My NFL 2000s All Decade Team: Defense & Coaches

Edge Rusher:

1^st Team

Von Miller (2011 – 2019)

Stats: 133 games, 105.0 sacks, 26 FF, 134 TFL, 4x All Pro (2012, 2015, 2016, 2018)

Von Miller was basically a star from day 1. He had 11.5 sacks as a rookie, and never really looked back. Before this season, he never had less than 10 sacks in a full season. Even his down years aren't really down years. He had a weird PED scandal back in 2013 and then tore his ACL, but immediately responded with a 14 sack 2014 season, and a dominant playoff run in 2015 being the best player on a truly great defense. Miller's ridiculous speed and athleticism was best shown when he jokingly said he only needed one second to hit Tom Brady. Judging by the 2015 AFC Championship Game and so many others, that was pretty spot on.

Terrell Suggs (2010 – 2019)

Stats: 133 games, 80.5 sacks, 21 FF, 113 TFL, 2x All Pro (2011, 2013), 1x DPOY (2011)

T-Sizzle for sure slowed down in the second half of the decade, the turning point seemingly was his achilles tear in 2015. But prior to that, he was the leagues premier OLB, ably winning DPOTY in 2011 and having monster season against both pass and rush year after year. He's been good if not great in the second half as well. Suggs probably will fall just short of HOF status, unless his more famous compatriots in Baltimore help push him in, but while he wasn't a Ray Lewis or Ed Reed, his constant ability to contain and rush the passer was invaluable.

2^nd Team:

Khalil Mack (2014 – 2019)

Stats: 92 games, 60.5 sacks, 20 FF, 85 TFL, 3x All Pro (2015, 2016, 2018), 1x DPOY (2016)

It's hard to really put Khalil Mack into perspective on this list because of his limited number of games comapred to a lot of other players who had similar if not better stats. What Mack has done though in those six seasons is be absolutely dominant, especially in his DPOTY season in 2016 and first season in Chicago in 2018 (12.5 sacks, six forced fumbles). Mack was also a dominant run player as well. He has years left to solidify his case as one of the best edge rushers of his time.

Cameron Jordan (2011 – 2019)

Stats: 142 games, 85.0 sacks, 10 FF, 111TFL, 1x All Pro (2017)

Cameron Jordan was something of the reverse Khalil Mack. Lower peak for sure, but all he did was have consistent prodcution for nine seasons (eight, given he did little to nothing as a rookie). He's among the most consistent performers, with all eight of those good seasons between 7.5 and 15.5 sacks, with his msot recent season potentially his most dominant. His great counting stats sneak up on you, but when you look across the totality of the 2010s, it is hard to make the case more than three edge rushers were better.

Honorable Mentions:

Justin Houston (2011 – 2019)

Stats: 116 games, 87.5 sacks, 15 FF, 108 TFL, 1x All Pro (2014)

Houston's peak was truly incredible, mark his 22 sack season in 2014, finishign just half a sack shy of the all-time record by Strahan. Houston was up and down through a few more injury marred seasons in Kansas City, but seems to have maybe found a second life in Indianapolis. Few players were as good at their peak, even if that peak was fairly short.

Clay Matthews Jr. (2010 – 2019)

Stats: 138 games, 81.5 sacks, 16 FF, 113 TFL, 1x All Pro (2010)

Clay Matthews first season was 2009, where he splashed onto the scene with 10 sacks. He got 13.5 more in 2010, with a few more in their Super Bowl run mixed in. Clay Matthews was a dynamic force for the first hal of the decade before injuries slowed him down in the second half before his move to Los Angeles. 


Demarcus Ware (2010 – 2016)

Stats: 98 games, 74.0 sacks, 12 FF, 91 TFL, 2x All Pro (2011)

Ware also did a lot of his best work in the 2000s, but he also had 46.5 sacks the first three years of the decade (19.5 in 2011), and was a central figure in the 2015 Broncos run with some absurd games in those playoffs - one with seven hits of Cam Newton, and four more of Brady the week before. He's a surefire hall of famer that was probably a couple years away from being higher up.

Interior Lineman

1^st Team:

JJ Watt (2011 – 2019)

Stats: 112 games, 96.0 sacks, 23 FF, 158 TFL, 5x All Pro (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018), 3x DPOY (2012, 2014, 2015)

Read the Aaron Donald section below first. Get a sense of how good he was in terms of sacks, and QB hits and tackles for loss (25 in his ridiculous 2018 season). Now realize that in almost every way, Watt was systematically better. It isn't close. Watt has had seasons of 43-46-51-50 QB hits in four straight years - a number no one ever reached in the decade aside from DeMarcus Ware. He had nearly 40 tackles for loss. He was the best against the run, and also the best pass rusher of the decade. He reinvented the position. His comps through five seasons was more Reggie White than anything else. He ends the decade just ten sacks behind Von Miller despite basically missing two straight years (2016-17). JJ Watt not being on that list of Top 100 players is a travesty. He is this generations best defender.

Aaron Donald (2014 – 2019)

Stats: 92 games, 70.5 sacks, 15 FF, 116 TFL, 4x All Pro (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018), 2x DPOY (2017, 2018)

Aaron Donald's worst season was probably his rookie season, when he had 9 sacks and 13 QB hits. Apart from that, he's been basically a monster. Even in his 'down' 2016 season with 8 sacks, he racked up 31 QB hits and numerous other high impact plays. His last few years have been bonkers, especially that 20.5 sack, 41 QB Hits masterpiece that was his 2018. Donald easily won back-to-back DPOTY awards and won them going away. He is the best defender in the league, and had he played the full decade, he has a case for being above Watt for best of the decade.

2^nd Team:

Geno Atkins (2010 – 2019)

Stats: 151 games, 75.5 sacks, 6 FF, 100 TFL, 2x All Pro (2012, 2015)

I was surprised to see that Geno Atkins had not missed a game since his ACL injury in 2013, torpedoeing a very good Bengals defense that year. Atkins athelticism and dynamicism has definitely faded in 2019, but the last four years (2015-18) saw him put up another 39 sacks, and 53 tackles for loss. He was unblockable at his best, and his best spanned most of the decade. If only the Bengals had any playoff success to help his case league-wide.

Ndamukong Suh (2010 – 2019)

Stats: 156 games, 58.5 sacks, 4 FF, 112 TFL, 3x All Pro (2010, 2013, 2014)

Suh was seen as the best defensive line prospect in a long time, so much so people seriously thought the Rams should draft him over Sam Bradford (in retrospect, not a terrible idea). He was a dominant player from day-1, earning all-pro honors as a rookie with 10 sacks. He never got 10 sacks again, but was consistent 20+ hits and countless hurries. Ndamukong Suh remained unblockable at his best, but he is clearly slowing down, as is his earned right at 32 years old.

Honorable Mentions:

Fletcher Cox (2012 – 2019)

Stats: 123 games, 48.0 sacks, 10 FF, 62 TFL, 1x All Pro (2018)

Cox was drafted #12 overall the year before Chip Kelly was drafted. He never really performed all that well in the Kelly years, but when Pederson, and more importantly (for him) Jim Schwartz, came in he took off. Cox's pocket-pushign from the interior became the focal point of some very good to great defenses from 2016-2019. If only he wans't so meh during the Kelly years.


Gerald McCoy (2010 – 2019)

Stats: 137 games, 59.5 sacks, 6 FF, 86 TFL, 1x All Pro (2013)

McCoy vs. Ngata was something of a debate before the 2010 draft, and while Suh was almost inarguably better, McCoy wasn't too shabby himself, an unblockable at times lineman for Tampa. He didn't have the impact in Carolina as many expected, but after a decade of yoemans work it probably was not all that in the cards. Still, at his best he was a great pass rusher and the centerpiece of a great run defense year after year.

Haloti Ngata (2010 – 2019)

Stats: 118 games, 26.0 sacks, 5 FF, 63 TFL, 2x All Pro (2010, 2011)

Somehow, he is still playing at a somewhat decent level. At the start of the decade, he probably was the league's premier interior lineman until about 2013 or 2014. Ngata was nigh unblockable in 2010 and 2011, even against premier blockers like a Nick Mangold type. He was the final piece of the four-man Ravens defensive puzzle (him, Reed, Suggs, Lewis).

Linebacker

1^st Team:

Luke Kuechly (2012 – 2019)

Stats: 116 games, 12.5 sacks, 18 INTs, 74 TFL, 65 PD, 7 FF, 5x All Pro (2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018), 1x DPOY (2013)

So often the 'clear cut most NFL ready linebacker' is a best. The best example I can think of was Aaron Curry. Kuechly was hailed as one of those types as well. Except unlike the Curry's or Keith Rivers', he didn't bust. He was a star from basically day 1. Kuechly's coverage range and instincts are nearly unparalleled. Maybe only an Urlacher or Briggs in recent years. Kuechly's ability to rush gaps and go side to side were also unparalleled. He always ranked high on Football Otusiders defeats and pass coverage metrics. He was basically a perfect 4-3 MLB, just like he was supposed to be.

Bobby Wagner (2012 – 2019)

Stats: 117 games, 18.5 sacks, 10 INTs, 56 TFL, 47 PD, 5 FF, 4x All Pro (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018)

Wagner is the last remaining member of the great Seahawks defenses still on the team. I don't know if I would have picked him to be the last one standing, but his great production even as he nears 30 is good reason for it. The overall stats are great. The instincts in pass coverage is great. He was a dominant player for a Super Bowl winning team, and his injury was one of the key moments that swung the game the following season. Wagner best skill seems to be his incredible coverage range, tasked with taking on TEs and doing it flawlessly. As he piles up all-pro nods, his HOF case is growing stronger.

2^nd Team:

Lavonte David (2012 – 2019)

Stats: 119 games, 22.5 sacks, 11 INTs, 116 TFL, 44 PD, 20 FF, 2x All Pro (2013)

Football Outsiders keeps a stat called 'Defeats' which is just a running total of how many of the following a player accrues: sacks, passes defended, interceptions and tackles for loss. Lavonte David was a constant moster in that statistic from 2012 on. He plied his trade somewhat anonymously for Tampa but even then his reputation caught up with his play. In pure numbers alone, he might be the most productive linebacker of the decade.

NaVorro Bowman (2010 – 2017)

Stats: 99 games, 14.0 sacks, 5 INTs, 48 TFL, 30 PD, 9 FF, 4x All Pro (2011, 2012, 2013, 2015)

Bowman was one half of maybe the best pairing of inside linebackers seen in decades. He was the one who also played a few years more than the other. The numbers are all quite incredible, as was his overall snap counts. There were memorable plays, such as his should've been forced fumble in the 2013 NFC Championship, and years and years of constant production.

Honorable Mentions:

Patrick Willis (2010 – 2014)

Stats: 64 games, 11.5 sacks, 4 INTs, 31 TFL, 30 PD, 10 FF, 3x All Pro (2010, 2011, 2012)

His shocking retirement in 2014 is still felt, both as a lasting sign of the long-term risk due to concussions in the sport, and also how it pushed the 49ers down in teh short term. A pretty perfect linebacker, Willis was active in eight years perfectly spanning two decades, so he'll never get the all-decade love he probably deserves.


Donta’ Hightower (2012 – 2019)

Stats: 100 games, 24.0 sacks, 1 INT, 41 TFL, 16 PD, 2 FF, 1x All Pro (2019)

To be honest, none of the counting stats jump off the page, but the simple fact that he is the one linebacker that Bill Belichick kept around through thick and thin speaks volumes. His best ability was probably being one of teh surest tacklers in the NFL, and a truly great gap-attacker at times.

Cornerback

1^st Team:

Patrick Peterson (2011 – 2019)

Stats: 136 games, 25 INTs, 1 TD, 3x All Pro (2011, 2013, 2015)

Peterson was always billed as one of the most perfect defensive back prospects in eons, and he was basically that from jump street, earning an all-pro nod as a rookie in 2011. He quickly earned a reputation as one of the games premier shutdown corners. He was a key star to a series of good Arizona defenses in the first half of the decade, and is only now starting to see his game slip at all.

Richard Sherman (2011 – 2019)

Stats: 132 games, 35 INTs, 3 TDs, 3x All Pro (2012, 2013, 2014)

Sherman's late decade renaissance with the 49ers has been fun to watch, turning him from one of teh central figures in the Legion of Boom to basically placing him as HOF lock. He led the decade in interceptions, and was so good at his prime, Aaron Rodgers on multiple occassions basically decided never to throw at him - see the 2014 season opener. He became the new prototype, tall enough to play bump and run, agile and smart enough to play zone at a hyper-aware level. Sherman was a true star, very unexpected for the former 5th round pick.

2^nd Team:

Chris Harris (2011 – 2019)

Stats: 137 games, 20 INTs, 4 TDs, 2x All Pro (2015, 2016)

Harris started the decade as the Broncos slot corner, ably playing his way amongst the likes of Champ Bailey, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Aqib Talib. Then, sometime around 2014, he became a starter, and became one of the most dynamic multi-faceted corners of the decade. He remained brilliant in the slot, ably handing guys like Edelman on muiltiple ocassions, and did fine on the outside as well - especially in 2015 being one half of the league's best corner duo. 


Stefon Gilmore (2012 – 2019)

Stats: 111 games, 24 INTs, 2 TDs, 2x All Pro (2018, 2019)

Gilmore's ascendancy these last few years in New England have been the stuff of legend. He was a good if not great player through five years in Buffalo, with a few pro-bowl nods, but ever since his move to teh Patriots in 2017, he has shut down #1 corner after #1 corner, including throughout his bonkers 2019 season (week 17 excluded). Gilmore has become one of Belichick's best free agent acquisitions, if not the best outside of maybe Randy Moss.

Honorable Mentions:

Marcus Peters (2015 – 2019)

Stats: 75 games, 27 INTs, 6 TDs, 1x All Pro (2016)

Peters makes this list essentially for the ridiculous number of interceptions and TDs he's put up in just five years, for three different teams. Everywhere he went he got picks and took a lot deep. Even outside the pick-sixes, his interception return yards (797) is ludicrous. Yes, Peters gambles a bit too much, but even in his half-season in Baltimore, he's seemed to relax a bit and play a bit more steadily.

Jalen Ramsey (2016 – 2019)

Stats: 59 games, 9 INTs, 1 TD, 2x All Pro (2017, 2018)

Ramsey has only played four seasons, but in that time, he's fulfilled all the promise he showed in his stint at Florida State. He was the centerpiece of a Top-10 defense of the decade in the 2017 Jacksonville Jaguars. He was good enough the Rams felt the need to trade two first round picks for him. It remains to be seen if that was worth it, but if it was he'll likely make a good case for team of the 2020s.

Aqib Talib (2010 – 2019)

Stats: 118 games, 26 INTs, 9 TDs, 1x All Pro (2016)

Talib is still chugging along, nine-pick sixes later. He was great for both New England and then Denver, being the #1 corner for a Super Bowl champion team led almost exclusively by the defense. He was a bit inconsistent at times and that hurts his case overall, and had a bit of a Marcus Peters problem of gambling, but Talib was as good at game-changing plays as anyone.

Safety

1^st Team:

Earl Thomas (2010 – 2019)

Stats: 139 games, 30 INTs, 78 PD, 2 TDs, 12 FF, 1.5 sacks, 3x All Pro (2012, 2013, 2014)

It's pretty hard to have a better decade of safety play than what Earl Thomas put out there. He was the centerpiece of the LoB Seahawks, his coverage range and instincts making it all work. That scheme worked because Thomas was everywhere. Even as a rookie on the 2010 team, his skills were felt. Thomas's brilliance was also shown in 2017 when he got hurt and the Seahawks suddenly became one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL. Thomas was amazing, and his work for Baltimore could give him a nice late career renaissance as well.


Eric Berry (2010 – 2018)

Stats: 89 games, 14 INTs, 51 PD, 5 TDs, 4 FF, 5.5 sacks, 3x All Pro (2013, 2015, 2016)

It's amazing how good Berry has been despite missing so much time, either through injury or illness. He's come through it all to have an incredible career, one that has serious hall of fame potential. At his best, he was a terrorizing in the box safety with the ability to cover TEs and slot receivers with similar ease. Berry was smooth, talented, could tackle and had great hands. He was a perfect safety coming out of college, and only unfortunate circumstances kept him from being seen as Earl's equal.

2^nd Team:

Devin McCourty (2010 – 2019)

Stats: 153 games, 26 INTs, 86 PD, 1 TD, 11 FF, 3.0 sacks, 1x All Pro (2016)

He's the other guy that Belichick actually kept. McCourty's role in Belichick's scheme has been understated but endlessly important. He's been a perfect figure of last resort in that scheme, helping the Patriots limit big plays for decades. Despite not having outrageous counting numbers, the 86 passes defended are in line with the other top secondary players of his era. He probably should have gotten onto more All Pro teams than he got.

Eric Weddle (2010 – 2019)

Stats: 155 games, 25 INTs, 80 PD, 3 TDs, 8 FF, 6.0 sacks, 2x All Pro (2011, 2014)

Weddle was a peerlessly dynamic safety, both in coverage and in the box, for the Chargers. His masterpiece season was probably 2011, with seven interceptions, but in all his time in San Diego he was a consistently great player, sure tackling and hyper-smart. He had a good run in Baltimore as well, solidifying a fraying secondary. Weddle probably ends up a little below HOF status, but you could easily make that argument.

Honorable Mentions:

Kam Chancellor (2010 – 2017)

Stats: 109 games, 12 INTs, 52 PD, 9 FF, 2.0 sacks, 1x All Pro (2013)

Chancellor's reputation was probably slightly ahead of his performance. While he was absolutely not the most integral member of the Legion of Boom, his ability as an in the box safety, while maintaining great coverage ability, was an x-factor that took a great secondary and made them legendary. He also had some of the most memorable moments for the LoB, including the forced fumble of Calvin at hte one yard line, and some early-game tone setters in their Super Bowl win.

Harrison Smith (2012 – 2019)

Stats: 114 games, 23 INTs, 56 PD, 4 TDs, 6 FF, 13.0 sacks, 2x All Pro (2016, 2017)

Smith was probably every bit the equal of Kam Chancellor, but didn't have his Richard Sherman or Earl Thomas to help elevate the whole group. Smith's play has only crested later in the decade when Mike Zimmer came on board and unlocked him into this swiss army knife type. Under Zimmer, his counting numbers all took a nice little uptick as well. Two all-pros followed, both well deserved.

Head Coach

1^st Team: Bill Belichick

Stats: 125-35 record, 5 AFC Championships, 3 Super Bowls (2014, 2016, 2018), 1x COTY (2010)

I mean, at this point there's no real reason to even go through the resume. He's so far and away ahead of anyone else.

2^nd Team: Pete Carroll

Stats: 101-58-1, 2 NFC Championships, 1 Super Bowl (2013)

Look, no one is close at all to Belichick. Carroll is the only other coach to make multiple Super Bowl trips in the decade (surprised when I realized that). He came a Marshawn Lynch run of going back to back. His scheme took a bunch of seemingly miscast parts (large corners, undersized linebackers) and transfomred them into a revolutionary defense. He kept it all humming. Carroll has his faults, but scheming and motivation aren't any of them, and those skills helped his team be the NFC's best team of the decade in my opinion.

Honorable Mentions: 

John Harbaugh

Stats: 97-63 record, 1AFC Championship, 1 Super Bowl (2012), 1x COTY (2019)

I we extend this back to 2008, he's probably the clear #2. Even in this decade, he led six teams to the playoffs, at least two AFC Championship Games, and a Super Bowl. He kept an aging team competitive and then a rebuilding team competitive. He abley changed coordinators and styles and eventually rosters with equal aplomb. Harbaugh's best season might be this decades last, but he did some great work before that.

Andy Reid

Stats: 98-62 record

Reid's run in Kansas City from 2013 onwards has been amazing and also so fun to watch. He inherited a 2-14 mess, took them to 11-5 in his first season, with Alex Smith at the helm, and had other seasons of 10-6, 11-5, and three 12-4 records. He has turned Patrick Mahomes into a pure monster. Reid's resume will always lack a Super Bowl (maybe that changes) but he's easily this generations best coach never to win one.

My NFL 2000s All Decade Team: Offense & Special Teams

QB

1^st Team – Tom Brady (2010 – 2019)

Stats: 156 games, 3,705-5,770 (64.2%), 43,727yds (7.6/11.8), 316 TDs, 80 INTs, 99.6 rating, 3 Super Bowls, 2 MVPs (2010, 2017), 2x All Pro (2010, 2017)

Yeah, it pains me to say it, but with Aaron Rodgers strange fall off from 2015 onwards, and Brady's concurrent rise (the simultaneous breakdown of the rest of the AFC helped), Tom Brady has to be the QB of the decade. He got his second and third MVPs, won three more Super Bowls, and did it all while battling deflategate in the heart of the decade. It's obvious to have him here, even if in all but two seasons he was not the best QB that season. Until the past two, he was always won of the best three.

2^nd Team – Aaron Rodgers (2010 – 2019)

Stats: 142 games, 3,187-4,925 (64.7%), 38,145yds (7.7/12.0), 305 TDs, 63 INTs, 103.6 rating, 1 Super Bowl, 2 MVPs (2011, 2014), 2x All Pro (2011, 2014)

It is so hard to pick Rodgers vs. Brees, and when they both retire there will be an interesting debate. Rodgers highs are higher, and his highs all happened in this decade (where Brees's Super Bowl was in 2009). In the decade, Rodgers started it winning a Super Bowl and then having maybe the most efficient QB season ever in 2011, with a still record 122.5 passer rating. He had nearly as great a season in 2014. Midway through the decade it was easily his. The strange fall-off starting in mid-2015 has been strange, but Rodgers still put in amazing work, like their run in 2016 from 4-6 to the NFC Championship Game.

Honorable Mentions:

Drew Brees (2010 – 2019)

Stats: 153 games, 4,170-5,997 (69.5%), 46,770yds (7.8/11.2), 345 TDs, 127 INTs, 102.9 rating

So close to Rodgers - or in reality even Brady if you take regular season only. Had probably the most voluminous decade for a QB ever (maybe Manning in the 00's if you adjust for era - and yes, 00s vs 10s requires an adjustment). Will forever be remembered as a guy who was never the best QB in any one season, but always one of hte five best.

Peyton Manning (2010 – 2015)

Stats: 74 games, 1,893-2,849 (66.4%), 21,812yds (7.7/11.5), 173 TDs, 70 INTs, 99.4 rating, 1 Super Bowl, 1 MVP (2013), 2x All Pro (2012, 2013)

He only played half the decade (five seasons when you discount 2011), but still ended up with as many all pro nods as anyone else, had the most massive statistical season for a QB ever, with his 55 TD, 5,500yds season in 2013 and was on track for another simialrly great season before injuries slowed him in 2014, and then ended him a year later. He was the best QB of the 2000s, and if you take 2000 - 2019 as a whole, probably still is (or at the very least second behind Brady).

Russell Wilson (2012 – 2019)

Stats: 128 games, 2,436-3,777 (64.5%), 29,734yds (7.9/12.2), 227 TDs, 68 INTs, 101.2 rating, 1 Super Bowl

Other than the lack of additional Super Bowl wins, Russell Wilson is to the 2010s as Tom Brady was to the 2000s - he started off as a game manager with an incredible team, winning a Super Bowl. Then slowly but surely he graduated into being an incredible down-to-down QB, with four different 100+ passer rating seasons (including 2019), and a potential MVP fight in muiltiple seasons. There is no denying him as a great future HOF QB, but likely he would win 2015-2024 if that mattered.

RB

1^st Team: Adrian Peterson (2010 – 2019)

Stats: 118 games, 2,121 carries, 9,732yds (4.6 y/a), 71 TDs, 206 receptions, 1,536yds (7.5 y/r), 2x All Pro (2012, 2015)

This was the decade where RBs changed forever. It was hard to even come up with teh names. That said, the best is still obvious - the only man to win MVP as a RB in the decade (it should have been Peyton's). Peterson has the second most yards of anyone in the decade, but with a way better average and TD count than the person who beats him. He did it in way fewer games as well. His performance down the stretch in 2012 was legendary, coming a dozen yards short of the single-season rushing record. He is still just 33 and may have some years left in him too.

2^nd Team: Le’veon Bell (2013 – 2019)

Stats: 77 games, 1,474 carries, 6,125yds (4.2 y/a), 38 TDs, 378 receptions, 3,121yds (8.3 y/r), 2x All Pro (2014, 2017)

Other than getting a decent contract out of it, we can probably say Bell did not end up coming out of his year-long holdout well. That said, his multi-purpose use from 2014 through 2017 merits him a spot here. He was the league's best all-purpose back year after year, combining with Antonio Brown to extend the life of the Roethlisberger Steelers after back-to-back 8-8 seasons in 2012-13. Bell's patient running style also became a singulare feature of the most carefully used running back. Sadly, nagging injuries never left him fully healthy in the playoffs, but the memory of hsi time will be that memorable 2,200 total yard season in 2014, the best all-purpose season since Marshall Faulk.

Honorable Mentions:

Marshawn Lynch (2010 – 2019)

Stats: 108 games, 1,803 carries, 7,812yds (4.3 y/a), 68 TDs, 194 receptions, 1,551yds (8.0 y/r), 1x All Pro (2012)

Marshawn Lynch was a 1st round semi-bust when he was traded from Buffalo to Seattle mid-way through the 2010 season. Then the beastquake happened, easily the most famous running play of the decade. That play itself seemed to change Marshaw, launching him to a super strong four season run from 2011-2014, the centerpiece of the Seahawks offense. He had a few more memorable runs in him, like the TD in the 2013 NFC Championship Game. In the end, his high peak was a little too short, but damn if it wasn't memorable.

Frank Gore (2010 – 2019)

Stats: 153 games, 2,380 carries, 9,786yds (4.1 y/a), 47 TDs, 244 receptions, 2,065yds (8.5 y/r)

It is ridiculous how many games he has played, and how he seemingly did not get any worse in his second decade of football. Prior to his three year workmanlike run in Indianapolis, he was a sold 1,200 yard, 4.3 y/r year after year in San Francisco. He just nips out Peterson with the highest rushing total of the decade, and with the rise of the Bills, will get one more playoff run potentially to truly ingrain his place in the Hall of Fame.

WR

1^st Team:

Julio Jones (2011 – 2019)

Stats: 126 games, 797 receptions, 12,125yds (15.2 y/r), 57 TDs, 2x All Pro (2015, 2016)

The only real knock on Julio Jones is his strange lack of TDs, though that really hasn't impacted their offense scoring in the red zone apart from some notable issues in 2017. On the whole, Julio Jones entered the league as the best WR prospect in a while (easily since Calvin Johnson), and proceeded to dominate. The ridiculousness of his 2015 season, with 136 catches, 1800 yards, was insane. As were nearly every other season of his career aside from his injury-riddled 2013 season. His playoff performances too, even sometimes in losses (insane 2012 NFC Championship and Super Bowl XLI) were insane. He is insane, in every way.

Antonio Brown (2010 – 2019)

Stats: 131 games, 841 receptions, 11,263yds (13.4 y/r), 75 TDs, 3x All Pro (2014, 2016, 2017)

Now that his career might be caput, we can look back at an insane decade of production. Despite smaller size than the other top guys up here, he was just as productive. Six straight 100-catch seasons from 2013-2018 was the centerpiece, including an all-time season quite similar to Julio Jones's in 2015, with his own 136 catch masterpiece. Brown had supreme route running and hands, and was the centerpiece of the Steelers renaissance from 2014-2017. Yes, hsi failed exploits post-Pittsburgh, and more notable meltdown, may taint his legacy, but what he was on the field was without peer.

2^nd Team:

AJ Green (2011 – 2018)

Stats: 111 games, 602 receptions, 8,907yds (14.8 y/r), 63 TDs, 1x All Pro (2015)

AJ Green had one of the strongest starts to a career as a WR in NFL history, posting five straight 1000+ yard seasons, including a 1,300 monster efficiency season in 2015, where the Bengals were an AJ McCarron away from maybe making the Super Bowl. Instead, Dalton stayed but the team got worse and the back half of the decade, while good, was not as great and more inconsistent. At his best, and Green should have quite a bit of that left, he was a lethal downfield and YAC threat, a player about 90% as good as Julio Jones.

Odell Beckham (2014 – 2019)

Stats: 75 games, 464 receptions, 6,511yds (14.0 y/r), 48 TDs, 1x All Pro (2015)

It's tough to remember now given how infamous his season in Cleveland has gone, just how good OBJ was in his Giants career, starting with some of the most dominant statistics of any WR ever. And then of course there was those catches, those absurd one handed, body stretched to ridiculous degrees. Everything about Beckham's first season was unreal. That catch against the Cowboys is probably the single most famous awe-inspiring catch in the regular season this decade. The future for OBJ is very much in flux at the moment, but we should remember how good this run was.

Honorable Mentions:

Demaryius Thomas (2010 – 2019)

Stats: 143 games, 724 receptions, 9,763yds (13.5 y/r), 63 TDs

Yes, he was something of a product of Peyton Manning, but Thomas was also a fairly good receiver stats-wise pre-Manning and post. With Peyton though, Thomas was special. He phsyical freak, he excelled at the screen game, and long passes. He was a TD monster as well in 2012-2014. His career has probably fizzled at this point, but that incredible level of production is still hard to overlook when compiling an all-decade team.

Larry Fitzgerald (2010 – 2019)

Stats: 158 games, 855 receptions, 10,016yds (11.7 y/r), 61 TDs

All of Fitz's best seasons were in the 2000s but what made him from a HOF-bound type to surefire lock and good enough to be named to the NFL's odd Top-100 team was his deep  consistency throughout the 2010s. He was moved to the slot by Bruce Arians in 2014 or so, and responded with a 100+ catch season in 2015, a key piece to that masterpiece season for the Cardinals - giving the opportunity to have another amazing playoff game.

Jordy Nelson (2010 – 2018)

Stats: 122 games, 558 receptions, 7,901yds (14.2 y/r), 68 TDs, 1x All Pro (2011)

If you want to write about Aaron Rodgers's strange decline the second half of the decade, you have to then link it to Jordy Nelson. His injury in 2015 was the same year that Rodgers number started to drop and never fully recover. His connection with Rodgers, be it the deep posts or the ridiculous series of back-shoulder catches, was special. He also was the posterchild for being 'sneaky athletic'.

TE

1^st Team: Rob Gronkowski (2010 – 2018)

Stats: 115 games, 521 receptions, 7,861yds (15.1 y/r), 79 TDs, 4x All Pro (2011, 2014, 2015, 2017)

On the list of most impactful players of the decade, leaving QBs aside he's probably #1 or #2 to JJ Watt. Gronkowski's run as the best TE in history in terms of peak production. His being drafted in 2010 reset the clock on the Patriots dominance, turning them into this malleable team with teh league's ultimate offensive x-factor. His healthy seasons are so ridiculous, especially that 1,300 yard, 17 TD season in 2010, easily the best by a TE in history. His slowdown in 2018, and then retirement coincides scarily with the decline in the efficiency of the Patriots offense. His injuries and absences late in 2011, 2012 and 2013 align with fallow Patriots seasons. Gronk, to some degree, was the league's most valuable player of the decade.

2^nd Team: Jimmy Graham (2010 – 2019)

Stats: 153 games, 649 receptions, 7,883yds (12.1 y/r), 74 TDs, 1x All Pro (2013)

In 2011, he had a 99-catch season as for a minute Gronk vs. Graham was something of a debate. In a year or two, that debate was basically settled, but that doesn't mean that Graham is not a truly great player. His path to an all-pro nod was often blocked - somethign he shared with his longtime QB in Drew Brees. Graham's volume-stat production dropped off when he left the Saints, but his overall efficiency stayed pretty level. At best, he was a truly awesome high-volume threat. 

Honorable Mention:

Travis Kelce (2013 – 2019)

Stats: 96 games, 507 receptions, 6,465yds (12.8 y/r), 37 TDs, 2x All Pro (2016, 2018)

He's the first TE to put up four straight 1,000 yard seasons (more a factor of Gronk not staying healthy, but then again health is a skill). He's been one of the key x-factors to Chiefs offenses in both Alex Smith eras and now Mahomes eras. Great catch percentage, great YAC, great everything except only an able blocker.

Zach Ertz (2013 – 2019)

Stats: 106 games, 525 receptions, 5,743yds (10.9 y/r), 35 TDs, 1x All Pro (2018)

Somewhat a Travis Kelce lite type player, Ertz has been relied on more and more as the receiver shuffle continued in Philadelphia. Sure hands, good route running, decent blocking, high volume. Ertz does basically everything at an 8 or 9 our of 10 level. Probably not good enough to get more than maybe one more all pro nod, but he will have a five or six year run of great production.

T

1^st Team:

Joe Thomas (2010 – 2017)

Stats: 119 games, 5x All Pro (2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015)

Easily the best offensive tackle of the decade, Joe Thomas plied his craft perfectly for eleven total seasons, being basically an All Pro from day one. In this decade, the five all-pro's jump out. As do the 13 total holding penalties despite having to block guys like James Harrison, Terrell Suggs in his own division, and blocking for a parade of scatter-shot QBs. He finally retired stil in his prime. It is sad he never got to play for a very good Browns team, but at least he made Cleveland football worth watching slightly for his whole career.


Jason Peters (2010 – 2019)

Stats: 125 games, 3x All Pro (2011, 2013, 2014)

It's amazing how long Jason Peters has been around. I was stunned to realize the Bills drafted him in 2004. He joined the Eagles in 2009, is one of the only holdovers left from the Andy Reid days, let alone the Chip Kelly era, and succeeded in all of them. His best years came under Chip Kelly, getting back-to-back 1st team All Pro nods. That said, he remained a stalwart under Doug Pederson as well. Peters is probably not long of the NFL, but he was a rock on the left side, one of the last few franchise LTs in the game (aside from the guy with him in Joe Thomas).

2^nd Team:

Lane Johnson (2013 – 2019)

Stats: 94 games, 1x All Pro (2017)

Lane Johnson was drafted by Chip Kelly, he remained for most of his career at Right Tackle, where he excelled to a stunning degree. It is scary how much the Eagles offense, either in the Chip Kelly or Doug Pederson era's had their success correlate to whether Lane Johnson was playing or not. His best work came in 2017, as the key OL member of the league's best line, one that carried the Eagles to the Super Bowl with a backup QB, despite Jason Peters getting injured halfway through the season. Lane Johnson was brilliant at his best at both pass and run blocking, the high watermark of Right Tackles in the decade.


Tyron Smith (2011 – 2019)

Stats: 132 games, 2x All Pro (2014, 2016)

Probably the most physically perfect offensive lineman of the decade, Tryon Smith was this decade's Walter Jones - just not has healthy and not as great. Tyron Smith's best seasons unsurprisingly correlate with two radically different Cowboy's teams being great in each one, with the 2014 crew having Romo and Murray, and by 2016 with Prescott and Elliott. Smith and the other great OL guys were the constant, though parsing out what was Smith's value relative to Frederick and Martin is tough.

Honorable Mentions:

Trent Williams (2010 – 2018)

Stats: 120 games, 1x All Pro (2016)

Probably one of the few good moves of the decade for the Redskins, it was seen as somewhat of an overreach at the time. Instead, Williams was a starter basically from day 1, and has provided great blindside protection for myriad QBs and myriad coaching staffs and offenses. Trent Williams probably deserved more notoriety, especially with his future unclear after his holdout.

Andrew Whitworth (2010 - 2019) 

Stats: 157 games, 2x All Pro (2015, 2017)

Whitworth quietly maintained his great play through the decade, peaking in the middle of the decade for the best versions of the Marvin Lewis Bengals and then the McVay Rams. Whitworth stabilized the Rams OL that had been a pure mess under Jeff Fisher, and after leaving Cincinnati left it in pretty bad shape himself. It is surprising how many of the top tackles of the decade started their careers in the 2000s.

G

1^st Team:

Marshal Yanda (2010 – 2019)

Stats: 141 games, 3x All Pro (2012, 2014, 2015)

The resurrection of the Ravens under Lamar have brought Yanda back into the spotlight, probably un line for another All Pro selection and the start of well deserved future-HOF buzz. Yanda was so good in the middle of the decade in the end of the good part of the Flacco era. His best seasons of 2012 and 2014 of course line up with the only two years in the decade that the Flacco Ravens had good offenses. He has just seven holding penalties this decade, which seems made up. Everything about him was.


Zack Martin (2014 – 2019)

Stats: 94 games, 3x All Pro (2014, 2016, 2018)

Just 17 penalties were called against Zack Martin in his 92 game career. There is a bit of Cowboys 'mysticism' where their good players get a bit overhyped, but that wasn't the case with Martin who came into the league as a star-level talent and performer, making the all pro team in his rookie season. He's barely msised any games and been a part of consistently great run blocking lines year after year. There's probably quite a few more all-pro teams left in the decade.

2^nd Team:

Jahri Evans (2010 – 2017)

Stats: 121 games, 3x All Pro (2010, 2011, 2012)

Jahri Evans was drafted the same year that Drew Brees got to New Orleans. While obviously his impact hasn't been nowhere as much as Brees's, it isn't as far off as it would seem. He somehow hasn't made an all pro team is seven years (that might change in 2019), and some injuries have reduced his quickness, but Evans remains a technically perfect guard for the league's most voluminous offense year after year.

Mitchell Schwartz (2012 – 2019)

Stats: 128 games, 1x All Pro (2018)

Schwartz was drafted in 2012 by the Browns. Since then, he hasn't missed a game, and until this year had barely missed a snap (he's only missed like three or so this year as well). In that time he has just 20 holding penalties, fewer false starts, and finally got some traction leaguewide getting his first all pro nod in 2018. More is to come for Schwartz as his presence rises in Kansas City.

Honorable Mention:

Mike Iupati (2010 – 2019)

Stats: 130 games, 1x All Pro (2012)

The 49ers ressurrection from 2011-2013 was such a great story, even if it died so quickly. There is a lot of 49ers representation on the defensive side, but even on offense, their offensive line was a master-class at times, with Iupati probably its best singular talent. After that 49ers run, he ran off to the Cardinals and now continued his tour of the NFC West, but he'll always have those great first few years in San Francisco.


Kelechi Osemele (2012 – 2019)

Stats: 96 games, 1x All Pro (2016)

He's never been as healthy as you would like, and now his world may crumble apart in the void of darkness that are the New York Jets, but Osemele was part of two amazing reconstructions. His insertion into the Ravens OL in 2012 was the start of their run to a Super Bowl. His move to Oakland in 2016 briefly anchored the league's best OL for one season. Again, healthy and consistency has been an issue, but his best was truly high.

C

1^st Team: Ryan Kalil (2010 – 2019)

Stats: 121 games, 2x All Pro (2013, 2015)

Kalil's prime was the Rivera era Panthers prime, especially his dominant season in 2015. How is six holding penalties all decade? He had year after year of high snap counts with nary an hurry or sack given up. Despite the flotsam and jetsam that cycled in and out of the Panthers OLs over the years, he kept things somewhat stable. Probably could have earned another all pro or two if not for injuries in certain years.

2^nd Team: Jason Kelce (2011 – 2019)

Stats: 126 games, 2x All Pro (2017, 2018)

The heart and soul of the Eagles great 2017 OL, Kelce will always be remembered for that bonkers incredible Super Bowl parade speech, but behind all that verve was an incredibly consistent player who got better and better as the decade wore on. Two straight all pros to close the decade was a strong finish to what was an incredible productive set of seasons.

Honorable Mention: Nick Mangold (2010 – 2016)

Stats: 100 games, 2x All Pro (2010, 2011)

Mangold now has been retired for four seasons, but his prime was truly the best of any center in the decade. His performances in 2010 and 2011 made him one of the best players in the sport, let alone OL or Center. He was easily the Jets best player outside of Revis, the anchor to a team that led the NFL in rushing, and made a passable offense despite having Mark Sanchez start. Had he played maybe a season or more - or held his best play post 2013 or so - he probably gets a spot higher up.

Kicker:

1st Team:

Justin Tucker (2012 – 2019)

Stats: 128 games, 265/292 FG (90.8%), 39/55 FG on 50+ yds, 3x All Pro (2013, 2016, 2018)

A lack of memorable playoff moments probabyl keep him out of being seen as one of the greatest kickers ever. If anything his most memorable moment is probably a nearly missed short field goal in the replacement ref game in his rookie season. He entered a situation where the team probably would have won a Super Bowl had the guy he replaced made a kick. Instead, Tucker became maybe the best kicker ever, deadly at all distances, and kept the Ravens special teams among the league's best always.

2nd Team:

Adam Vinatieri (2010 – 2019)

Stats: 154 games, 261/303 FG (86.1%), 35/50 FG on 50+ yds, 1x All Pro (2014)

So maybe there are no signature moments this decade, but for Vinatieri, what came out of nowhere was becoming a booming leg maven, hitting 70% of hsi field goals from more than 50 yards out. His accuracy dipped badly in 2019 which hurt his overall decade numbers, but Vinatieri had an amazing decade especially considering it started in a season coming off an injury in 2009.

Punter:

1st Team:

Johnny Hekker (2012 – 2019)

Stats: 128 games, 608 punts, 47.0 y/p, 3x All Pro (2015, 2016, 2017)

Greg The Leg got all the headlines for special teams prowess for the Rams, but Hekker is the better player, and this isn't even counting in his ability as a fake-punt passer. Hekker had a lot of experience punting up through 2016, but even in the McVay years he remained a constant special teams ace.

2nd Team:

Andy Lee (2010 – 2019)

Stats: 152 games, 736 punts, 47.9 y/p, 2x All Pro (2012, 2013)

Hey, you know those early 49ers teams were great. Even their special teams were good, and Andy Lee was at his best in the Alex Smith part of the run when field position was critical for their success. Probably the best coffin-corner punter of the decade as well.

Returner:

1st Team:

Cordarelle Patterson (2013 – 2019)

Stats: 111 games, 204 kick returns, 7 TDs, 29.9 y/r, 2x All Pro (2013, 2016)

This removes whatever limited value he gave as a receiver. Cordarelle was a special, dynamic returer from teh outset. He probably still remained an overdraft by the Vikings, who got surprisingly little out of their three 1st round picks in 2013, but he is the one returner drafted in teh decade to hold his value and make it out alive and still productive and with a job.

2nd Team: 

Devin Hester (2010 – 2016)

Stats: 96 games, 170 punt returns, 7 TDs, 12.1 y/r, 194 kick returns, 1 TD, 26.0 y/r, 2x All Pro (2010, 2014)

His best stuff was in 2006-2009, but even in this decade he was a monster. His rebirth with the 2010 Bears - after they stopped pretending he could play receiver - opened up another unparalleled run as a returner. He remained good for the Bears, but his final great year in Atlanta, setting the all time returns record on the way. He probably has enough of a groundswell at this point to make the Hall of Fame, an honor he richly, richly deserves.