Top 50 NFL players ..... thoughts ?

poptart · Post by **poptart** » Wed May 31, 2006 2:46 pm

Top 50 players: Fleeting moments of glory

May 30, 2006
By Pete Prisco

The NFL is a cruel business for its players. I've always believed that, which is why players should enjoy it while they can. It goes so fast, their time in the spotlight limited, the big-money years coming and going, replaced by the reality that it's over.

That becomes even more evident to me each summer when I sit down to do the CBS SportsLine.com list of the Top 50 players in the league, which is something I've been doing the past six years.

It's amazing to see the change from one year to the next. Players rise, players fall. Age impacts some, their spot taken by somebody with the vigor of youth. The injured get discarded like a worn-out pair of socks, their perch among the game's elite no longer in their grasp.

Two years ago, the No. 3 player on our list was Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair. The No. 4 player was Kansas City Chiefs running back Priest Holmes.

Want to know where they are on this year's top 50? Scan it all you want. You won't find them.

Injuries and age have sent those two falling like Tom Cruise's popularity. McNair, who might play for the Baltimore Ravens this year, can still get it done, but he isn't as good as he was in 2004, when he was coming off a co-MVP season.

In 2003, Holmes ran for 1,420 yards and scored 27 touchdowns, earning him the high ranking in our 2004 Top 50. Since then, he has played in a total of 15 games because of injuries and has rushed for 1,343 yards the past two seasons. There's talk he might be forced to retire because of a neck injury.

That's so cruel. That's the NFL.

The flip side is the emergence of young stars, players who have found their way into the top 10, a guy like Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer.

When we did the rankings in June 2004, Palmer was coming off a rookie season in which he didn't take one snap. There was no way he could be ranked anywhere close to the top 50.

Two years later, he's the fifth-ranked player in the league, despite suffering a serious knee injury last January.

That's how quickly thinks change.

One thing that hasn't changed is the top-rated player. For the third consecutive year, Colts quarterback Peyton Manning tops the list. Manning had another outstanding season in 2005, leading the Colts to best record in the league before they choked away their chance to win a Super Bowl.

Manning remains the game's best player, on his way to becoming perhaps the game's greatest passer. He is certainly on his way to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The reason he tops this list is simple. It's because he's the answer to this question:

If there was an open draft of all NFL players, who would be the first player taken?

Manning would top most lists.

So he stays at the top here, followed closely for the second consecutive year by New England quarterback Tom Brady. They are a strong 1-2, where great quarterbacks should be. Palmer is right behind them, even with the major knee surgery. He's making progress in his rehab and might be there for the season opener. If not, his return shouldn't be long after that.

As for Holmes and McNair, their futures remain cloudy. McNair will play somewhere this season, even if his skills have eroded. Holmes might not play at all. His career might be over.

That's why neither can be found in this Top 50, only two years from being among the top five.

When they say the NFL chews you up and spits you out, they aren't kidding. The rise can be slow -- McNair and Holmes are proof of that -- but the fall is usually swift.

Fame is fleeting. The NFL reminds of us of that every year, especially when it's time to rate the game's best.

1. Peyton Manning, QB, Colts: A lot of people will argue with this choice, but his remains the most important position. When he finally does win a Super Bowl, he will finally get his due.

2. Tom Brady, QB, Patriots: He had an amazing season in 2005, carrying and offense without a running attack. He is right up there with Manning, just a smidge under him in the ratings.

3. LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers: This is the game's best back and he's an MVP candidate every season. He will be forced to do more now that Drew Brees is gone. Here's hoping they don't beat him up.

4. Champ Bailey, CB, Broncos: There is no better cover corner in the league. He can take away the other team's best receiver. Don't believe the nonsense that he isn't the best at his position. And his position has a premium value to it.

5. Carson Palmer, QB, Bengals: He's coming off knee surgery, which is a concern, but he has made big strides in his recovery. He had an amazing season in 2005 and we can expect many more.

6. Walter Jones, T, Seahawks: He is the game's best offensive lineman, which is high praise. He dominates his opponents and plays light on his feet.

7. Randy Moss, WR, Raiders: He didn't have the type of season many expected in Oakland in 2005, but he is still the league's most explosive receiver. Just ask the opposing defensive backs.

8. Brian Urlacher, LB, Bears: After years of battling the overrated label, he finally played as well as advertised in 2005. He was the leader of that good Bears defense.

9. Chad Johnson, WR, Bengals: He talks a big game, but you have to love the fact he backs it up. This kid is good for the NFL, and he's a great player.

10. Ray Lewis, LB, Ravens: Has he slipped some? Maybe a little, but he's still among the best middle linebackers in the game. He only played six games last season. Watch how well he plays now that the Ravens are back playing the 4-3.

11. Marvin Harrison, WR, Colts: He's getting a bit up in years, but he's still a heck of a receiver. He remains Manning's go-to guy.

12. Richard Seymour, DE, Patriots: He missed time with injuries last season, and it showed up in a big way in the New England defense. He can dominate the line of scrimmage when he's on the field.

13. Julius Peppers, DE, Panthers: He started slow last season, but came on strong. He remains one of the premier pass rushers in the league.

14. Larry Johnson, RB, Chiefs: They used the word bust to describe him a year ago, and now he's a legitimate star. It's funny how things change in a year.

15. Terrell Owens, WR, Cowboys: Despite his off-field issues, he's still among the top offensive threats in the game. I'd take him on my offense any day of the week.

16. Dwight Freeney, DE, Colts: He has a unique ability to disrupt a game. The speed he has off the corner is what makes him so special. His special plays are what have him this high up.

17. Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers: He made big strides in his second season, and we can expect more this season. He's just behind Carson Palmer on the quarterback pecking order for third place.

18. Clinton Portis, RB, Redskins: He looked much more comfortable in the Redskins offense last season than he did in 2004. Portis is one of the league's most explosive backs.

19. Ed Reed, S, Ravens: He missed six games in 2005 with an injury, but he's healthy again, which isn't good news for opposing QBs. Reed is the league's best safety when healthy.

20. Shaun Alexander, RB, Seahawks: He was the MVP in 2005, quieting some of his critics. Yet there is still a perception that he isn't exactly an elite back. We'll find out now that Steve Hutchinson is gone.

21. Antonio Gates, TE, Chargers: The top tight end in the league is a weapon few teams can handle. The scary thing is that he continues to get better.

22. Steve Smith, WR, Panthers: Smith moved to the elite class of receivers with an amazing 2005. He makes it look easy for a little man.

23. Troy Polamalu, S, Steelers: He became a force for the Steelers defense in 2005. He seemed to be all over the field. He does need to improve in coverage before he moves higher up this list.

24. Marcus Stroud, DT, Jaguars: He's part of the league's best tackle combination with John Henderson. Stroud battled injuries last year, yet still made it to the Pro Bowl. He is a force when healthy.

25. Tiki Barber, RB, Giants: He had an MVP-like season in 2005, but how much more does he have left? The Giants rely on him a lot.

26. Sean Taylor, S, Redskins: He is on the verge of being a superstar. He has range and he can tackle. Watch out for him in 2006.

27. Torry Holt, WR, Rams: When most lists of elite receivers are mentioned, his name isn't among the top guys. That's a mistake. He is a special player.

28. Steve Hutchinson, G, Vikings: Minnesota paid him a ton of money for a guard, but he is the best in the league at his position. He mauls the opposition.

29. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals: He came into his own last year and expect him to get better as he matures. He has big-time skills.

30. Shaun Rogers, DT, Lions: Playing for a bad team, he doesn't get the attention some others do, but he is a power player in the middle of the Lions defense. He has to be doubled.

31. Jonathan Ogden, T, Ravens: He isn't as good as he was a few years back, but he's still one of the game's best left tackles. If only he played with a mean streak.

32. Donovan McNabb, QB, Eagles: Without a go-to receiver, he didn't play as well in 2005 as he did the year before. Injuries slowed him last season as well. This is a big season for him.

33. Orlando Pace, T, Rams: He remains one of the game's best left tackles. He can overpower an opponent, but he's getting up in years.

34. Tony Gonzalez, TE, Chiefs: This future Hall of Fame player is getting up in years, but he remains one of the league's best. He can still create problems in the middle of the field.

35. Michael Vick, QB, Falcons: Once he improves his passing, he will be higher up this list. That has to happen soon for his team to get to a Super Bowl.

36. Derrick Brooks, LB, Buccaneers: He's getting older, but he's still one of the best linebackers in the game. He's an even better person.

37. John Henderson, DT, Jaguars: Henderson played better than Stroud in 2005 and should have been in the Pro Bowl. He is a load at the point of attack.

38. Kevin Williams, DT, Vikings: He is a dominant force in the middle of the Minnesota line. He is good against the run and the pass. And he's only getting better.

39. Edgerrin James, RB, Cardinals: The Cardinals hope he has some good years left, but how many is the question. He's still a good back, but not nearly as good as some think.

40. Simeon Rice, DE, Buccaneers: He had 14 sacks last season, which shows he can still get after the passer. He remains a heck of a player in his 11th season.

41. Al Wilson, LB, Broncos: Wilson is a nasty tackler who brings a ferocious attitude to the defense. He plays the game the way it's supposed to be played.

42. Steven Jackson, RB, Rams: He wasn't used right by the previous regime, but under coach Scott Linehan look for him to put up huge numbers. This is the next star runner, which is why he is this high.

43. Shawne Merriman, LB, Chargers: He had 10 sacks as a rookie and that's just the start. This kid will be a disrupter for 10 years coming off the edge.

44. Brett Favre, QB, Packers: Is he as good as he has been in the past? No, but he didn't have a lot to work with last year. He can still be an effective quarterback.

45. Jonathan Vilma, LB, Jets: This tackling machine has quickly become a force in the middle of the Jets defense. It's too bad his team isn't that good.

46. Jason Taylor, DE, Dolphins: Taylor continues to play at a high level, getting 12 sacks in 2005. He has improved greatly as a run player, too.

47. Anquan Boldin, WR, Cardinals: Playing opposite Fitzgerald, Boldin gives the Cardinals the best one-two receiving duo in the league. He has two seasons over 100 catches in his first three. That's special.

48. Michael Strahan, DE, Giants: Now late in his career, he trimmed his body into shape and had one of his best seasons in 2005. He is still a force at his left end spot.

49. Adrian Wilson, S, Cardinals: If he were on any other team, he'd be considered among the top defensive players. If the Cardinals win this year, he'll get his due.

50. Osi Umenyiora, DE, Giants: He had 14½ sacks last season to finish second in the league. He is just now coming into his own as a player, which is scary.

Just missed: Mike Peterson, LB, Jaguars; Takeo Spikes, LB, Bills; Todd Heap, TE, Ravens; Willie Roaf, T, Chiefs; Brian Dawkins, S, Eagles; Trent Green, QB, Chiefs; Andre Johnson, WR, Texans; Hines Ward, WR, Steelers; Cadillac Williams, RB, Buccaneers; Ken Lucas, CB, Panthers.

BSmack · Post by **BSmack** » Wed May 31, 2006 2:48 pm

I think Pete Prisco is a fucking retard.

jiminphilly · Post by **jiminphilly** » Wed May 31, 2006 3:18 pm

BSmack wrote:I think Pete Prisco is a fucking retard.

Could not agree more. Worst list ever. Don't know where to start.

BBMarley · Post by **BBMarley** » Wed May 31, 2006 3:33 pm

#35 & #44.. Nuff said.

Vick is a horrible QB, Farve is a shell of the man he used to be. Prisco is a moron

poptart · Post by **poptart** » Wed May 31, 2006 3:42 pm

Chump Bailey #4 ... ?

Cicero · Post by **Cicero** » Wed May 31, 2006 3:46 pm

Yeah, Champ at 5 is laughable. I think Peyton has more god given talent, but you cant argue w/ results. I would flip flop #2. I would even make the arguement for LT2 to be #1.

Trent Green is a lot better than Favre and Vick. Vick shouldnt be anywhere near that list.

Degenerate · Post by **Degenerate** » Wed May 31, 2006 3:49 pm

Just missed: Hines Ward, WR, Steelers.

What color is the sky in Pete Prisco's world?

poptart · Post by **poptart** » Wed May 31, 2006 3:56 pm

Good call, Degenerate.

Ward is a TOUGH receiver who makes big catches.

Pittsburgh doesn't win a Super Bowl without him.

He's gotta be on a top 50 list, IMO.

Shoalzie · Post by **Shoalzie** » Wed May 31, 2006 4:01 pm

These lists are always FUBAR and it's so difficult to compare a QB to a DB to a OL to a LB to a WR. You're better off make seperate lists for each position.

Cicero · Post by **Cicero** » Wed May 31, 2006 4:03 pm

Surprised they didnt put Reginald Bush on there.

drummer · Post by **drummer** » Wed May 31, 2006 4:15 pm

mvscal wrote:So, what exactly are the qualifications for a "sports writer" again?

Wearing a coffee stained shirt to the job interview ?

bbqjones · Post by **bbqjones** » Wed May 31, 2006 5:49 pm

jiminphilly wrote:
BSmack wrote:I think Pete Prisco is a fucking retard.
Could not agree more. Worst list ever. Don't know where to start.

i didnt pay much attention to the list, but i listen to the local jacksonville show almost every day. dude is pretty good actually. its his sidekick that annoys the fuck out of me. anyways, yeah prisco is probably a douchbag, but his partner is a dumb black dummy.

BSmack · Post by **BSmack** » Wed May 31, 2006 6:03 pm

bbqjones wrote:
jiminphilly wrote:
BSmack wrote:I think Pete Prisco is a fucking retard.
Could not agree more. Worst list ever. Don't know where to start.
i didnt pay much attention to the list, but i listen to the local jacksonville show almost every day. dude is pretty good actually. its his sidekick that annoys the fuck out of me. anyways, yeah prisco is probably a douchbag, but his partner is a dumb black dummy.

He can't be that smart if he...

1. Ranks Manning over Brady as a QB
2. Ranks Larry Johnson below ANY other running back
3. Ranks Randy Moss the best WR in football
4. Ranks Champ Bailey the best CB in football
5. Ranks Michael Vick in the top 50 players in football
6. Ranks Ray Lewis ahead of Jonathan Vilma

Those are just the examples that stick out on a brief skim through the list. I'm sure I could find a few more if I cared enough.

the_ouskull · Post by **the_ouskull** » Wed May 31, 2006 6:34 pm

Adrian Wilson and Sean Taylor ahead of Roy Williams at safety? That's cute.

the_ouskull

WolverineSteve · Post by **WolverineSteve** » Wed May 31, 2006 7:18 pm

Worst list ever.

A bumbling effort from #1 to "those recieving votes".

War Wagon · Post by **War Wagon** » Wed May 31, 2006 9:30 pm

BSmack wrote: He can't be that smart if he...

2. Ranks Larry Johnson below ANY other running back

No shit. Is there any doubt which RB will be selected first in virtually every FFL draft on the planet this season?

If there is a cash FFL out there where this would not be the case, I want join it.

poptart · Post by **poptart** » Wed May 31, 2006 11:34 pm

I have no problem with Tomlinson being rated higher than Johnson.

Last year Johnson had 2100 yds from scrimmage with 21 tds
Tomlinson had 1800 yds from scrimmage with 20 tds.

Johnson did his damage playing behind a superior o-line, IMO.
Ok, you can say that Johnson was better last year, but it's ONE season.

Go back to '03 and you'll see that Tomlinson had a BETTER season than LJ did in '05.
In '03 Tomlinson had almost 2400 yds from scrimmage with 17 tds.
Sick.

Tomlinson has had 5 straight seasons over 1200 yds rushing, and has had over 15 tds in all but his rookie year.

Again, switch o-lines last year and what sort of production do you think we'd have seen from both guys ...?

If I'm a GM and I get to pick any one RB in the league to be on my roster, it's Tomlinson.

ChargerMike · Post by **ChargerMike** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 12:04 am

War Wagon wrote:
BSmack wrote: He can't be that smart if he...

2. Ranks Larry Johnson below ANY other running back
No shit. Is there any doubt which RB will be selected first in virtually every FFL draft on the planet this season?

If there is a cash FFL out there where this would not be the case, I want join it.

...in a word NO...howevah, I couldn't rank Johnson as the top back in the NFL at this point. I remember the DOTRF horrified when people started touting LT as the best back....you mofo's every freekin one of you were screaming "wait until he's done it for a few years,.. until then Priest is still #1". You don't name a player # 1 until he earns it. You earn it by being the man over a period of time (years). Starting 9 games last year LJ had great stats, but hey...... in 3 years LJ has exactly 12 starts!

Is he a beast? YES
Did he look virtually unstopable in the last 8 games? YES
Is it likely he will pick up where he left off? YES
Is there a little Chief myopia running rampant? YES

Can we at least wait until he goes through a couple of 16 game seasons with teams keying on him before we crown him the next Jim Brown? JMHO

ChargerMike · Post by **ChargerMike** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 12:14 am

KC Paul 3.0 wrote:
ChargerMike wrote:Is he a beast? YES
Did he look virtually unstopable in the last 8 games? YES
Is it likely he will pick up where he left off? YES
Is there a little Chief myopia running rampant? YES
I couldn't agree MORE.
Can we at least wait until he goes through a couple of 16 game seasons with teams keying on him before we crown him the next Jim Brown? JMHO
NO[/n]- LJ SHREDDED the best run defenses in the league last year when he started. No reason NOT to think he'll pick up where he left off or get BETTER this season. :wink:

...so you're saying he's as good as Jim Brown right now after 9 starts, umm k...gotcha on record Paul

War Wagon · Post by **War Wagon** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 12:20 am

poptart wrote:I have no problem with Tomlinson being rated higher than Johnson.

Last year Johnson had 2100 yds from scrimmage with 21 tds
Tomlinson had 1800 yds from scrimmage with 20 tds.

Wha... :?

umm, 'tart?... LJ only started 9 freaking games last year, and still had better stats than LT.

If I'm a GM and I get to pick any one RB in the league to be on my roster, it's Tomlinson.

That's why you're not an NFL GM, or even a FFL GM, for that matter bro. Not that I blame you. You'd get rolled by Duane the Dumbass in the JFFL, trust me. :wink:

Nice point by Paulio, btw...about the lack of wear and tear on LJ. The rest sucked.

And let's not forget, LJ is still hungry and carrying a chip around on his shoulder. He hasn't been paid yet.

poptart · Post by **poptart** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 12:30 am

War Wagon wrote:
poptart wrote:I have no problem with Tomlinson being rated higher than Johnson.

Last year Johnson had 2100 yds from scrimmage with 21 tds
Tomlinson had 1800 yds from scrimmage with 20 tds.
Wha... :?

umm, 'tart?... LJ only started 9 freaking games last year, and still had better stats than LT.

Johnson had the same number of carries as Tomlinson..... -3

336 for Johnson
339 for Tomlinson

I like Tomlinson's versatility, and I would feel more comfortable with his attitude.

ChargerMike · Post by **ChargerMike** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 12:37 am

KC Paul 3.0 wrote:
ChargerMike wrote:...so you're saying he's as good as Jim Brown right now after 9 starts, umm k...gotcha on record Paul
What can I say....Myopia runneth WILD from this here keyboard, Mikey.

...

War Wagon · Post by **War Wagon** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 12:40 am

ChargerMike wrote: ...you mofo's every freekin one of you were screaming "wait until he's done it for a few years,..

Nope. If you'll amember correctly, I was the only DOTRF defending the pick when King Carl drafted him...and got piled on unmercifully for my trouble.

I never did get around to asking "how do you like me now?"...since I was too damn busy enjoying the moment.

Well, there it is.

Can we at least wait until he goes through a couple of 16 game seasons with teams keying on him before we crown him the next Jim Brown? JMHO

Only concerned about the next one. Anyone can gloss him as whatever...I prefer to believe it'll be as the All Time single season rushing record holder.

We'll see, and I can't wait.

Btw, Mike...pretty sure that you got rolled by Duane as well...

War Wagon · Post by **War Wagon** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 12:51 am

poptart wrote:
Johnson had the same number of carries as Tomlinson..... -3

336 for Johnson
339 for Tomlinson

So what's your point?

I'll tell you what it should be...Tomlinson isn't the workhorse that Johnson is.

I like Tomlinson's versatility, and I would feel more comfortable with his attitude.

Otay. You can have the attitude and versatility, I'll take the sheer fucking beast that is one constantly pissed off LJ ripping thru the line and the look of terror in d-backs eyes when they see this stud rumbling their way.

ChargerMike · Post by **ChargerMike** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 1:01 am

War Wagon wrote:
ChargerMike wrote: ...you mofo's every freekin one of you were screaming "wait until he's done it for a few years,..
Nope. If you'll amember correctly, I was the only DOTRF defending the pick when King Carl drafted him...and got piled on unmercifully for my trouble.

I'm talking about when LT was emerging as a top RB, and Bolt myopia was spewing forth. The DOTRF down to the man were bashing Boltfan and saying LT had to to it for a number of years before he displaced Priest.

I never did get around to asking "how do you like me now?"...since I was too damn busy enjoying the moment.

(*)&(_*_)&^%#$%$) your tight end went off for 50 points (or there abouts) or it would have been a defferent story..I'm talking 04 :wink:

Well, there it is.

Can we at least wait until he goes through a couple of 16 game seasons with teams keying on him before we crown him the next Jim Brown? JMHO

Only concerned about the next one. Anyone can gloss him as whatever...I prefer to believe it'll be as the All Time single season rushing record holder.

We'll see, and I can't wait.

Btw, Mike...pretty sure that you got rolled by Duane as well... Duane was nails, what can I say

...anyone who wasn't blown away watching LJ is a football nimrod. That said, I have to think he caught a few teams on their heels if ya know what I mean. Ask LT about teams loading up to jam the run. I think teams will prepare themselves with the idear of not letting LJ beat them. I don't think it will work, but the going will be a tad tougher.

poptart · Post by **poptart** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 1:06 am

War Wagon wrote:
poptart wrote:
Johnson had the same number of carries as Tomlinson..... -3

336 for Johnson
339 for Tomlinson
So what's your point?

What's my point ... ?

Hey Wagon, you said, "LJ only started 9 freaking games last year, and still had better stats than LT".

I just pointed out that the nine game take is obviously horribly misleading.

They still had the same number of carries.

War Wagon · Post by **War Wagon** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 1:15 am

poptart wrote: They still had the same number of carries.

So what about my unwritten point then that had LJ started all 16 games, he would have had many more carries, and thus yards?

That LJ is more of a workhorse?

Just sweeping that under the rug?

poptart · Post by **poptart** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 1:17 am

He very well might be more of a workhorse.

He's bigger and stronger.

That's his clear advantage over LT.

It'll be interesting to see if he can sustain last year's greatness.

ChargerMike · Post by **ChargerMike** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 1:19 am

War Wagon wrote:
poptart wrote: They still had the same number of carries.
So what about my unwritten point then that had LJ started all 16 games, he would have had many more carries, and thus yards?

That LJ is more of a workhorse?

Just sweeping that under the rug?

...the Bolts have learned not to run LT into the ground, something the Chiefs better take a look at. :wink:

War Wagon · Post by **War Wagon** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 2:07 am

ChargerMike wrote: I have to think he caught a few teams on their heels if ya know what I mean. Ask LT about teams loading up to jam the run. I think teams will prepare themselves with the idear of not letting LJ beat them. I don't think it will work, but the going will be a tad tougher.

Fair enough.

But I think Willie Roaf, Brian Waters, Casey Weigman, and Will Shields have some different ideas.

These fuckers want a goddamn Ring.

But what do I know?

I'm still in mourning over Barbaro. :cry:

War Wagon · Post by **War Wagon** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 3:34 am

mvscal wrote: Tomlinson also had 51 receptions. I think 390 touches qualifies as a "workhorse" by any reasonable standard.

Granted.

I can't say that LJ will ever develop into a receiver coming out of the backfield, but he's shown some flashes of that ability.

Holy fucking mother of god, what if he does?

BSmack · Post by **BSmack** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 3:44 am

KC Paul 3.0 wrote:
War Wagon wrote:I can't say that LJ will ever develop into a receiver coming out of the backfield, but he's shown some flashes of that ability.

Holy fucking mother of god, what if he does?
Wags, just ask RaydahFan if LJ is a decent receiver out of the backfield....BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! :wink:

To hell with Raiderfan. Ask someone who made 325 bucks on LJ last year. ;)

poptart · Post by **poptart** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 5:58 am

KC Paul 3.0 wrote:
War Wagon wrote:I can't say that LJ will ever develop into a receiver coming out of the backfield, but he's shown some flashes of that ability.

Holy fucking mother of god, what if he does?
Wags, just ask RaydahFan if LJ is a decent receiver out of the backfield....BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! :wink:

Wasn't like Johnson had to do anything except catch the ball and run straight for the goal line on that play.

No moves needed.

Oakland was in it's 3-3-sleep package, or something.

Pretty much par for their season.

Johnson's got no moves (relatively speaking) as a receiver out of the backfield.

Tomlinson's a LOT better than him in this category.

poptart · Post by **poptart** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 9:21 am

A few more quick thoughts......

1. Peyton Manning - This is a joke. Mr regular season number guy, yes. But no way in hell you can rank a guy as THE best player in the league when he has regularly pissed down his leg at real nut-cuttin' time.

5. Carson Palmer - This is too high for a guy coming off of his knee injury, combined with never having really played in NFL post-season. Like it or not, a QB's TRUE worth is decided by what he's able to do in January.

10. Ray Lewis - Too high. Injuries have slowed his motor some and he's not the absolute FORCE he was a couple/few years ago.

15. T. BlOwens - Hate to say it, but he might deserve to be a couple of numbers higher.

22. Steve Smith - Might also need to be a couple of spots higher.

36. Derrick Brooks - Like Ray Lewis, he's rated too high.

Cicero · Post by **Cicero** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 1:46 pm

LT2 is the Top RB in the league. He has proven that over the past 3-4 years. He is the best receiving RB in the league as well and can hurt you a number of ways. Let Larry Johnson put those numbers up over a 3 year span and then we can crown him the best back. One season doesnt mean he is the best.

BSmack · Post by **BSmack** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 1:56 pm

Cicero wrote:LT2 is the Top RB in the league. He has proven that over the past 3-4 years. He is the best receiving RB in the league as well and can hurt you a number of ways. Let Larry Johnson put those numbers up over a 3 year span and then we can crown him the best back. One season doesnt mean he is the best.

You can talk numbers all you want. LJ averaged 5.2 yards a carry and 10 yards a reception. How did LT do?

Oh, 4.3 yards a carry and 7.3 a catch? Sorry, but LJ is simply the better back RIGHT NOW.

Cicero · Post by **Cicero** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 2:05 pm

I'd still take LT2. The better all around back.

poptart · Post by **poptart** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 2:05 pm

Play switcheroo with the team's o-lines last year and you might be singing a different tune, Bri.

Red · Post by **Red** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 2:52 pm

poptart wrote:Play switcheroo with the team's o-lines last year and you might be singing a different tune, Bri.

Precisely. Johnson is running behind arguably the best line in all of football. San Diego's has been in the bottom third of the league for almost all of Tomlinson's career and he's still never had worse than 1236 yards on the ground.

BSmack · Post by **BSmack** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 4:06 pm

poptart wrote:Play switcheroo with the team's o-lines last year and you might be singing a different tune, Bri.

The Chargers O line isn't exactly horrible. Last I checked, the Chargers were in the top 10 of the NFL in total offense, time of possesion and points per game. That requires a solid team effort, something Raiderfan might not be used to seeing, but that happens with your better NFL teams.

BTW: Anybody else notice Tomlinson's level of play drop dramaticly the last 5 games of last year? 103 carries for 376 yards (3.65 yards a carry) and a TOTAL of 46 yards recieving in 5 games with a whopping ONE TD.

THIS is the best RB in football? In crunch time? Shit, you might as well just que up Jim Mora right now. Because you can't talk about playofs when your best RB is playing like that. You're just hoping you can win a damn game.

Meanwhile, in the same 5 game stretch, when both teams were fighting for a playoff bid, LJ was racking up 782 rushing yards on 145 carries (5.39 yards a carry) with a 123 yards recieving (over twice what LT had) and a mind boggling TWELVE TDs.

T1B

Top 50 NFL players ..... thoughts ?

Top 50 NFL players ..... thoughts ?

Re: Top 50 NFL players ..... thoughts ?