25.) Jason Pierre-Paul (DE - NYG)
Sometimes you just have to take the guy with all the raw physical talent and little collegiate track record. Often, that player will end up closer to the JaMarcus Russell side of the spectrum, but when teams endlessly do take those types of players, it is in the hope they become the type of player Jason Pierre-Paul has. Pierre-Paul had 32 defeats last season, with 16.5 sacks, 25 hurries and all the rest. He has some of the best instincts I've ever seen in getting his hands up to deflect passes. The scariest part is that he is just 24 and has a lot left to learn, and a lot left in the tank. Somehow, someway, the Giants just found another great pass rusher.
24.) Jimmy Graham (TE - NO)
Jimmy Graham is surprisingly already 26, but that is about the only knock I can find (and in reality, that is no knock - he is squarely in his prime) in comparing him to Gronkowski. They are both as uncoverable as I've seen any Tight End since the prime of Antonio Gates. Graham probably won't have 150 targets (and 99 catches) again mainly because I expect some semblance of normalcy in the offenses around the league, but unless he gets hurt, he will probably have another monster season.
23.) Tamba Hali (DE - KC)
In 2010, the Chiefs had 38 sacks, and Tamba Hali had 14.5 of them. In 2009, the Chiefs had 22 sacks, and Tamba Hali in 8.5 of them. In 2011, the Chiefs had 29 sacks, and Tamba Hali had 12 of them. Other than that flukey 38-sack year, the Chiefs have had issues getting to the QB throughout Tamba Hali’s career, and all he has done is continue to be dominant. If you didn’t want the Packers going undefeated in 2011, then thank Tamba Hali for a dominant game in their Week 15 upset of Green Bay. Tamba Hali might be one of the most underrated pure pass rushers in the NFL, and I think is finally starting to get the credit he deserves. If he was on a Pittsburgh, Philly or San Diego (blitz heavy teams) he might have already gotten it and more by now. Instead, he keeps plugging away for a team that needs every scintilla of his pass-rushing skill, and Tamba Hali has given it.
22.) Arian Foster (RB - HOU)
It took some time for Arian Foster to get into gear, but by the end of the season, he was back to his old self. Foster kept up his good numbers receiving. With the return of Matt Schaub and a more explosive passing game, look for Foster to face a lot less 8-in-the-box than he did at times in 2011 during the Yates Experience. I guess there is some injury risk, but he’s faced far less carries than most RBs at 26, and with Ben Tate in the fold, the Texans will probably not work him too hard. Arian Foster is a special player, and yes he has a special system around him, but when you saw him basically carry that offense at times last year, it opens your eyes.
21.) Ed Reed (FS - BAL)
After one of his best seasons in 2010 (4th in success rate for safeties, led the league in picks even though he played just 10 games), Reed had his first down year. It could be decline, or it could be scheme, or it could be an aberration. Given that he was back in the playoffs to being extremely active (had a great day against Houston and made some nice plays, including against Aaron Hernandez on a crucial 3rd down stop late, against New England) it is probably the last of the three. Like each of the past two offseasons, Reed hinted at retirement, then hinted at possibly holding-out, but is back, ready and committed. The league won’t be the same without Ed Reed once he retires. It will be years, if not decades, before we see someone play safety this well this consistently.
20.) Eli Manning (QB - NYG)
I don’t think Eli will ever have to answer about being “Elite” again. Eli Manning was given no run game and a bad-oline, and put together a great season. If Eli had any semblance of a consistent defense in the 2011 regular season, that Giants team probably goes 12-4. He was incredible last season given what he had to work with (remember, no one knew what Victor Cruz would turn into) and did it all in many high-pressured games, playing great in numerous 4th quarter comebacks. He is not better than his brother over his career, and unless something spectacular happens, he won’t ever be, but right now, I would take Eli. He earned this Super Bowl. He wasn’t the best part of the 2007 Giants, but he definitely was in 2011.
19.) Asante Samuel (CB - ATL)
Asante Samuel is a better player now than when he left New England. I realize why Philly got rid of him, because he didn’t fit what they wanted to do, but man did Atlanta get a steal. Samuel was the #1 corner by Football Outsiders in 2010 in both success rate and ypa allowed. He was nearly as good in 2008. His 2009 season was, in hindsight, a complete aberration. For the 2011 season, Samuel ranked first in ypa allowed again, and 4th in success rate. He is, by any calculation, the best or second best corner in the NFL, and has been for some time. Why he routinely gets criticized is beyond me. The idea that has aversion to tackling should outweigh the evidence of his coverage greatness is absurd.
18.) Carl Nicks (LG - TB)
Carl Nicks had another excellent season in New Orleans and got rewarded with a ton of money in Free Agency for the Buccaneers. This will be a real test of just how good Carl Nicks is. He’s easily been the best run-blocking guard in the league for the last couple years (The Saints have been incredible running behind him the past three seasons), but now Nicks has to block for an offense that is run less effectively and a QB without the pocket presence of Drew Brees. Do I think he can? Sure, mainly because I don’t believe Nicks was a product of the Saints, but will he be that good around lesser players? Probably not.
17.) Adrian Peterson (RB - MIN)
All indications are that Peterson will be ready for Week 1, and thank God because he’s the only hope the Vikings have on offense unless Harvin stays healthy for once. Peterson’s been surprisingly consistent even after his offensive line went into from great in 2007-2008 to below average the past two years. If Matt Kalil is as advertised, he might get better blocking. Peterson is still not a good receiving threat, but not using him there does limit his carries (which the Vikings have done a good job of over the years). He is still the best, most powerful, most gifted running back in the NFL, and I for one hope he is fully healthy. The NFL is better with Adrian Peterson powering his way for 1,200 yards again.
16.) Terrell Suggs (OLB - BAL)
I usually demerit players who will miss all of 2012, but since Suggs appears to have a good chance of coming back at some point, I’ll give him his rightful distinction as one of the best edge rushers in the NFL. He is the key behind the Ravens being able to play 3-4 or 4-3, as he has become as a good of a hand-in-the-ground 4-3 DE as he as a 3-4 OLB. As for 2011, Tererell Suggs probably did not deserve DPOTY recognition (Ware or Allen were better choices) but he still had his best year to date. A ridiculous 38.5 hurries accompanied his 14 sacks. Suggs was also great against the run (top 12 in stop rate and yds allowed). Overall, Suggs, who just turned 30, should still have a successful three or four years even after what could be a wash in 2012.
15.) Jake Long (LT - MIA)
Ho, Hum, another solid wasted year for Jake Long. Another year with just one blown sack, and another year being a monster in the run-game. If he somehow reaches free agency next summer it will be interesting to see what happens. My guess is if he does, his contract will make Carl Nicks’s look severely underpaid. If the Dolphins team ever approaches his level, Long is a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame. Either way, he’s at one of the few positions where team success (or lack thereof) is not really a large factor in the Hall voting. Long should get in, because he deserves it. Is he what Ogden, Jones or Pace were at their prime? No. Is he what Gary Zimmerman was? Sure.
14.) Andre Johnson (WR - HOU)
For the first time since 2006, Andre Johnson failed to have 95 yards a game. He had his first major injury since the David Carr era. Chances are Andre will play more than 7 games in 2011, and if so, expect him to become the force he was from 2007-2010. Schaub will have to throw to him even more given the lack of trusted weapons on the Texans offense outside from Johnson. If the Texans want to go deep in the playoffs (repeating in the division is almost assured unless there are tons of injuries), they need the Andre from those years. I think they will get that Andre, even if by age he's on the second half of his peak.
13.) Rob Gronkowski (TE - NE)
Yes, he is having the best start to a career of any tight end ever. He's a beast in general, but is in an offense that utilizes every ounce of talent in him. Again, like Graham, chances are he won't have that great of a season again but his rookie year was already special. In almost any way you cut it, Rob Gronkowski just had the best season of a TE ever (although until his injury midway through 2010, Antonio Gates was having a better season per game). He's completely uncoverable by anyone short of Derrick Brooks in his prime (or Brian Dawkins). The NFL hasn't found a way to really slow him down, but Bernard Pollard may have at least shown that the best way may be the saddest, get the guy hurt. In fact, I have one more cause for concern: that his summer of rampant drinking, partying, shirtlessness and fraternization will come back to haunt him. Sadly for me and all other Patriots haters, that is nothing but grasping at straws.
12.) Nick Mangold (C - NYJ)
Nick Mangold got hurt for the first time in forever, and people could see evidence of just how good he is by just how bad the Jets looked without Mangold. The Ravens repeatedly attacked up the guy when Mangold was out in that game. Because of the injury and a slight dip, Mangold drops a little, but he is still the best center in the NFL (Maurkice Pouncey fan club be damned), but is about at a point where his play won’t get any better. He really deserves to block for a better QB than Mark Sanchez.
11.) Justin Smith (DE - SF)
Justin Smith has been the 2nd best defensive tackle in the NFL over the past four years (to Ngata). He was actually quite good in Cincinnati previously, but Smith has taken it up a notch since coming to the 49ers. Other than Ngata and Seymour in the past, I have never seen a 3-4 DE so active, so penetrating and so utterly dominant and Justin Smith was at times last season, and especially in the playoffs. Carl Nicks barely held him at bay, and the David Diehl, Kevin Booth, Chris Snee trio had no chance in Smith’s masterpiece performance in the title game. From that interior position he had a ridiculous 28 hurries. At 33 he’s probably nearing the end of the line, but hopefully he will get the recognition he deserves as a man who’s prime was considerably longer than he is given credit for.
10.) Haloti Ngata (DT - BAL)
Other than picking up 5.5 more sacks, Ngata had a down year, but when you have dominant years from 2008-2010, I’m willing to give you a pass. Haloti Ngata was doubled more, and still remains one of the most active 3-4 DEs in the NFL. Richard Seymour wasn’t great every year statistically (even with advanced stats) either. There was talk of a possible injury late in the season that effected things, but even if that is not the case, it is hard to see Ngata not returning to his unbelievable play again in 2012. Another down year in 2012 and I will reevaluate, but for now, he is still 28 and squarely in his prime. The beast will rise again.
9.) Patrick Willis (ILB - SF)
Patrick Willis didn’t blitz as much is 2011. He just became the league’s premier 3-4 ILB in pass coverage instead. What can’t Willis do? He wasn’t as active against the run (the excellence of Bowman took a lot of tackles that Willis might have gotten away from him), but when he did get to a runner, he had only two tackles that were broken all season long. Patrick Willis was a monster since the day he started, and has not slowed down in the least. One day, Patrick Willis will be in Canton. The only question is will any of his 49ers defensive teammates be joining him.
8.) Larry Fitzgerald (WR - ARZ)
I feel bad for Fitz that the Cardinals couldn’t fit in Peyton Manning. What he has done the past two seasons with Max Hall, John Skelton, Derek Anderson and Kevin Kolb is staggering. His catch rate has really dropped, but his overall drops are the same so it is probably more a product of going from the accurate Warner to those boys listed above. Fitzgerald had a career high 17.6 yards per catch in 2011, which was a product of using Fitzgerald on more deep routes, showing that he definitely still has that great, underrated speed to get deep. The only way Larry Fitzgerald is not going to Canton (other than injuries) is if his QBs fail him, but judging by 170 catches for 2,550 yards and 14 tds over the past two season, that might not even be close to an issue.
7.) Darrelle Revis (CB - NYJ)
When your “bad” season still places you 11th in success rate and 8th in ypa allowed (after leading both midway through the season) then you know you are truly special. Darrelle Revis was again great in 2011, and despite that little hiccup in the 2nd half partly caused by a injury, remains the best pure cornerback in the NFL. He added 21 passes defended to his ledger. Revis was also a sure tackler, with just two broken tackles all year long. For the first time seemingly since he entered the league, Darrelle Revis did not hold out, which bodes well for the Jets. What bodes better is the fact that when he was healthy, Revis was statistically and anecdotally the best corner back in the NFL.
6.) Tom Brady (QB - NE)
Another great year for Brady, proving again that he is a far, far better player in his 2007-2011, ringless portion of his career than his 2001-2004 ringed portion of his career. One of these years, his play will start to decline, as he’s reaching 35, but he and Belichick have really mastered that system, and with Gronk and Hernandez in toe (for at least one more season together, and Gronk for 5) you wouldn’t think it is about to start in 2012. Brady’s pocket-presence to me has dipped, and he is forcing more throws under pressure than he used to, but he might be the most deadly QB in a clean pocket.
5.) Jared Allen (DE - MIN)
The 22 sacks are nice. The 21.5 additional hurries are also beautiful. The great play against the run makes him even more complete. Jared Allen, after a 2010 where he seemed a step slow and didn’t convert enough hurries into sacks did that and more in 2011, came 0.5 sacks short of Michael Strahan’s sack record, and did it in a year where his team was 3-13 and he was the only true pass rusher on his team (Brian Robison had a nice season, but nothing special). At 30, Allen has leapfrogged Freeney and Peppers into the “best DE of his era” title, and is just behind the only defensive player ranked ahead of him in the “best pass rusher of his era” race.
4.) Calvin Johnson (WR - DET)
There was a reason that Megatron was compared to a bigger, stronger Randy Moss coming out of college, and he finally showed it in its finest form with a monster 2011 season. In fairness, Megatron has had great seasons in the past as well (just look at 2008, where he put up huge numbers for an 0-16 team), but with Matthew Stafford finally healthy, Megatron exploded. He cut his drops, caught more balls thrown his way, and used his body perfectly in the red zone. Ironically, he isn't really a great deep-threat, or at least as he is utilized in that offense (just 35% of throws to him were further than 20 yards) but that is more a function of the amount Stafford throws to him. In totality, at just 27, Calvin Johnson is embarking on a special career, and in tandem with his even younger QB that laser-locks his eyes to Johnson, it is only going to become more and more special.
3.) Drew Brees (QB - NO)
Brees ridiculous video-game season was a sight to watch. He seemed to effortlessly pass for 400 yards. Even in games where Brees wasn’t looking very good, invariably I would say to myself come the 4th quarter, “How the Hell has Brees thrown for 350 yards already?”. It will be interesting to see how history judges Brees’s career. He’s obviously not Manning or Brady and is unlikely to join either. With the rings and a great team around him, Ben may do enough to be considered as good, and there is that boy in Green Bay. Brees might be marginalized from this era in every way other than his records, so enjoy him now. One of the most exciting parts of this upcoming season truly is seeing what he does without Sean Payton, and how important Brees was to his own success.
2.) DeMarcus Ware (OLB - DAL)
Over 8 years in Philadelphia, the legend known as Reggie White had 124 sacks in 121 games. DeMarcus Ware isn’t at that pace (99.5 sacks in 112 games), but he has 80 sacks over the past 80 games. A sack a game is about impossible to do, and Ware has been doing it for five years now. He’s led the league in sacks twice (20 in 2008, 15.5 in 2010) and had years of 11.5, 14, 11, and 19.5 without leading the league. He’s never missed a game. He had 23 hurries to go along with those sacks, played very good against the run, had only one broken tackle. He’s about as perfect a 3-4 OLB can be. The Cowboys have been bleeding talent on defense for some time, but Ware remains a Canton-bound constant, the best defensive player in football… again.
1.) Aaron Rodgers (QB - GB)
Many have credited Aaron Rodgers for taking advantage of a tough situation in replacing Brett Favre. In reality, he got the perfect situation. He used up his formative, generally pick-heavy, growing accuracy, sub-90 passer rating years, sitting on the bench and learning an offense that takes time to learn. He inherited an extremely talented roster that just went 13-3 and barely lost in the NFC Championship, full with young skill players. I don’t know how you can ask for anything better. Unlike Manning who came to a 3-13 team, or Brady to a 5-11 one, Rodgers got a gift-wrapped team ready for a string of success. That said, he’s the straw that stirs the drink entirely now. What we just witness from him was a special season. By advanced stats, it rates behind Manning’s seasons in 2004 and 2006 (that ’06 season was quietly incredible for Manning) and Brady’s 2007, but the statistics he put up last year are mind-boggling. 45 TDs to 6 INTs? I’m sad he just barely eclipsed Manning’s 121.1 QB Rating from 2004, but he earned it. Aaron Rodgers, despite having his first true playoff disappointment with a sullen performance against the Giants, is the best player in the NFL. Unless some things dramatically and quickly change, it will stay that way for a while.
Sometimes you just have to take the guy with all the raw physical talent and little collegiate track record. Often, that player will end up closer to the JaMarcus Russell side of the spectrum, but when teams endlessly do take those types of players, it is in the hope they become the type of player Jason Pierre-Paul has. Pierre-Paul had 32 defeats last season, with 16.5 sacks, 25 hurries and all the rest. He has some of the best instincts I've ever seen in getting his hands up to deflect passes. The scariest part is that he is just 24 and has a lot left to learn, and a lot left in the tank. Somehow, someway, the Giants just found another great pass rusher.
24.) Jimmy Graham (TE - NO)
Jimmy Graham is surprisingly already 26, but that is about the only knock I can find (and in reality, that is no knock - he is squarely in his prime) in comparing him to Gronkowski. They are both as uncoverable as I've seen any Tight End since the prime of Antonio Gates. Graham probably won't have 150 targets (and 99 catches) again mainly because I expect some semblance of normalcy in the offenses around the league, but unless he gets hurt, he will probably have another monster season.
23.) Tamba Hali (DE - KC)
In 2010, the Chiefs had 38 sacks, and Tamba Hali had 14.5 of them. In 2009, the Chiefs had 22 sacks, and Tamba Hali in 8.5 of them. In 2011, the Chiefs had 29 sacks, and Tamba Hali had 12 of them. Other than that flukey 38-sack year, the Chiefs have had issues getting to the QB throughout Tamba Hali’s career, and all he has done is continue to be dominant. If you didn’t want the Packers going undefeated in 2011, then thank Tamba Hali for a dominant game in their Week 15 upset of Green Bay. Tamba Hali might be one of the most underrated pure pass rushers in the NFL, and I think is finally starting to get the credit he deserves. If he was on a Pittsburgh, Philly or San Diego (blitz heavy teams) he might have already gotten it and more by now. Instead, he keeps plugging away for a team that needs every scintilla of his pass-rushing skill, and Tamba Hali has given it.
22.) Arian Foster (RB - HOU)
It took some time for Arian Foster to get into gear, but by the end of the season, he was back to his old self. Foster kept up his good numbers receiving. With the return of Matt Schaub and a more explosive passing game, look for Foster to face a lot less 8-in-the-box than he did at times in 2011 during the Yates Experience. I guess there is some injury risk, but he’s faced far less carries than most RBs at 26, and with Ben Tate in the fold, the Texans will probably not work him too hard. Arian Foster is a special player, and yes he has a special system around him, but when you saw him basically carry that offense at times last year, it opens your eyes.
21.) Ed Reed (FS - BAL)
After one of his best seasons in 2010 (4th in success rate for safeties, led the league in picks even though he played just 10 games), Reed had his first down year. It could be decline, or it could be scheme, or it could be an aberration. Given that he was back in the playoffs to being extremely active (had a great day against Houston and made some nice plays, including against Aaron Hernandez on a crucial 3rd down stop late, against New England) it is probably the last of the three. Like each of the past two offseasons, Reed hinted at retirement, then hinted at possibly holding-out, but is back, ready and committed. The league won’t be the same without Ed Reed once he retires. It will be years, if not decades, before we see someone play safety this well this consistently.
20.) Eli Manning (QB - NYG)
I don’t think Eli will ever have to answer about being “Elite” again. Eli Manning was given no run game and a bad-oline, and put together a great season. If Eli had any semblance of a consistent defense in the 2011 regular season, that Giants team probably goes 12-4. He was incredible last season given what he had to work with (remember, no one knew what Victor Cruz would turn into) and did it all in many high-pressured games, playing great in numerous 4th quarter comebacks. He is not better than his brother over his career, and unless something spectacular happens, he won’t ever be, but right now, I would take Eli. He earned this Super Bowl. He wasn’t the best part of the 2007 Giants, but he definitely was in 2011.
19.) Asante Samuel (CB - ATL)
Asante Samuel is a better player now than when he left New England. I realize why Philly got rid of him, because he didn’t fit what they wanted to do, but man did Atlanta get a steal. Samuel was the #1 corner by Football Outsiders in 2010 in both success rate and ypa allowed. He was nearly as good in 2008. His 2009 season was, in hindsight, a complete aberration. For the 2011 season, Samuel ranked first in ypa allowed again, and 4th in success rate. He is, by any calculation, the best or second best corner in the NFL, and has been for some time. Why he routinely gets criticized is beyond me. The idea that has aversion to tackling should outweigh the evidence of his coverage greatness is absurd.
18.) Carl Nicks (LG - TB)
Carl Nicks had another excellent season in New Orleans and got rewarded with a ton of money in Free Agency for the Buccaneers. This will be a real test of just how good Carl Nicks is. He’s easily been the best run-blocking guard in the league for the last couple years (The Saints have been incredible running behind him the past three seasons), but now Nicks has to block for an offense that is run less effectively and a QB without the pocket presence of Drew Brees. Do I think he can? Sure, mainly because I don’t believe Nicks was a product of the Saints, but will he be that good around lesser players? Probably not.
17.) Adrian Peterson (RB - MIN)
All indications are that Peterson will be ready for Week 1, and thank God because he’s the only hope the Vikings have on offense unless Harvin stays healthy for once. Peterson’s been surprisingly consistent even after his offensive line went into from great in 2007-2008 to below average the past two years. If Matt Kalil is as advertised, he might get better blocking. Peterson is still not a good receiving threat, but not using him there does limit his carries (which the Vikings have done a good job of over the years). He is still the best, most powerful, most gifted running back in the NFL, and I for one hope he is fully healthy. The NFL is better with Adrian Peterson powering his way for 1,200 yards again.
16.) Terrell Suggs (OLB - BAL)
I usually demerit players who will miss all of 2012, but since Suggs appears to have a good chance of coming back at some point, I’ll give him his rightful distinction as one of the best edge rushers in the NFL. He is the key behind the Ravens being able to play 3-4 or 4-3, as he has become as a good of a hand-in-the-ground 4-3 DE as he as a 3-4 OLB. As for 2011, Tererell Suggs probably did not deserve DPOTY recognition (Ware or Allen were better choices) but he still had his best year to date. A ridiculous 38.5 hurries accompanied his 14 sacks. Suggs was also great against the run (top 12 in stop rate and yds allowed). Overall, Suggs, who just turned 30, should still have a successful three or four years even after what could be a wash in 2012.
15.) Jake Long (LT - MIA)
Ho, Hum, another solid wasted year for Jake Long. Another year with just one blown sack, and another year being a monster in the run-game. If he somehow reaches free agency next summer it will be interesting to see what happens. My guess is if he does, his contract will make Carl Nicks’s look severely underpaid. If the Dolphins team ever approaches his level, Long is a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame. Either way, he’s at one of the few positions where team success (or lack thereof) is not really a large factor in the Hall voting. Long should get in, because he deserves it. Is he what Ogden, Jones or Pace were at their prime? No. Is he what Gary Zimmerman was? Sure.
14.) Andre Johnson (WR - HOU)
For the first time since 2006, Andre Johnson failed to have 95 yards a game. He had his first major injury since the David Carr era. Chances are Andre will play more than 7 games in 2011, and if so, expect him to become the force he was from 2007-2010. Schaub will have to throw to him even more given the lack of trusted weapons on the Texans offense outside from Johnson. If the Texans want to go deep in the playoffs (repeating in the division is almost assured unless there are tons of injuries), they need the Andre from those years. I think they will get that Andre, even if by age he's on the second half of his peak.
13.) Rob Gronkowski (TE - NE)
Yes, he is having the best start to a career of any tight end ever. He's a beast in general, but is in an offense that utilizes every ounce of talent in him. Again, like Graham, chances are he won't have that great of a season again but his rookie year was already special. In almost any way you cut it, Rob Gronkowski just had the best season of a TE ever (although until his injury midway through 2010, Antonio Gates was having a better season per game). He's completely uncoverable by anyone short of Derrick Brooks in his prime (or Brian Dawkins). The NFL hasn't found a way to really slow him down, but Bernard Pollard may have at least shown that the best way may be the saddest, get the guy hurt. In fact, I have one more cause for concern: that his summer of rampant drinking, partying, shirtlessness and fraternization will come back to haunt him. Sadly for me and all other Patriots haters, that is nothing but grasping at straws.
12.) Nick Mangold (C - NYJ)
Nick Mangold got hurt for the first time in forever, and people could see evidence of just how good he is by just how bad the Jets looked without Mangold. The Ravens repeatedly attacked up the guy when Mangold was out in that game. Because of the injury and a slight dip, Mangold drops a little, but he is still the best center in the NFL (Maurkice Pouncey fan club be damned), but is about at a point where his play won’t get any better. He really deserves to block for a better QB than Mark Sanchez.
11.) Justin Smith (DE - SF)
Justin Smith has been the 2nd best defensive tackle in the NFL over the past four years (to Ngata). He was actually quite good in Cincinnati previously, but Smith has taken it up a notch since coming to the 49ers. Other than Ngata and Seymour in the past, I have never seen a 3-4 DE so active, so penetrating and so utterly dominant and Justin Smith was at times last season, and especially in the playoffs. Carl Nicks barely held him at bay, and the David Diehl, Kevin Booth, Chris Snee trio had no chance in Smith’s masterpiece performance in the title game. From that interior position he had a ridiculous 28 hurries. At 33 he’s probably nearing the end of the line, but hopefully he will get the recognition he deserves as a man who’s prime was considerably longer than he is given credit for.
10.) Haloti Ngata (DT - BAL)
Other than picking up 5.5 more sacks, Ngata had a down year, but when you have dominant years from 2008-2010, I’m willing to give you a pass. Haloti Ngata was doubled more, and still remains one of the most active 3-4 DEs in the NFL. Richard Seymour wasn’t great every year statistically (even with advanced stats) either. There was talk of a possible injury late in the season that effected things, but even if that is not the case, it is hard to see Ngata not returning to his unbelievable play again in 2012. Another down year in 2012 and I will reevaluate, but for now, he is still 28 and squarely in his prime. The beast will rise again.
9.) Patrick Willis (ILB - SF)
Patrick Willis didn’t blitz as much is 2011. He just became the league’s premier 3-4 ILB in pass coverage instead. What can’t Willis do? He wasn’t as active against the run (the excellence of Bowman took a lot of tackles that Willis might have gotten away from him), but when he did get to a runner, he had only two tackles that were broken all season long. Patrick Willis was a monster since the day he started, and has not slowed down in the least. One day, Patrick Willis will be in Canton. The only question is will any of his 49ers defensive teammates be joining him.
8.) Larry Fitzgerald (WR - ARZ)
I feel bad for Fitz that the Cardinals couldn’t fit in Peyton Manning. What he has done the past two seasons with Max Hall, John Skelton, Derek Anderson and Kevin Kolb is staggering. His catch rate has really dropped, but his overall drops are the same so it is probably more a product of going from the accurate Warner to those boys listed above. Fitzgerald had a career high 17.6 yards per catch in 2011, which was a product of using Fitzgerald on more deep routes, showing that he definitely still has that great, underrated speed to get deep. The only way Larry Fitzgerald is not going to Canton (other than injuries) is if his QBs fail him, but judging by 170 catches for 2,550 yards and 14 tds over the past two season, that might not even be close to an issue.
7.) Darrelle Revis (CB - NYJ)
When your “bad” season still places you 11th in success rate and 8th in ypa allowed (after leading both midway through the season) then you know you are truly special. Darrelle Revis was again great in 2011, and despite that little hiccup in the 2nd half partly caused by a injury, remains the best pure cornerback in the NFL. He added 21 passes defended to his ledger. Revis was also a sure tackler, with just two broken tackles all year long. For the first time seemingly since he entered the league, Darrelle Revis did not hold out, which bodes well for the Jets. What bodes better is the fact that when he was healthy, Revis was statistically and anecdotally the best corner back in the NFL.
6.) Tom Brady (QB - NE)
Another great year for Brady, proving again that he is a far, far better player in his 2007-2011, ringless portion of his career than his 2001-2004 ringed portion of his career. One of these years, his play will start to decline, as he’s reaching 35, but he and Belichick have really mastered that system, and with Gronk and Hernandez in toe (for at least one more season together, and Gronk for 5) you wouldn’t think it is about to start in 2012. Brady’s pocket-presence to me has dipped, and he is forcing more throws under pressure than he used to, but he might be the most deadly QB in a clean pocket.
5.) Jared Allen (DE - MIN)
The 22 sacks are nice. The 21.5 additional hurries are also beautiful. The great play against the run makes him even more complete. Jared Allen, after a 2010 where he seemed a step slow and didn’t convert enough hurries into sacks did that and more in 2011, came 0.5 sacks short of Michael Strahan’s sack record, and did it in a year where his team was 3-13 and he was the only true pass rusher on his team (Brian Robison had a nice season, but nothing special). At 30, Allen has leapfrogged Freeney and Peppers into the “best DE of his era” title, and is just behind the only defensive player ranked ahead of him in the “best pass rusher of his era” race.
4.) Calvin Johnson (WR - DET)
There was a reason that Megatron was compared to a bigger, stronger Randy Moss coming out of college, and he finally showed it in its finest form with a monster 2011 season. In fairness, Megatron has had great seasons in the past as well (just look at 2008, where he put up huge numbers for an 0-16 team), but with Matthew Stafford finally healthy, Megatron exploded. He cut his drops, caught more balls thrown his way, and used his body perfectly in the red zone. Ironically, he isn't really a great deep-threat, or at least as he is utilized in that offense (just 35% of throws to him were further than 20 yards) but that is more a function of the amount Stafford throws to him. In totality, at just 27, Calvin Johnson is embarking on a special career, and in tandem with his even younger QB that laser-locks his eyes to Johnson, it is only going to become more and more special.
3.) Drew Brees (QB - NO)
Brees ridiculous video-game season was a sight to watch. He seemed to effortlessly pass for 400 yards. Even in games where Brees wasn’t looking very good, invariably I would say to myself come the 4th quarter, “How the Hell has Brees thrown for 350 yards already?”. It will be interesting to see how history judges Brees’s career. He’s obviously not Manning or Brady and is unlikely to join either. With the rings and a great team around him, Ben may do enough to be considered as good, and there is that boy in Green Bay. Brees might be marginalized from this era in every way other than his records, so enjoy him now. One of the most exciting parts of this upcoming season truly is seeing what he does without Sean Payton, and how important Brees was to his own success.
2.) DeMarcus Ware (OLB - DAL)
Over 8 years in Philadelphia, the legend known as Reggie White had 124 sacks in 121 games. DeMarcus Ware isn’t at that pace (99.5 sacks in 112 games), but he has 80 sacks over the past 80 games. A sack a game is about impossible to do, and Ware has been doing it for five years now. He’s led the league in sacks twice (20 in 2008, 15.5 in 2010) and had years of 11.5, 14, 11, and 19.5 without leading the league. He’s never missed a game. He had 23 hurries to go along with those sacks, played very good against the run, had only one broken tackle. He’s about as perfect a 3-4 OLB can be. The Cowboys have been bleeding talent on defense for some time, but Ware remains a Canton-bound constant, the best defensive player in football… again.
1.) Aaron Rodgers (QB - GB)
Many have credited Aaron Rodgers for taking advantage of a tough situation in replacing Brett Favre. In reality, he got the perfect situation. He used up his formative, generally pick-heavy, growing accuracy, sub-90 passer rating years, sitting on the bench and learning an offense that takes time to learn. He inherited an extremely talented roster that just went 13-3 and barely lost in the NFC Championship, full with young skill players. I don’t know how you can ask for anything better. Unlike Manning who came to a 3-13 team, or Brady to a 5-11 one, Rodgers got a gift-wrapped team ready for a string of success. That said, he’s the straw that stirs the drink entirely now. What we just witness from him was a special season. By advanced stats, it rates behind Manning’s seasons in 2004 and 2006 (that ’06 season was quietly incredible for Manning) and Brady’s 2007, but the statistics he put up last year are mind-boggling. 45 TDs to 6 INTs? I’m sad he just barely eclipsed Manning’s 121.1 QB Rating from 2004, but he earned it. Aaron Rodgers, despite having his first true playoff disappointment with a sullen performance against the Giants, is the best player in the NFL. Unless some things dramatically and quickly change, it will stay that way for a while.
