NFL Network’s Top 100: 70-61 Earl Thomas Makes an Apperance
The NFLnetwork continued their countdown of the top 100 players in the N.F.L. on Wednesday night. In the 70-61 group I think a lot of the names here are based on reputation of what they have done in the past and their name branding. I’ll have to wait to see how the rest of the list unfolds, but it’s a solid job here-even if some guys are living off more of a reputation.
#70 Michael Vick, QB, Eagles-it’s always been about health and leadership for Vick. Vick has really improved in his leadership, but hasn’t been able to play a full season healthy when the Eagles.
#69 Carlos Rogers, CB, 49ers--the question for the 49ers is are they getting the guy in 2012 they had in 2011 (a good player) or the inconsistent guy the Redskins dealt with in the past. Rogers also got abused a couple of times by Victor Cruz, but last year Cruz made all cornerbacks look bad.
#68 Elvis Dumervil, DE, Broncos-To me, Dumvervil is not as good of an all around defensive end as Justin Tuck at is best, but Dumervil is probably the better pass rusher.
#67 Joe Staley, OT, San Francisco-good player, but is this more because of reputation? I didn’t watch enough 49ers games to get a great feel of how dominant game in and game out Staley was in 2011.
#66 Earl Thomas-Earl Thomas is one of my favorite players to watch in the N.F.L. what a terrific talent. As a Giants fan I was really hoping Earl Thomas would be available when they chose and was disappointed when he went one pick before the Giants in 2010. It turns out that I had nothing to worry about as the Giants drafted Jason Pierre Paul with the 15th pick. Thomas is terrific though, one of the very few true playmakers at the safety position in the N.F.L.
#65-Roddy White, WR, Atlanta Falcons-White has become a possession monster. White also makes big plays, but is biggest strength is controlling the passing game for the Falcons. White racks up catches with the best of them, but provides more red-zone size and deep down the field ability than a player like Wes Welker.
#64 Logan Mankins OL, New England Patriots
Makins was ok this year. I watched at least 8 Patriots games and he did a solid, job, but not a t0p 65 player job. According to hosted stats, Makins gave up 5.5 sacks this year while drawing twice twice and having five false start penalties. Which is not good. David Diehl who was considered average at best (and probably much worse) this year gave up 6.5 sacks and had two false start penalties.
#63 LaMarr Woodley, OLB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Woodley has been one of the most consistent pass rushing threats in the league over the past few seasons. Woodely struggled with injuries in 2011, but was still able to post good numbers. He had 9 sacks in 10 games played, which is really impressive. If he was healthy all year he would have been much higher on the list.
#62 Justin Tuck, DE, New York Giants
Like Michael Vick, Justin Tuck’s biggest concern is how healthy can he be on the field. This year it is fair to say that during perhaps as much as the first three quarters of the N.F.L. season that Justin Tuck was nowhere near a top 75 player. Maybe even a top 175 player. However, when he was finally able to work through his injuries we saw the player that makes him one of the leagues five best dual threat 43 Defensive ends. In the playoffs Tuck had 3.5 sacks and is a major reason why the Giants won another Superbowl Championship. Tuck is in store for a big year next year. Over the past four years his numbers have looked like this: 12 sacks, 6 sacks, 11.5 sacks, 5 sacks.
#61 Philip Rivers, QB, San Diego Chargers
Rivers, I don’t think is given enough help by his General Manager who recently has let Rivers lose his LT, his running back security blanket, his best WR. Rivers is a very good quarterback. He doesn’t appeal to everyone with his fiery personality. I’d expect a big year in 2012 from Rivers.
Thoughts on the 70-61 of the NFL Network top 100?
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