed to catch a pass, or size to block for a runner.
The Vikings D-Line is a given. With Williams and Allen on pass rush, the opposing QB knows he's got a big target on him.
Lewis, Cushing and Ware are the perfect addition to the established defense. Lewis and Ware have the experience, but Cushing has the touch of gold. His love for the game adds to the growth of his abilities. His performance for Houston was spectacular. He filled in the perfect spot, getting numerous sacks, interception, and even a safety, all in his rookie year.
Jarrius Byrd is another rookie, but age isn't always a factor. Byrd entered the Bills pathetic defense, and put up Pro Bowl stats, with 9 interceptions in the regular season. Polamalu and Darren Sharper need nothing more than the game clock to begin. When players like these enter the fields, they make Quarterbacks think twice before throwing the ball around them, leading to either a sack, interception or tipped pass.
At corner, and possibly the most important position on the defense, are Charles Woodson and Nnamdi Asomugha. They both create a sense of comfort for coaches, who know when these players cover a receiver, they do their job well. Corners like these are known for being matched up with receivers like Larry Fitz, Andre J, Wayne, Colston and Moss.
I like your list. But I would replace McNabb and Jackson. Brees had a great year. I saw McNabb in a lot of games last year, and he's really looking his age. For the first time ever, the Cowboys were able to get into his head a great deal-- taking him almost completely out of two of the three games they played.
ReplyDeleteJackson is a burner, but he has no size, and worse, he isn't physical. He's a typical home-run hitter. Easily taken out of games. That's why Celek put up numbers (and Celek doesn't make bone-head mistakes-- though he gets flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct a lot).
I'm being a homer, but I really like Miles Austin. This guy has worked hard to get where he is, and not only does he show great bursts of speed, but he runs good routes, and has impressive lower body strength that has allowed him to break so many tackles (see KC game).
I really like the RB picks. And Minnesota's D-Line was incredibly dominant.
Pat why are you hating on my boys?! You know i love you man but Eagles fans are crazy so I cant let you down talk my boys.
ReplyDeleteDeSean jackson is in his second year in the league and dude is DOMINANT. He is a game changer in a lot of ways. I agree with you hes not as physical as a Marvin Harrison or Hines Ward but he is blazing fast and defenses were doing everything they could to TRY and contain him. Not too many guys get that kind of attention in their second year. I would take DeSean on my time any day of the week before Miles. Miles is a hard working guy and a good wideout but DeSean is so much more versatile and in my opinion an all around better player. DeSean is going to be a star austin is going to be a brandon stokley type of solid receiver.
It pains me to say this but i agree that McNabb has lost a bit of magic. Hes been getting knocked around for 10 years and that is going to have its toll on the body. in that time he has had little offensive help other than his big arm and quick feet. Dude is still a beast though. He's still making plays and getting wins. I love the inclusive of McNabb on the list Kawas; of course im extremely biased though.
I like the list. its a shame that Nnamdi is on such a crappy team. If he was on a playoff contender he would be a problem. You should do an NFC AFC list and then one on guys you expect to breakout next year.
Im out!
Steven
Steven! It's alright man. A Cowboys fan has to do a little poking and prodding! By the way, I'm not knocking Jackson's ability... the man can play. I just see him as more of a home run hitter. One of those guys... you don't know he's in the game until he's burned you.
ReplyDeleteI guess only time will tell. Austin has had one breakout year after all that peaking (the '06 Wild Card game in Seattle and the Green Bay game in '08) the last couple of years. He's a fun guy to watch. And if the Jets hadn't traded for Braylon Edwards last year, they'd probably be trying to get him again.
Going back to McNabb... I actually respect him a lot. As a player, he has probably been the most frustrating for a Cowboys fan. We would see him twice a year, and more often than not, he'd kill us. Between him and Brian Westbrook, the Eagles owned the 'Boys for much of the decade... I'm not sure if his head is completely in the game anymore.