motife
12-24-2007, 06:37 PM
http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/insider/news/story?id=3159760&univLogin02=stateChanged
Selecting the NFC Pro Bowl team wasn't an easy task. While some decisions were easier than others -- see Favre, Brett -- there wasn't a position that didn't generate some debate among our group over who makes our Pro Bowl team and who gets snubbed.
But after much debate, here is the Scouts Inc. NFC Pro Bowl team.
NFC Offense
Quarterbacks
Brett Favre, Green Bay
(67.1 completion pct., 3,905 yards, 26 TDs, 13 INT, 97.7 rating.)
Tony Romo, Dallas
(64.9 completion pct., 3,868 yards, 35 TDs, 17 INTs, 101.0 rating.)
Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle
(62.5 completion pct., 3,620 yards, 25 TDs, 10 INTs, 92.0 rating.)
Snubs
Drew Brees, New Orleans
(68.7 completion pct., 3,819 yards, 25 TDs, 15 INTs, 92.1 rating.)
Jeff Garcia, Tampa Bay
(64.2 completion pct., 2,244 yards, 12 TDs, 4 INTs, 93.6 rating.)
If it were not for New England's Tom Brady, the MVP race would be between Favre and Romo. Favre seems to break a career passing mark every week and is playing as well as he did 10 years ago. Romo, meanwhile, has been one of the biggest reasons Dallas is a Super Bowl contender. Seattle could not run the football, so Mike Holmgren handed the offense to Hasselbeck. Hasselbeck has not disappointed. Brees started slow, but has blown up in the second half of the season while Garcia revived the Bucs' offense and fits Jon Gruden's system perfectly.
Running Backs
Adrian Peterson, Minnesota
(1,278 yards, 5.9 ypc, 13 total TDs.)
Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia
(1,191 yards, 4.7 ypc, 83 rec., 705 yards, 12 total TDs.)
Marion Barber, Dallas
(871 yards, 4.9 ypc, 11 total TDs.)
Snubs
Clinton Portis, Washington
(1,083 yards, 3.9 ypc, 8 TDs.)
Edgerrin James, Arizona
(1,052 yards, 3.8 ypc, 6 TDs.)
Frank Gore, San Francisco
(919 yards, 4.3 ypc, 5 TDs.)
To say that Peterson burst onto the NFL scene as a rookie would be a huge understatement. He is special, very special, and a threat to win the rushing title despite missing games with an injury. There is not a single player in the league who is more important to his team than Westbrook is to the Eagles. After these two great players, the pickings were slim, but Barber got the nod for his overall production as a runner, receiver and touchdown maker on a great offense.
Fullbacks
Tony Richardson, Minnesota
Snubs
Mike Karney, New Orleans
Mike Sellers, Washington
Richardson is the underappreciated player in the Vikings' fantastic running game. Even as a 13-year veteran, Richardson is still a top-grade blocker and receiver out of the backfield. He still does a great job of maintaining his pad level with good adjust ability when creating space for Peterson and Chester Taylor. Karney is a tough, blue-collar player and one of the best young lead blockers in the league, while Sellers does a little of everything for the Redskins.
Wide Receivers
Terrell Owens, Dallas
(76 rec., 1,307 yards, 14 TDs)
Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona
(83 rec., 1,166 yards, 8 TDs)
Marques Colston, New Orleans
(87 rec., 1,092 yards, 9 TDs)
Plaxico Burress, New York
(65 rec., 935 yards, 10 TDs)
Snubs
Steve Smith, Carolina
(73 rec., 817 yards, 6 TDs)
Greg Jennings, Green Bay
(50 rec., 878 yards, 12 TDs)
Torry Holt, St. Louis
(83 rec., 1,055 yards, 7 TDs)
Joey Galloway, Tampa Bay
(56 rec., 985 yards, 6 TDs)
This was a spot loaded with talent. Burress was tremendous early in the season and has been the most important player for the Giants despite a chronic ankle injury. TO is, well, TO. That means practically impossible to cover. Colston has blown up in the second half of the season and now officially belongs with the big boys. Smith's numbers do not compare with the others, but he might be the very best wide receiver in the game today. His lack of comparable production certainly has not been his fault.
Tight Ends
Jason Witten, Dallas
(88 rec., 1,068 yards, 7 TDs)
Chris Cooley, Washington
(60 rec., 711 yards , 7 TDs)
Snubs
Jeremy Shockey, New York
(57 rec., 619 yards, 3 TDs.)
Donald Lee, Green Bay
(47 rec., 573 yards, 6 TDs.)
Witten's name belongs among the elite tight ends in the game today, but overall, the AFC is far superior at this position. However, Cooley has been tremendous near the goal line and is Washington's best weapon by a large margin. Lee is an up-and-comer in an excellent passing attack while Shockey was forced to block more than his skills would dictate before breaking his leg in Week 15.
Offensive Tackles
Walter Jones, Seattle
Jon Runyan, Philadelphia
Bryant McKinnie, Minnesota
Snubs
Chris Samuels, Washington
Flozell Adams, Dallas
Jammal Brown, New Orleans
Jones might not be quite where he was a few seasons ago, but few tackles can approach his production. Runyan has battled a tailbone injury, but has proven to be extremely tough and reliable on the right side for Philadelphia, as always. McKinnie benefits from playing next to Steve Hutchinson, but the holes these two have opened on the left side of Minnesota's line have been massive. Brown started slow, but came on strong -- much like Brees and Colston for the Saints.
Guards
Steve Hutchinson, Minnesota
Chris Snee, New York
Shawn Andrews, Philadelphia
Snubs
Leonard Davis, Dallas
Mike Wahle, Carolina
Hutchinson is earning every penny of his massive contract in Minnesota and is simply the best offensive linemen in the game. He is a guard without weakness. Snee is mobile, nasty and the best player on the Giants' outstanding run blocking line. Choosing between Andrews and Davis was a very difficult decision. Both players are absolutely huge and blow their opponent backwards with regularity. Davis has proven to be a much better fit at guard than tackle.
Centers
Matt Birk, Minnesota
Andre Gurode, Dallas
Snubs
Scott Wells, Green Bay
Olin Kreutz, Chicago
Birk is the leader of the best run-blocking offensive line in the league and the brains of the operation. The two studs to his left get all the ink, but Birk's technique is flawless. Gurode has very good size and strength to anchor the Cowboys' exceptional line that excels in protecting Romo and opening holes for the run game. Keep an eye on Wells as a gritty up-and-comer.
NFC Defense
Defensive Ends
Patrick Kerney, Seattle
(59 tackles, 13.5 sacks, 3 FF, 1 INT)
Osi Umenyiora, New York
(43 tackles, 12 sacks, 4 FF)
Aaron Kampman, Green Bay
(62 tackles, 12 sacks, 1 FF)
Snubs
Michael Strahan, New York
(52 tackles, 9 sacks, 1 FF)
Trent Cole, Philadelphia
(65 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 4 FF)
Andre Carter, Washington
(50 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 4 FF)
Julius Peppers, Carolina
(39 tackles, 3 sacks, 3 FF, 1 INT)
Amazingly, the Giants could have conceivably had three names on this list -- Justin Tuck just missed -- but that just shows how good Umenyiora and Strahan have been. Kerney might be the best defensive free agent signed from this past offseason and has been terrorizing quarterbacks while Kampman is an underrated athlete, but has superb technique and a great motor. Carter has finally blossomed in 2007 and is a real handful off the edge.
Defensive Tackles
Darnell Dockett, Arizona
(54 tackles, 8 sacks, 2 FF)
Shaun Rogers, Detroit
(31 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 1 INT for a TD)
Kevin Williams, Minnesota
(32 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 FF, 2 INTs for TDs)
Snubs
Tommie Harris, Chicago
(31 tackles, 7 sacks, 1 FF)
Pat Williams, Minnesota
( 58 tackles, 2 sacks)
Kris Jenkins, Carolina
(34 tackles, 3 sacks)
When Rogers is on his game and in shape, there are few in his class. He was dominant early in the year with a rare blend of power and quickness. Dockett has emerged as a great player this season and few defensive tackles possess his ability to disrupt on the other side of the line of scrimmage. The Vikings' pair is nearly impossible to run on, but Kevin got the nod due to being a slightly better pass rusher. Harris is a better pass rusher than run stopper, but when healthy, is among the elite defensive players in the game.
Outside Linebackers
DeMarcus Ware, Dallas
(75 tackles, 11 sacks, 2 FF)
Julian Peterson, Seattle
(68 tackles, 9 sacks, 4 FF, 2 INT)
Lance Briggs, Chicago
(95 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 FF)
Snubs
Karlos Dansby, Arizona
(91 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 4 FF, 3 INT)
Michael Boley, Atlanta
(107 tackles, 3 sacks, 4 FF, 2 INTs)
AJ Hawk, Green Bay
(95 tackles, 1 sack, 1 FF, 1 INT)
Ernie Sims, Detroit
(122 tackles, 1 sack, 3 FF, 1 INT)
Ware very well could end up as the Defensive Player of the Year. Peterson can do everything well, while Briggs is once again among the league leaders in tackles. The snubs are also young and have very bright futures. Dansby will make many Pro Bowls in the years to come and Boley is possibly being the best player you have never heard of. Sims is a tackling machine on a poor defense and Hawk is right on schedule to becoming a great one.
Middle Linebackers
Nick Barnett, Green Bay
(119 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 2 INT)
Lofa Tatupu, Seattle
(101 tackles, 1 sack, 3 FF, 4 INT)
Snubs
Brian Urlacher, Chicago
(107 tackles, 5 sacks, 3 INT)
London Fletcher, Washington
(121 tackles, 3 INT.)
Patrick Willis, San Francisco
(142 tackles, 1 sack, 1 FF)
Jon Beason, Carolina
(121 tackles, 3 INT)
This may have been the most difficult group to choose and there are probably another three or four names that deserved being mentioned. While Barnett and Tatupu are a bit undersized, they are fantastic playmakers who continue to get better and lead their excellent defenses. Willis and Beason are two athletic rookies who could sit atop this list a year from now. This hasn't been Urlacher's best season, but the revolving door at defensive tackle for the Bears has really hurt his production.
Cornerbacks
Marcus Trufant, Seattle
(77 tackles, 7 INTs, including 1 for a TD, 15 PD)
Terence Newman, Dallas
(46 tackles, 1 FF, 4 INT, 11 PD)
Charles Woodson, Green Bay
(57 tackles, 4 INT, 9 PD)
Snubs
Al Harris, Green Bay
(35 tackles, 2 INT, 9 PD)
Anthony Henry, Dallas
(32 tackles, 5 INT, 12 PD)
DeAngelo Hall, Atlanta
(58 tackles, 1 FF, 5 INT, 14 PD)
There is an obvious Packers and Cowboys theme here at cornerback -- and for good reason. These four have had a ton to do with Green Bay's and Dallas' terrific seasons. The Packers challenge their corners like few other teams in the league with a ton of man-to-man coverage. Henry gets a lot of attention due to Newman's presence on the opposite side. Trufant has really stepped up his game with Jim Mora Jr. taking over as Seattle's secondary coach.
Safeties
Sean Taylor, Washington
(42 tackles, 1 FF, 5 INT, 9 PD)
Osgiomogho Atogwe, St. Louis
(69 tackles, 7 INT, 9 PD)
Ken Hamlin, Dallas
(54 tackles, 5 INT, 13 PD)
Tanard Jackson, Tampa Bay
(57 tackles, 1 FF, 2 INT, 15 PD)
Snubs
Brian Dawkins, Philadelphia
(36 tackles, 1 INT)
Darren Sharper, Minnesota
(51 tackles, 1 FF, 4 INT including 1 for a TD, 11 PD)
Roy Williams, Dallas
(74 tackles, 2 INT, 6 PD)
Taylor is not on this list strictly for sentimental reasons. He was beginning to realize his immense potential before his tragic murder and was a superstar safety in the making. Atogwe is a name many may not recognize, but he is making plays at an alarming rate and his centerfield presence allows the Rams defense to be very aggressive. Jackson is another new name and the rookie has far exceeded expectations. While their games could be declining, the snub list has some very familiar names.
NFC Special Teams
Kicker
Nick Folk, Dallas
(22-26 (84.6 pct), long of 53 yards, 51-51 XPA)
Snub
Mason Crosby, Green Bay
(29-37 (78.4 pct.), long of 53 yards, 43-43 XPA)
Folk is having a terrific season. He has exceptional accuracy in the 49-yard-and-under range and kicked a pair of field goals over 50 yards. Folk is solid in kicking off and able to kick directionally with distance. Crosby has a powerful leg, has nine field goals over 40 yards and three over 50 yards this season. Crosby is also no stranger to touchbacks on the kickoffs.
Punter
Andy Lee, San Francisco
(87 punts, 48.4 avg (42.4 net), 40.2 pct. inside 20)
Snub
Mat McBriar, Dallas
(52 punts, 47.3 avg (39.1 net), 28.8 pct inside 20)
Lee leads the league in balls landing within the 20 yard line with 35. He is very accurate and his directional style also comes with very good distance and hang time. Lee averages 48.3 yards a punt and is also very quick with his get offs, which makes it difficult for opponents to block a punt. McBriar averages 47.3 yards per punt, gets the ball off quickly and gets great hang time and distance on all his punts.
Return Specialist
Devin Hester, Chicago
(41 PR, 14.3 avg, 3 TD; 39 KR, 22.9 avg, 3 TD)
There isn't much else to be said about the best returner in the NFL. Hester gives the Bears a touchdown threat every time he touches the ball. He has a great feel for the field on both punt and kickoff return units. Teams do not kick to Hester anymore because of his athletic ability and speed to embarrass opposing coverage units. He has 10 career touchdowns on special teams, which puts him third on the all time list. Hester should be able to shatter that record since this is only his second year in the NFL.
Special Teams Player
Brendan Ayanbadejo, Chicago
(18 tackles, 2 FF)
Snub
Heath Farwell, Minnesota
(26 tackles)
Ayanbadejo is no stranger to Pro Bowl accolades. His consistent play on special teams, at a very high level, put him on the Pro Bowl squad last season. He has become the NFC's version of Larry Izzo by playing on all the special teams phases and being one of those guys that have to be accounted for by two players from the Bears' opponents. Ayanbadejo is very hard to block because he recognizes the kickoff return schemes right away simply from the way the opponents are trying to block him. He has linebacker toughness with defensive back physical ability. Farwell has the all out mentality in which he sells out physically on every special teams play.
Selecting the NFC Pro Bowl team wasn't an easy task. While some decisions were easier than others -- see Favre, Brett -- there wasn't a position that didn't generate some debate among our group over who makes our Pro Bowl team and who gets snubbed.
But after much debate, here is the Scouts Inc. NFC Pro Bowl team.
NFC Offense
Quarterbacks
Brett Favre, Green Bay
(67.1 completion pct., 3,905 yards, 26 TDs, 13 INT, 97.7 rating.)
Tony Romo, Dallas
(64.9 completion pct., 3,868 yards, 35 TDs, 17 INTs, 101.0 rating.)
Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle
(62.5 completion pct., 3,620 yards, 25 TDs, 10 INTs, 92.0 rating.)
Snubs
Drew Brees, New Orleans
(68.7 completion pct., 3,819 yards, 25 TDs, 15 INTs, 92.1 rating.)
Jeff Garcia, Tampa Bay
(64.2 completion pct., 2,244 yards, 12 TDs, 4 INTs, 93.6 rating.)
If it were not for New England's Tom Brady, the MVP race would be between Favre and Romo. Favre seems to break a career passing mark every week and is playing as well as he did 10 years ago. Romo, meanwhile, has been one of the biggest reasons Dallas is a Super Bowl contender. Seattle could not run the football, so Mike Holmgren handed the offense to Hasselbeck. Hasselbeck has not disappointed. Brees started slow, but has blown up in the second half of the season while Garcia revived the Bucs' offense and fits Jon Gruden's system perfectly.
Running Backs
Adrian Peterson, Minnesota
(1,278 yards, 5.9 ypc, 13 total TDs.)
Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia
(1,191 yards, 4.7 ypc, 83 rec., 705 yards, 12 total TDs.)
Marion Barber, Dallas
(871 yards, 4.9 ypc, 11 total TDs.)
Snubs
Clinton Portis, Washington
(1,083 yards, 3.9 ypc, 8 TDs.)
Edgerrin James, Arizona
(1,052 yards, 3.8 ypc, 6 TDs.)
Frank Gore, San Francisco
(919 yards, 4.3 ypc, 5 TDs.)
To say that Peterson burst onto the NFL scene as a rookie would be a huge understatement. He is special, very special, and a threat to win the rushing title despite missing games with an injury. There is not a single player in the league who is more important to his team than Westbrook is to the Eagles. After these two great players, the pickings were slim, but Barber got the nod for his overall production as a runner, receiver and touchdown maker on a great offense.
Fullbacks
Tony Richardson, Minnesota
Snubs
Mike Karney, New Orleans
Mike Sellers, Washington
Richardson is the underappreciated player in the Vikings' fantastic running game. Even as a 13-year veteran, Richardson is still a top-grade blocker and receiver out of the backfield. He still does a great job of maintaining his pad level with good adjust ability when creating space for Peterson and Chester Taylor. Karney is a tough, blue-collar player and one of the best young lead blockers in the league, while Sellers does a little of everything for the Redskins.
Wide Receivers
Terrell Owens, Dallas
(76 rec., 1,307 yards, 14 TDs)
Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona
(83 rec., 1,166 yards, 8 TDs)
Marques Colston, New Orleans
(87 rec., 1,092 yards, 9 TDs)
Plaxico Burress, New York
(65 rec., 935 yards, 10 TDs)
Snubs
Steve Smith, Carolina
(73 rec., 817 yards, 6 TDs)
Greg Jennings, Green Bay
(50 rec., 878 yards, 12 TDs)
Torry Holt, St. Louis
(83 rec., 1,055 yards, 7 TDs)
Joey Galloway, Tampa Bay
(56 rec., 985 yards, 6 TDs)
This was a spot loaded with talent. Burress was tremendous early in the season and has been the most important player for the Giants despite a chronic ankle injury. TO is, well, TO. That means practically impossible to cover. Colston has blown up in the second half of the season and now officially belongs with the big boys. Smith's numbers do not compare with the others, but he might be the very best wide receiver in the game today. His lack of comparable production certainly has not been his fault.
Tight Ends
Jason Witten, Dallas
(88 rec., 1,068 yards, 7 TDs)
Chris Cooley, Washington
(60 rec., 711 yards , 7 TDs)
Snubs
Jeremy Shockey, New York
(57 rec., 619 yards, 3 TDs.)
Donald Lee, Green Bay
(47 rec., 573 yards, 6 TDs.)
Witten's name belongs among the elite tight ends in the game today, but overall, the AFC is far superior at this position. However, Cooley has been tremendous near the goal line and is Washington's best weapon by a large margin. Lee is an up-and-comer in an excellent passing attack while Shockey was forced to block more than his skills would dictate before breaking his leg in Week 15.
Offensive Tackles
Walter Jones, Seattle
Jon Runyan, Philadelphia
Bryant McKinnie, Minnesota
Snubs
Chris Samuels, Washington
Flozell Adams, Dallas
Jammal Brown, New Orleans
Jones might not be quite where he was a few seasons ago, but few tackles can approach his production. Runyan has battled a tailbone injury, but has proven to be extremely tough and reliable on the right side for Philadelphia, as always. McKinnie benefits from playing next to Steve Hutchinson, but the holes these two have opened on the left side of Minnesota's line have been massive. Brown started slow, but came on strong -- much like Brees and Colston for the Saints.
Guards
Steve Hutchinson, Minnesota
Chris Snee, New York
Shawn Andrews, Philadelphia
Snubs
Leonard Davis, Dallas
Mike Wahle, Carolina
Hutchinson is earning every penny of his massive contract in Minnesota and is simply the best offensive linemen in the game. He is a guard without weakness. Snee is mobile, nasty and the best player on the Giants' outstanding run blocking line. Choosing between Andrews and Davis was a very difficult decision. Both players are absolutely huge and blow their opponent backwards with regularity. Davis has proven to be a much better fit at guard than tackle.
Centers
Matt Birk, Minnesota
Andre Gurode, Dallas
Snubs
Scott Wells, Green Bay
Olin Kreutz, Chicago
Birk is the leader of the best run-blocking offensive line in the league and the brains of the operation. The two studs to his left get all the ink, but Birk's technique is flawless. Gurode has very good size and strength to anchor the Cowboys' exceptional line that excels in protecting Romo and opening holes for the run game. Keep an eye on Wells as a gritty up-and-comer.
NFC Defense
Defensive Ends
Patrick Kerney, Seattle
(59 tackles, 13.5 sacks, 3 FF, 1 INT)
Osi Umenyiora, New York
(43 tackles, 12 sacks, 4 FF)
Aaron Kampman, Green Bay
(62 tackles, 12 sacks, 1 FF)
Snubs
Michael Strahan, New York
(52 tackles, 9 sacks, 1 FF)
Trent Cole, Philadelphia
(65 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 4 FF)
Andre Carter, Washington
(50 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 4 FF)
Julius Peppers, Carolina
(39 tackles, 3 sacks, 3 FF, 1 INT)
Amazingly, the Giants could have conceivably had three names on this list -- Justin Tuck just missed -- but that just shows how good Umenyiora and Strahan have been. Kerney might be the best defensive free agent signed from this past offseason and has been terrorizing quarterbacks while Kampman is an underrated athlete, but has superb technique and a great motor. Carter has finally blossomed in 2007 and is a real handful off the edge.
Defensive Tackles
Darnell Dockett, Arizona
(54 tackles, 8 sacks, 2 FF)
Shaun Rogers, Detroit
(31 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 1 INT for a TD)
Kevin Williams, Minnesota
(32 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 FF, 2 INTs for TDs)
Snubs
Tommie Harris, Chicago
(31 tackles, 7 sacks, 1 FF)
Pat Williams, Minnesota
( 58 tackles, 2 sacks)
Kris Jenkins, Carolina
(34 tackles, 3 sacks)
When Rogers is on his game and in shape, there are few in his class. He was dominant early in the year with a rare blend of power and quickness. Dockett has emerged as a great player this season and few defensive tackles possess his ability to disrupt on the other side of the line of scrimmage. The Vikings' pair is nearly impossible to run on, but Kevin got the nod due to being a slightly better pass rusher. Harris is a better pass rusher than run stopper, but when healthy, is among the elite defensive players in the game.
Outside Linebackers
DeMarcus Ware, Dallas
(75 tackles, 11 sacks, 2 FF)
Julian Peterson, Seattle
(68 tackles, 9 sacks, 4 FF, 2 INT)
Lance Briggs, Chicago
(95 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 FF)
Snubs
Karlos Dansby, Arizona
(91 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 4 FF, 3 INT)
Michael Boley, Atlanta
(107 tackles, 3 sacks, 4 FF, 2 INTs)
AJ Hawk, Green Bay
(95 tackles, 1 sack, 1 FF, 1 INT)
Ernie Sims, Detroit
(122 tackles, 1 sack, 3 FF, 1 INT)
Ware very well could end up as the Defensive Player of the Year. Peterson can do everything well, while Briggs is once again among the league leaders in tackles. The snubs are also young and have very bright futures. Dansby will make many Pro Bowls in the years to come and Boley is possibly being the best player you have never heard of. Sims is a tackling machine on a poor defense and Hawk is right on schedule to becoming a great one.
Middle Linebackers
Nick Barnett, Green Bay
(119 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 2 INT)
Lofa Tatupu, Seattle
(101 tackles, 1 sack, 3 FF, 4 INT)
Snubs
Brian Urlacher, Chicago
(107 tackles, 5 sacks, 3 INT)
London Fletcher, Washington
(121 tackles, 3 INT.)
Patrick Willis, San Francisco
(142 tackles, 1 sack, 1 FF)
Jon Beason, Carolina
(121 tackles, 3 INT)
This may have been the most difficult group to choose and there are probably another three or four names that deserved being mentioned. While Barnett and Tatupu are a bit undersized, they are fantastic playmakers who continue to get better and lead their excellent defenses. Willis and Beason are two athletic rookies who could sit atop this list a year from now. This hasn't been Urlacher's best season, but the revolving door at defensive tackle for the Bears has really hurt his production.
Cornerbacks
Marcus Trufant, Seattle
(77 tackles, 7 INTs, including 1 for a TD, 15 PD)
Terence Newman, Dallas
(46 tackles, 1 FF, 4 INT, 11 PD)
Charles Woodson, Green Bay
(57 tackles, 4 INT, 9 PD)
Snubs
Al Harris, Green Bay
(35 tackles, 2 INT, 9 PD)
Anthony Henry, Dallas
(32 tackles, 5 INT, 12 PD)
DeAngelo Hall, Atlanta
(58 tackles, 1 FF, 5 INT, 14 PD)
There is an obvious Packers and Cowboys theme here at cornerback -- and for good reason. These four have had a ton to do with Green Bay's and Dallas' terrific seasons. The Packers challenge their corners like few other teams in the league with a ton of man-to-man coverage. Henry gets a lot of attention due to Newman's presence on the opposite side. Trufant has really stepped up his game with Jim Mora Jr. taking over as Seattle's secondary coach.
Safeties
Sean Taylor, Washington
(42 tackles, 1 FF, 5 INT, 9 PD)
Osgiomogho Atogwe, St. Louis
(69 tackles, 7 INT, 9 PD)
Ken Hamlin, Dallas
(54 tackles, 5 INT, 13 PD)
Tanard Jackson, Tampa Bay
(57 tackles, 1 FF, 2 INT, 15 PD)
Snubs
Brian Dawkins, Philadelphia
(36 tackles, 1 INT)
Darren Sharper, Minnesota
(51 tackles, 1 FF, 4 INT including 1 for a TD, 11 PD)
Roy Williams, Dallas
(74 tackles, 2 INT, 6 PD)
Taylor is not on this list strictly for sentimental reasons. He was beginning to realize his immense potential before his tragic murder and was a superstar safety in the making. Atogwe is a name many may not recognize, but he is making plays at an alarming rate and his centerfield presence allows the Rams defense to be very aggressive. Jackson is another new name and the rookie has far exceeded expectations. While their games could be declining, the snub list has some very familiar names.
NFC Special Teams
Kicker
Nick Folk, Dallas
(22-26 (84.6 pct), long of 53 yards, 51-51 XPA)
Snub
Mason Crosby, Green Bay
(29-37 (78.4 pct.), long of 53 yards, 43-43 XPA)
Folk is having a terrific season. He has exceptional accuracy in the 49-yard-and-under range and kicked a pair of field goals over 50 yards. Folk is solid in kicking off and able to kick directionally with distance. Crosby has a powerful leg, has nine field goals over 40 yards and three over 50 yards this season. Crosby is also no stranger to touchbacks on the kickoffs.
Punter
Andy Lee, San Francisco
(87 punts, 48.4 avg (42.4 net), 40.2 pct. inside 20)
Snub
Mat McBriar, Dallas
(52 punts, 47.3 avg (39.1 net), 28.8 pct inside 20)
Lee leads the league in balls landing within the 20 yard line with 35. He is very accurate and his directional style also comes with very good distance and hang time. Lee averages 48.3 yards a punt and is also very quick with his get offs, which makes it difficult for opponents to block a punt. McBriar averages 47.3 yards per punt, gets the ball off quickly and gets great hang time and distance on all his punts.
Return Specialist
Devin Hester, Chicago
(41 PR, 14.3 avg, 3 TD; 39 KR, 22.9 avg, 3 TD)
There isn't much else to be said about the best returner in the NFL. Hester gives the Bears a touchdown threat every time he touches the ball. He has a great feel for the field on both punt and kickoff return units. Teams do not kick to Hester anymore because of his athletic ability and speed to embarrass opposing coverage units. He has 10 career touchdowns on special teams, which puts him third on the all time list. Hester should be able to shatter that record since this is only his second year in the NFL.
Special Teams Player
Brendan Ayanbadejo, Chicago
(18 tackles, 2 FF)
Snub
Heath Farwell, Minnesota
(26 tackles)
Ayanbadejo is no stranger to Pro Bowl accolades. His consistent play on special teams, at a very high level, put him on the Pro Bowl squad last season. He has become the NFC's version of Larry Izzo by playing on all the special teams phases and being one of those guys that have to be accounted for by two players from the Bears' opponents. Ayanbadejo is very hard to block because he recognizes the kickoff return schemes right away simply from the way the opponents are trying to block him. He has linebacker toughness with defensive back physical ability. Farwell has the all out mentality in which he sells out physically on every special teams play.