CBS: Top 50 NFL Players (Prisco)

[MossBurner]

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/9469847?topfifty53006

I was curious what Dallas fans think of this list. I listed players from the NFC East. I think they picked the seven best players from the division. One gripe from me may be that Santana should have been listed instead of Osi. Also, I thought TO and Portis should have been in the top 10 instead of Randy Moss and Ray Lewis.

TO - 15
Portis - 18
Tiki - 25
Taylor - 26
McNabb - 32
Strahan - 48
Umenyiora - 50

Dawkins - Honorable mention

Left off:
Santana Moss
Roy Williams
Plaxico Burress
Chris Samuels
Jon Jansen
Marcus Washington

[WoodysGirl]

1. Peyton Manning (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/12531), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/187741), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/235249), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/133217), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/396173), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/4601), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/12576), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/187400), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/235222), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/3831), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/1231), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/235242), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/302214), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/396164), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/1290), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/313800), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/493043), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/302215), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/302218), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/187382), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/396811), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/235157), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/396174), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/235246), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/1782), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/493084), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/133310), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/235219), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/492934), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/235240), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/4039), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/133361), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/4716), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/12400), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/235253), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/3160), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/302202), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/12823), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/133320), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/4151), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/133451), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/492963), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/collegefootball/players/playerpage/416752), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/1028), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/493101), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/4370), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/395928), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/4337), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/235258), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/396106), 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.

[THUMPER]

What a total joke.

[theogt]

Taylor at 26 and Williams not even listed? Yeah, that's a joke.

Brian Urlacher at #8? HAHAHA

[BLT]

Amazing how the cardinals have 4 players in the top 50..

[Hoods]

Drag to Recycle Bin.

[aznhalf]

My brain hurts=(

[Qwickdraw]

Boldin is far better than Fitzgerald at this point, IMO.

[NorthTexan95]

Merriman made it but Ware didn't? Geez ... someone isn't paying attention.

[Roughneck]

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.Sorry but "clutch ability" should be kept in mind at all times when conducting such rankings.

Peyton Manning = As Damn Near Un-Clutch As You Can Find In The NFL

Wake me up when he actually wins a big game, like say the AFC Championship or Super Bowl. Until then, he doesn't even crack my Top 5.

[rdsknsbaby]

Boldin is far better than Fitzgerald at this point, IMO.


yeah youre right.

[dmq]

Merriman was better than Ware last year. That will change either this year or next. If it weren't for that 3 sack performance, we would be labelling Ware a bust. He just needed time. Larry Johnson should be higher. The guy is a beast aand walked all over the G-men at a time when we couldn't. We folded at the end of the year so we deserve little recognition. However, this year looks to be different.

[Bob Sacamano]

If it weren't for that 3 sack performance, we would be labelling Ware a bust.

no, unrealistic fans would

Ware had more plays that resulted in negative yardage than Shawne Merriman

btw, take 2 of Merriman's sacks away then if your'e going to take Ware's 3

[WilmingtonHeel]

Favre shouldn't be anywhere on that list. Roy should be ahead of Taylor at every statistical category Roy is better but the Monday night game against the skins where we got beat and Roy's name was dragged uneducated mediots blamed it all on him and it wasn't him but Glenn and the coverage was the main problem

[Bob Sacamano]

it's funny how 3 safeties with less stats made the list over Roy, I agree with the Ed Reed choice

[TheHustler]

Tom Brady is a heck of a QB, but he is no where near the 2nd best player in the league.

Worst list ever.

[littlewebs]

How did Brett Favre and Steven Jackson make this list and Roy/Santana don't even get honorable mention? Roy has only made the last 3 Pro Bowls and Santana Moss destroyed everyone last year. Steven Jackson has 100 fewer yards and the same number of touchdowns as our own Julius Jones. ***????

[Bob Sacamano]

and some of these guys he has on his list started playing big last year and are only going to get better, so why isn't Terrance Newman on the list then? he was only the best CB in all of football last year

[Jay9508]

Brian Dawkins and Roy Williams doesn't make it but Adrian Wilson does, that's BS.

[Chrissyboy]

When I saw Taylor listed in the 1st post - I didn't even consider him! Just confirms why I have so little respect for Prisco.

[SkinsandTerps]

Hard to judge the top 50 players really.

What do people use as their criteria ?

I would think that most of us would rate players completely differently, and not only that, but that some players would be left off of peoples list.

Take his list and re-order it and then make another list with players you think were ignored/dissed/under-rated/etc.

For example, my top player would be either Tomlinson or Palmer. But thats just my opinion.

Players like Roaf dont make the list (not counting "just missed") when he is partly responsible for the success of LJ and even Green with an average WR corps...

[Billy Bullocks]

Taylor at 26 and Williams not even listed? Yeah, that's a joke.

Brian Urlacher at #8? HAHAHA

And that's not a diss to Taylor at all. Hell he probably should be top 50, but so should Williams. Taylor is hell of a player, but so is Williams.

[The Answer]

The Answer thinks this alleged 'top 50' list is absurb....how is Moss listed ahead of TO???

Also how can not include Drew Bledsoe among the top 10 players in the league right now at any position? It's a travesty he's not even in the top 50!

~The Answer

[Jarv]

We should make a list of the top 50 reporters...Starting with people like Vela and Jaws that actually look at and analyse film, break it down and give us prespective and not just talking points...Or just ramble on about their daughter's softball team...Dale and AdamJT would make my list also.

[morasp]

and some of these guys he has on his list started playing big last year and are only going to get better, so why isn't Terrance Newman on the list then? he was only the best CB in all of football last year

I would take Newman over Bailey any day. Bailey got torched on multiple occasions last year.

[Anguillidae]

I would take Newman over Bailey any day. Bailey got torched on multiple occasions last year.
I agree! Newman didn't give up any touchdowns last year. He's clearly the better/best cover corner - he just dosn't make a lot of highlight plays.

[burmafrd]

Jackson? WHAT has he done? NOTHING. Taylor ahead of Williams? a joke.
This is without a doubt the dumbest list yet- and that is saying a LOT.

[austintodallas]

How does Roy not make this list? Completely invalidates the whole thing. Prisco is truly an idiot.

[dbair1967]

What a total joke.

yep...what he said

Prisco continues to be one of the worst NFL writers...not only are his columns usually a joke, but he has shwon again he has no hope whatsoever to be a talent evaluator

David

[junk]

If it had more Cowboys on it, the board would be singing the praises of Prisco right now.

[dstew60105]

If it had more Cowboys on it, the board would be singing the praises of Prisco right now.


Not at all. Prisco is a joke. In the honorable mention section he mentions Todd Heap. What does Jason Whitten have to do to get any recognition? I'd take Whitten over Heap any day.

[InmanRoshi]

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.

It has so much premium value and Prisco only listed one in his entire Top 50.

[bigdrulez3141]

But he does have Ken Lucas in his 'Just Missed' list:rolleyes:

[MossBurner]

Merriman made it but Ware didn't? Geez ... someone isn't paying attention.

Maybe it's you.

[MossBurner]

it's funny how 3 safeties with less stats made the list over Roy, I agree with the Ed Reed choice

FS is a different position than SS and results in far different statistical categories. Stats are not always the true measure of ability or impact, especially in the defensive backfield.

[superpunk]

Ware had more plays that resulted in negative yardage than Shawne Merriman

He had more than any LB in the league.

We know what the score is...Taylor at 26. Hilarious.

[MossBurner]

Tom Brady is a heck of a QB, but he is no where near the 2nd best player in the league.

Worst list ever.

What are you talking about? Brady and Manning are the best players in the league bar none. All other QBs are miles below them.

There are 10 great RBs in this league as compared to two QBs.

[MossBurner]

The Answer thinks this alleged 'top 50' list is absurb....how is Moss listed ahead of TO???

Also how can not include Drew Bledsoe among the top 10 players in the league right now at any position? It's a travesty he's not even in the top 50!

~The Answer

He wasn't even a top 14 QB last year, what league did you watch?

[MossBurner]

Not at all. Prisco is a joke. In the honorable mention section he mentions Todd Heap. What does Jason Whitten have to do to get any recognition? I'd take Whitten over Heap any day.

Heap and 'Witten' are very similar players. Baltimore fans would argue differently than you.

[superpunk]

Good lord - I just noticed that Mike Vick and Steven Jackson were on this list - WOW.

[burmafrd]

PRISCO has been and continues to be a pathetic joke.

[superpunk]

PRISCO has been and continues to be a pathetic joke.

C'mon - he was teh ish the other day, now he's a joke? He made a list, and I'm sure he thinks he can defend it - altho I'm wondering what on EARTH his defense for Vick and Jackson could be. Can't bash people too much for an opinion piece.

[Alexander]

4. Champ Bailey (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/133217), 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.

Please. He is not the 4th best player in the league. Nor is the gap between he and the next best cornerback that great. Utterly ridiculous.

10. Ray Lewis (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/3831), 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.

Another joke.

18. Clinton Portis (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/302215), 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.

Good back, but too high.

26. Sean Taylor (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/493084), S, Redskins: He is on the verge of being a superstar. He has range and he can tackle. Watch out for him in 2006.

:lmao2:

42. Steven Jackson (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/492963), 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.

Again, good back. Too high.

[Alexander]

and some of these guys he has on his list started playing big last year and are only going to get better, so why isn't Terrance Newman on the list then? he was only the best CB in all of football last year

Newman played well, but let's not get carried away.

[ravidubey]

Prisco has a major anti-Roy Williams bias. Adrian Wilson? Based on one season where he was forced into linebacker duty?

Tom Brady is a heck of a QB, but he is no where near the 2nd best player in the league.


You're right; he should be first on the list by a wide, wide margin.

I've never seen one player act as such a critical cog in an offense and make his team such a consistent winner. John Elway's 80's Broncos teams and Brett Favre's mid-90's Packers teams come closest, and neither of those teams were the consistent winners against the best competition that Brady and New England have been.

You see Manning and Brady playing on the same field and you realize Manning isn't even in Brady's league, despite being freaking unbelievably good himself.

[Alexander]

Prisco has a major anti-Roy Williams bias. Adrian Wilson? Based on one season where he was forced into linebacker duty?



You're right; he should be first on the list by a wide, wide margin.

I've never seen one player act as such a critical cog in an offense and make his team such a consistent winner. John Elway's 80's Broncos teams and Brett Favre's mid-90's Packers teams come closest, and neither of those teams were the consistent winners against the best competition that Brady and New England have been.

You see Manning and Brady playing on the same field and you realize Manning isn't even in Brady's league, despite being freaking unbelievably good himself.

I agree completely.

People love to dump on Brady and that's because he is good.

And not just Peyton Manning-good either. He doesn't choke.

[ConcordCowboy]

By that list the Cowboys really took a beating...

Many guys on that list could have Cowboys or at least were linked to almost be Cowboys or people here wanted instead of the people we took...You get the Idea...

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.


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.

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.

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.

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.


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.

[AbeBeta]

Merriman was better than Ware last year.

But he wasn't one of the 50 best players in the NFL

[Future]

Tom Brady is a heck of a QB, but he is no where near the 2nd best player in the league.

Worst list ever.

I beg to differ. Who is really better than him? The guy won 3 SB in 4 years and is the best QB in the league, especially in the clutch. The only place i would have him other than #2 is #1.

Brian Dawkins and Roy Williams doesn't make it but Adrian Wilson does, that's BS.

hes better than both of them, why wouldnt he?

[riggo]

Please. He is not the 4th best player in the league. Nor is the gap between he and the next best cornerback that great. Utterly ridiculous.

agree. for every highlight INT he makes, he gives up a TD. and i think newman should be somewhere on this list. his stats may not tell the truth about him, as is true with many CB's.

but, sean taylor is a stud- a human highlight reel. speed + he hits like a train. he might be the 26th best player in the league.

[Waffle]

This might be the first thread in history where all posters are in total agreement with each other.

[burmafrd]

for someone who has not even SNIFFED the pro bowl and for someone that most have called over rated, to claim that Taylor is #26 is a joke. The only bigger joke is Jackson- he has done NOTHING.

[MossBurner]

for someone who has not even SNIFFED the pro bowl and for someone that most have called over rated, to claim that Taylor is #26 is a joke. The only bigger joke is Jackson- he has done NOTHING.

The only place Taylor has been called overrated is on this message board. If it weren't for negative attention off of the field, he would have been in the pro bowl last season. He is the best FS in the NFC, perhaps in the league after this season.

[stilltheguru]

The only place Taylor has been called overrated is on this message board. If it weren't for negative attention off of the field, he would have been in the pro bowl last season. He is the best FS in the NFC, perhaps in the league after this season.


since when did off the field antics keep players from being in the pro bowl?

*looks at ray lewis*

[Alexander]

If it weren't for negative attention off of the field, he would have been in the pro bowl last season.

:rolleyes:

[MossBurner]

since when did off the field antics keep players from being in the pro bowl?

*looks at ray lewis*
It affects his popularity and the fan vote. No one outside of Washington really knows how dominant a defensive player Sean is. If the Redksins have success this year then he will get his due, especially since "Lavar the media hog" is thankfully out of town. The only attention Sean has received up to this point via the media is about his drunk driving acquittal, or him skipping the rookie symposium, or spitting, or the recent assault accusations. When he puts this trial behind him, I really believe Sean will concentrate on football, stay out of trouble, and finally get some recognition (Prisco is beating everyone to the punch with this list).

Ray Lewis is a prima donna with a media-friendly personality. That's why he still gets so much credit despite his obvious decline in skill the past two seasons.

[superpunk]

about his drunk driving acquittal, or him skipping the rookie symposium, or spitting, or the recent assault accusations.

Whattaguy!!!!!:lmao2:

[Bob Sacamano]

Newman played well, but let's not get carried away.

I'm not getting carried away, Newman played alot better at CB than many people on this list did at their position, and alot of Prisco's reasons for listing some of these guys on his top 50 is only because of what they did last year, and the potential to do it more down the road, for example, read his quote on Sean Taylor, "look out for him in '06"

[Alexander]

I'm not getting carried away, Newman played alot better at CB than many people on this list did at their position, and alot of Prisco's reasons for listing some of these guys on his top 50 is only because of what they did last year, and the potential to do it more down the road, for example, read his quote on Sean Taylor, "look out for him in '06"

I wasn't even questioning his exclusion from the list. You mentioned he was the best in football last year. I don't think that's the case. He played some outstanding football, but that doesn't garner best in the league IMO.

[superpunk]

Oh, I forgot 5stars....

:dissskin:

[MossBurner]

Whattaguy!!!!!:lmao2:

Drunk driving - ACQUITTED
Rookie symposium - left for family emergency
Assault accusation - still innocent
Spitting - not the nicest thing to do, but he doesn't do crack (#88)

[Alexander]

Spitting - not the nicest thing to do, but he doesn't do crack (#88)

Have any proof that #88 did crack?

Two can play your asinine "innocent until proven guilty" game.

[stasheroo]

Yet another reason to ask:

Do Prisco's bosses even look at the garbage he writes?

It's like this moron is running around with scissors over there!

This list is a bleepin' joke, just like its' author!

[stasheroo]

Drunk driving - ACQUITTED
Rookie symposium - left for family emergency
Assault accusation - still innocent
Spitting - not the nicest thing to do, but he doesn't do crack (#88)

Keep making excuses for that disgrace!

I guess as long as he's out of jail for Sundays, right?

[superpunk]

Drunk driving - ACQUITTED
Rookie symposium - left for family emergency
Assault accusation - still innocent
Spitting - not the nicest thing to do, but he doesn't do crack (#88)

What a great person. An absolute model citizen. Just the kind of "high character" guy the Skins fans are so fond of. Hell, I hear all the time how full of integrity lord Gibbs is, and how he would NEVER get a guy like TO, like big, bad, Bill Parcells.:rolleyes:

[Alexander]

Hell, I hear all the time how full of integrity lord Gibbs is, and how he would NEVER get a guy like TO, like big, bad, Bill Parcells.:rolleyes:

It is another fallacy. Gibbs might be a little God-fearing sissy with a halo over his head, but he had thugs like Dexter Manley around for years.

[superpunk]

It is another fallacy. Gibbs might be a little God-fearing sissy with a halo over his head, but he had thugs like Dexter Manley around for years.

:eek: What would Joey T. say? :eek:

[Bob Sacamano]

Drunk driving - ACQUITTED
Rookie symposium - left for family emergency
Assault accusation - still innocent
Spitting - not the nicest thing to do, but he doesn't do crack (#88)

don't you think it's more than a coincidence that Taylor has broken more than 1 rule/law, or has been accused of?

[Bob Sacamano]

I wasn't even questioning his exclusion from the list. You mentioned he was the best in football last year. I don't think that's the case. He played some outstanding football, but that doesn't garner best in the league IMO.

ok, fine, he was arguably the best CB

[AsthmaField]

don't you think it's more than a coincidence that Taylor has broken more than 1 rule/law, or has been accused of?

Yeah, but a few more weeks around Saint Gibbs and Taylor will be a changed man.

Besides, you know it doesn't count when thugs are on the redskins!

C'mon Summer... I thought you knew the rules.

[stilltheguru]

nobody brings up the fact that sean told gibbs he DID NOT spit on pittman.but he did.so he lied to his coach.lol

[Alexander]

nobody brings up the fact that sean told gibbs he DID NOT spit on pittman.but he did.so he lied to his coach.lol

He didn't spit on Pittman or Houshmanzandeh. He just had a Sylvester the Cat moment, yes, that's it.

[stilltheguru]

moss burner is obviously one of the skins fans that i hate and hope he gets banned.

he makes riggoforever,etc look bad.yep

[Jarv]

nobody brings up the fact that sean told gibbs he DID NOT spit on pittman.but he did.so he lied to his coach.lol


What I thought was worse when he wasn't returning Joe's calls last Spring, right before he got into the trouble.

Can you imagine a Dallas player not returning a call from BP ???

[Bob Sacamano]

Can you imagine a Dallas player not returning a call from BP ???

I can't imagine he'd be a Dallas player much long thereafter

[Bob Sacamano]

Yeah, but a few more weeks around Saint Gibbs and Taylor will be a changed man.

Besides, you know it doesn't count when thugs are on the redskins!

C'mon Summer... I thought you knew the rules.

:bang2: dumb me

[EMMITTnROY]

i agree with everyone else so far, this list is a complete joke.. one of the worst 'best of' lists i can recall seeing.. seeing Ray Lewis in the Top 10, Sean Taylor at 26, and Brett Favre and Steven Jackson on the list at all is comparable to the horribleness of VH1 making Oprah Winfrey the #1 pop culture icon of all-time, ahead of Elvis, The Beatles, and Superman..

where is Roy Williams? Adam Vinatieri? Santana Moss?

[jsd27]

This is funny:
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.

HE'S a Quarterback. He's supposed to be good at passing to be a top 50 player. I'm sure he will be a great QB once he learns to pass the ball.... Geeeez! How many chances (or excuses) does this guy get before he's labeled what we all know he is - a bust... He's not a new player in this league anymore. I still can't believe he made the Pro Bowl last year. What a joke!

[EMMITTnROY]

This is funny:
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.

HE'S a Quarterback. He's supposed to be good at passing to be a top 50 player. I'm sure he will be a great QB once he learns to pass the ball.... Geeeez! How many chances (or excuses) does this guy get before he's labeled what we all know he is - a bust... He's not a new player in this league anymore. I still can't believe he made the Pro Bowl last year. What a joke!
good post, agreed..

[Alexander]

This is funny:
35. Michael Vick, QB, Falcons: Once he improves his passing, he will be higher up this list.

That's like saying WR X is great, but he needs to improve his hands, once he does, he'll top the list!

[tyke1doe]

That's like saying WR X is great, but he needs to improve his hands, once he does, he'll top the list!

Actually, it's not. A receiver primary job is the catch the football, and that's the only way he's going to beat you, unless he's taking sweeps.

A quarterback should be an efficient passer, but if a quarterback can beat you with his legs, like Vick can and has done, then it's understandable to say he needs to improve as a passer.

Vick is not a traditional quarterback. He's a running quarterback. I know purists like tradition, and I'm sure Vick is going to have to improve if he wants to have a long NFL career (I don't think he'll be able to run like he does when he reaches 32), but if he's leading his team to victories with his feet more so than his hands, the W's are still what counts.

[tyke1doe]

Originally Posted by AsthmaField
Yeah, but a few more weeks around Saint Gibbs and Taylor will be a changed man.

Besides, you know it doesn't count when thugs are on the redskins!

C'mon Summer... I thought you knew the rules.

And yet, don't let anyone question the behavior modification powers of Bill Parcells and how he's able to work them on the malcontents of the league with the latest being our very own TO. ;)

[burmafrd]

Vick is not even in the top 20 as regards being a QB. He has accomplished virtually NOTHING as a QB in the NFL- certainly nothing CONSISTENT.

[burmafrd]

Wonder what it would take for the skins homers to finally turn on Taylor?

[bewareofdware]

Boldin is far better than Fitzgerald at this point, IMO.
no way man and fitz fits the team better
they dont haveany protection so they need a possesion receiver(fitz) to get open quickly. boldin is more of a deep threat but im not dissing boldin just sayin that fitz is better

[Vintage]

Top 50....

There are 22 starting positions, plus K and P.

You can probably throw out the latter two....


50/22= little more than 2.

So, in a raw sense, one must be in the top 2 or 3 of that position to make the top 50 list....

This is just a rough figuring, I realize more RB's made it...and less G's did, etc...

However, where are we at the top 2-3 at?

Owens? He made the list.

Where else?

Newman? Williams? Debateable.

Ware? No. Merriman didn' deserve to make it either IMO...

Bledsoe? No.

Adams? No. Ellis? No. James? No. Ayodele? No. Glenn? No

Witten? Probably not. Heap didn't deserve it IMO either.

[Alexander]

Actually, it's not. A receiver primary job is the catch the football, and that's the only way he's going to beat you, unless he's taking sweeps.

Hold on, a QB's primary responsibility isn't to pass the football?

A quarterback should be an efficient passer, but if a quarterback can beat you with his legs, like Vick can and has done, then it's understandable to say he needs to improve as a passer.

Vick can win a game or two with his legs. But he can be neutralized and it has been done before.

Vick is not a traditional quarterback. He's a running quarterback. I know purists like tradition, and I'm sure Vick is going to have to improve if he wants to have a long NFL career (I don't think he'll be able to run like he does when he reaches 32), but if he's leading his team to victories with his feet more so than his hands, the W's are still what counts.

No, Steve Young was a running QB. Roger Staubach was a running QB. Early in his career, John Elway was a running QB. Vick is a runner who has a strong arm but cannot hit the broadside of a barn or read a defense to save his life.

[Doomsday101]

Hold on, a QB's primary responsibility isn't to pass the football?



Vick can win a game or two with his legs. But he can be neutralized and it has been done before.



No, Steve Young was a running QB. Roger Staubach was a running QB. Early in his career, John Elway was a running QB. Vick is a runner who has a strong arm but cannot hit the broadside of a barn or read a defense to save his life.

Young, Staubach and Elway could run but they could just as easy kill you from the pocket. Mobility is an assest but it does not make a QB, his job is to get the ball to his weapons

[Avery]

Whenver I see Vick in any best of list, I immediately hit the 'back' button on my browser. Amazing how every year that this is the year in which he becomes a great QB.

And, even as a Cowboy fan, not having Santana in the top 50 is ridiculous.

[CarlAllDay]

Where does this guy come up with this crap . Come on wilson polamalu? Better than roy u got to be kidding me derrick brooks? Semion rice, and ronde barber keeps that d in tact. Brooks is still good and a great leader but he shouldn't make a list before roy should. Wilson and polamalu both lack what roy lacks great coverage skills and polamalu gets to roam the field and freelance while chris hope played coverage see how he is this season without him. Roy williams makes game changing plays and is a force across the middle like it or not that affects a teams offense. Like how teams wouldn't throw deions way they won't run or throw underneath near roy's. He's really pissing me off with this anti cowboys stuff. And honestly guys are there really 3 wr's in the league better than TO hell naw. That guy can beat you deep and over the middle and after the catch. Randy can't do it marvin can't do it and chad doesn't do it as much as TO that is bogus. Character issues aside he is the top wr in the league and why doesn't torry holt gets mention up there or hines ward those are do it all wr right there. I'm at work and I'm truthfully disgusted I will talk to you guys later I'm getting a head ache......peace

[skinsngibbs4life]

so when he says williams is a little overrated, the guy is the worst writer in the world, but when he says the boys are going to make the superbowl, he is a god...

:bang2:

oh, and for all of you out there saying that adrian wilson has no skill, maybe you should turn on some football, the guy is GOOD

[5Stars]

so when he says williams is a little overrated, the guy is the worst writer in the world, but when he says the boys are going to make the superbowl, he is a god...

:bang2:

oh, and for all of you out there saying that adrian wilson has no skill, maybe you should turn on some football, the guy is GOOD


:dissskin:

You know, that's a mighty fine dog, right there!

:star:

[riggo]

It is another fallacy. Gibbs might be a little God-fearing sissy with a halo over his head, but he had thugs like Dexter Manley around for years.

a "God fearing sissy"? :confused:

folks, we have hit a new low.....

[5Stars]

a "God fearing sissy"? :confused:

folks, we have hit a new low.....

Ya think?

It's just getting started...not only is he a "little God-fearing sissy with a halo over his head", he's a rat faced little whining hypocrite!

HERE BOY....come, come COME!

:dissskin:

Good dog...! Here is a puppy treat.....!

:star:

[TEK2000]

so when he says williams is a little overrated, the guy is the worst writer in the world, but when he says the boys are going to make the superbowl, he is a god...

:bang2:

oh, and for all of you out there saying that adrian wilson has no skill, maybe you should turn on some football, the guy is GOOD

How many Arizona games did you watch last season? and, most importantly.. why in the hell did you watch ARIZONA?

I truly hope you're not basing the GOOD opinion on 8 sacks alone.. because the rest of his stats throughout his career do not indicate anything better than an average NFL player.

[5Stars]

How many Arizona games did you watch last season? and, most importantly.. why in the hell did you watch ARIZONA?

I truly hope you're not basing the GOOD opinion on 8 sacks alone.. because the rest of his stats throughout his career do not indicate anything better than an average NFL player.

HEY! Leave the BOY alone! He just turned 18 years old...he's barely legal! :lmao:

And, the reason these RedStink fans watch the Cardinals is so they can finally satisfy their little tiny minds that at least someone is worse then them!

The RedStinks sweept the Boyz last year! Don't break their little hearts so soon...!

[Vintage]

so when he says williams is a little overrated, the guy is the worst writer in the world, but when he says the boys are going to make the superbowl, he is a god...

:bang2:


oh, and for all of you out there saying that adrian wilson has no skill, maybe you should turn on some football, the guy is GOODNo. Prisco is an idiot for several reasons. Stephen Jackson in the top 50 is idiotic IMO. Ray Lewis in the top 10 is pretty bad. Champ at 4 is horrible.And while I hate the Redskins, Santana Moss not being listed is laughable...but meanwhile, a guy like Stephen Jackson is listed?Polumalu so high?C'mon.Those are just some of the major problems of evaluating talent he has.Should Roy Williams have made the list? Debateable.But if Polumalu made it that high, then Roy should have def. been on that list.----------As far as the Adrian Wilson thing.... I think he had a heckuva season last year. He is a good player.

[EMMITTnROY]

a "God fearing sissy"? :confused:

folks, we have hit a new low.....
I thought the same thing, my friend.. whoever wrote that, that was tasteless.. Im a Christian, so I obviously took offense to it.. but even if you arent a Christian, I would hope that you would see that statement is tasteless and tacky..

as for Adrian Wilson, I constantly say that the guy is underrated.. I like that he is getting some props.. but having him over Roy is ridiculous.. and having Sean Taylor that high is ridiculous.. just for fun, here is my ranking of safeties:

1. Roy Williams (not being biased)
2. Ed Reed
3. Brian Dawkins
4. Troy Polamalu
5. Rodney Harrison
6. Sean Taylor
7. Adrian Wilson
8. Bob Sanders
9. Mike Brown
10. Darren Sharper
11. Donavon Darius
12. John Lynch

[koolaid]

i can live with no ware, for now
but no roy or newman? garbage

[rojan]

Anybody have his top 50 from last year???

[Alexander]

a "God fearing sissy"? :confused:

folks, we have hit a new low.....

Go take your pity parade back to one of your own boards.

[RiggoForever]

No. Prisco is an idiot for several reasons. Stephen Jackson in the top 50 is idiotic IMO. Ray Lewis in the top 10 is pretty bad. Champ at 4 is horrible.And while I hate the Redskins, Santana Moss not being listed is laughable...but meanwhile, a guy like Stephen Jackson is listed?Polumalu so high?C'mon.Those are just some of the major problems of evaluating talent he has.Should Roy Williams have made the list? Debateable.But if Polumalu made it that high, then Roy should have def. been on that list.----------As far as the Adrian Wilson thing.... I think he had a heckuva season last year. He is a good player.

I agree, I think Champ is one of the most overrated players out there, and I said that when he was still a Redskin.

[chicago JK]

Not at all. Prisco is a joke. In the honorable mention section he mentions Todd Heap. What does Jason Whitten have to do to get any recognition? I'd take Whitten over Heap any day.

:laugh1:

Doesn't look good when you are making a case for Jason when you don't spell his name right.

[superpunk]

1. Roy Williams (not being biased)
2. Ed Reed
3. Brian Dawkins
4. Troy Polamalu
5. Rodney Harrison
6. Sean Taylor
7. Adrian Wilson
8. Bob Sanders
9. Mike Brown
10. Darren Sharper
11. Donavon Darius
12. John Lynch

That's it - that's the list. Williams and Reed are interchangable, and I don't know that Harrison can be on there after THAT injury, but that's the list. Maybe Sharper a little higher.

[cowboywho?]

It hilarious how you guys praise him when he put out his "opinion" that you guys are going to the superbowl. But hate him when he put out his "opinion" about what he think to be the top 50 player.

And dont give me any of that BS about how the article is downright stupid and it deserve the flame.

[superpunk]

It hilarious how you guys praise him when he put out his "opinion" that you guys are going to the superbowl. But hate him when he put out his "opinion" about what he think to be the top 50 player.

And dont give me any of that BS about how the article is downright stupid and it deserve the flame.

:rolleyes:

So people can't agree with some things a person writes, and disagree with others?

Here's a dollar, :money:buy a clue.

:starspin :starspin :starspin :starspin :starspin

[cowboywho?]

And that god fearing sissy remark is ... well dumb.
If I had to fear one person I would fear an all powerful creator.

[DallasEast]

And that god fearing sissy remark is ... well dumb.
If I had to fear one person I would fear an all powerful creator.The all-powerful creator is a 'person'??? Who does he look like? 'George Burns'???

Here ya go: :money:

[cowboywho?]

Look i'm not a christian.
But calling someone a god fearing sissy is ridiculous.
Leave the man belief and religion out of this.

[superpunk]

Look i'm not a christian.
But calling someone a god fearing sissy is ridiculous.
Leave the man belief and religion out of this.

here's an idea - grow some thicker skin.

If you don't want to see insults about the Redskins, or insults about Gibbs, don't come to a Cowboys board. If I go to a Skins board, I'm perfectly prepared to see comments about Cowboys players sexuality, lies about Roy Williams being a dirty player, et al.

I'm not gonna try to change it.

So deal with it, and try to engage in meaningful conversation, instead of criticism of the fans whose "house" you are a guest in. One more thing (this is for you, 5stars....)

:suxskins: :dissskin:

[cowboywho?]

Well I thought this was a football board. I guess I was wrong. I have never made fun of your players sexuality. I just look at what the players have done on the feild.

Explain to me why most poster on this board don't think that Sean Taylor should not be on this list?

[The30YardSlant]

Gibbs is a two faced poser with an outrageous double standard who has a "holier than thou" attitude towards others. I respected him until he came back and proved just how big of a he really is.

[The30YardSlant]

Well I thought this was a football board. I guess I was wrong. I have never made fun of your players sexuality. I just look at what the players have done on the feild.

Explain to me why most poster on this board don't think that Sean Taylor should not be on this list?

1: Because he sucks
2: Because he gets burnt like cheap toast
3: Because he sucks
4: Becaus he is a thug, a loser, a criminal, and an idiot
5: Because he goes for the big hit all the time and blows assignments right and left

[superpunk]

Well I thought this was a football board. I guess I was wrong. I have never made fun of your players sexuality. I just look at what the players have done on the feild.

Fine. Keep your judgement of other posters out of it.

Explain to me why most poster on this board don't think that Sean Taylor should not be on this list?

I don't think MOST take issue with him being on the list. Most take issue with Roy Williams - clearly a superior safety - NOT being on the list. They also take issue with King's bogus "look out for him in 06" argument. Why not just list Charles Rogers? hell, maybe THIS is his year, right?

The problem, in short, is that Taylor is ON the list, while a clearly superior player, who has ALREADY proven himself, is left off.

Roy Williams >>>> Sean Taylor.

[RiggoForever]

Gibbs is a two faced poser with an outrageous double standard who has a "holier than thou" attitude towards others. I respected him until he came back and proved just how big of a he really is.

I don't think its possible to like the coach of an arch-rival.

[superpunk]

Fan-freaking-tastic sig, riggo.

I need to see you sportin that **** at extremeskins. :)

[RiggoForever]

Fine. Keep your judgement of other posters out of it.



I don't think MOST take issue with him being on the list. Most take issue with Roy Williams - clearly a superior safety - NOT being on the list. They also take issue with King's bogus "look out for him in 06" argument. Why not just list Charles Rogers? hell, maybe THIS is his year, right?

The problem, in short, is that Taylor is ON the list, while a clearly superior player, who has ALREADY proven himself, is left off.

Roy Williams >>>> Sean Taylor.

You should be happy Pete Prisco doesn't have Roy Williams on the list. Prisco is a lazy journalist at best.

[The30YardSlant]

I don't think its possible to like the coach of an arch-rival.

Especially when they talk out of both holes

[Alexander]

Look i'm not a christian.
But calling someone a god fearing sissy is ridiculous.
Leave the man belief and religion out of this.

First, when his religious beliefs continually are an issue and are made part of the persona, then yes, it's open for interpretation.

Tom Landry was an affirmed Christian. But he wasn't a sissy. That's the difference. I offer my apologies if the "god fearing" comment hit a nerve.

I meant the sissy part.

Really.

[superpunk]

You should be happy Pete Prisco doesn't have Roy Williams on the list. Prisco is a lazy journalist at best.

And yet....I'm not.:mad:

[koolaid]

heh, sometimes i have to laugh about how much people (not excluding myself) get worked up over a game

...



...


...


...

prisco sucks

[5Stars]

Explain to me why most poster on this board don't think that Sean Taylor should not be on this list?

Hey, Sean Taylor will be on a list pretty soon...

"America's Most Wanted" list...he's a thug, a punk, a spitter, and a RedStink player...the poor bastid is living a nightmare of a life!

Have you met my dog?


:dissskin: ...he's a very smart, well trained dog, as you can see! I named him Gibbs...

:star:

[DefendeR]

Champ Bailey #4???
The same Champ Bailey that lost a 92 yard foot race to TO?

That list is a joke.

[apickmans]

Champ Bailey #4???
The same Champ Bailey that lost a 92 yard foot race to TO?

That list is a joke.

There was no foot race. TO juked Champ and ran right by him as Champ pulled up with some "injury"

[5Stars]

There was no foot race. TO juked Champ and ran right by him as Champ pulled up with some "injury"

Oh....Tramp Baily had a woo woo, huh?

:dissskin: Good dog, Gibbs...here's a puppy treat for you...

[The30YardSlant]

There was no foot race. TO juked Champ and ran right by him as Champ pulled up with some "injury"

Champ got punked because he touches himself at night....

[DefendeR]

There was no foot race. TO juked Champ and ran right by him as Champ pulled up with some "injury"

Perhaps someone can educate me on the definition of a foot race,because what I saw on tv that day was a #81 running and a #24 trying to catch him.
If that's no foot race,then I'm George Clooney.

[TEK2000]

Champ smoked by Keyshawn/Glenn and the Cowboys 2005...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EA0shlC453A

available for download at www.cowboysvids.com

[apickmans]

Perhaps someone can educate me on the definition of a foot race,because what I saw on tv that day was a #81 running and a #24 trying to catch him.
If that's no foot race,then I'm George Clooney.

nice to meet you George Clooney.

[Bob Sacamano]

Whenver I see Vick in any best of list, I immediately hit the 'back' button on my browser. Amazing how every year that this is the year in which he becomes a great QB.

And, even as a Cowboy fan, not having Santana in the top 50 is ridiculous.

I think Vick is on the list merely because of his playmaking ability as a runner, I would put him on the top 50 of my list, as a football player, not QB though, see the Falcon's record with him out of the lineup, it's pretty bad

[Bob Sacamano]

oh, and for all of you out there saying that adrian wilson has no skill, maybe you should turn on some football, the guy is GOOD

everyone recognizes that Adrian is good, just that WIlliams is better

[Scotman]

I, for one, enjoy reading the top 50 lists and superbowl predictions in June. What else is going on?

I don't know if Prisco is an idiot or not. After all, he's got us on a 9 page thread talking about his article.

Frankly, I'd change the whole list around. So would virtually every other fan from every other team. Parts of it to me, are just this side of silly. But honestly, predicting the Boys in the superbowl caused just as must reaction around the NFL fandom as anything.

It's his job. Get people talking and reading the articles. What I really wonder is would he make a completely different list if it wasn't going to be published? I bet he would.

A more interesting list might be the top 50 most coveted players in the league as rated by GMs. An entirely different group of guys would make the list. Sean Taylor wouldn't sniff it. Not because of talent, but because of potential. Taylor's potential on the field is awesome. His potential to implode off the field is greater. How many of the quiet guys who show up and play great ball every Sunday, work hard and set good examples for the other teammates would make this list. Would anyone in the league leave off Newman then? Would Ray Lewis make the list? TO?

[WoodysGirl]

Anybody have his top 50 from last year???from last year...

1. Peyton Manning, QB, Colts: He had an amazing season in 2004, solidifying his spot here at the top. Now he has to win a Super Bowl.

2. Tom Brady, QB, Patriots: Three Super Bowl rings in four years makes for a special quarterback.

3. LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers: Doesn't get the credit he deserves playing in San Diego, but he's the best back in the game.

4. Randy Moss, WR, Raiders: Love him or hate him, he's a player. Moss is the best deep threat in the game today. Oakland fans will love him.

5. Ray Lewis, LB, Ravens: Yeah, yeah. We hear all that talk about how Lewis has regressed some. Watch out in 2005. Now that he's back in the middle of the 4-3, he will look like the Lewis of three years ago.

6. Marvin Harrison, WR, Colts: Just a tad behind Moss on the receiver list, Harrison is on his way to the Hall of Fame. He does it with so much ease.

7. Ed Reed, S, Ravens: Reed has made a huge jump up our list. He's arguably the best defensive player in the game today.

8. Terrell Owens, WR, Eagles: He talks a good game, but he backs it up. Owens proved in the Super Bowl what kind of player he is, a point even his haters can't argue.

9. Daunte Culpepper, QB, Vikings: He had a monster year in 2004, but it will be interesting to see what he does now without Moss.

10. Donovan McNabb, QB, Eagles: McNabb has improved greatly as a pocket passer. Maybe Owens had a lot to do with that.

11. Clinton Portis, RB, Redskins: Despite playing behind a bad offensive line in a system that didn't feature his best talents (cutback running), Portis had a good first season with the Redskins.

12. Champ Bailey, CB, Broncos: It's chic to rip on Bailey when seeing him get beat for a touchdown. Well, he's in man coverage a lot more than most corners. He's going to get beat. I'd still take him over any other corner in the game.

13. Walter Jones, T, Seahawks: An outstanding pass protector who plays like a man much lighter than 300 pounds. Now that he has a long-term deal that will have him in training camp for the first time in a few years, he will be even better


14. Richard Seymour, DE, Patriots: He can play end or tackle for the Patriots. He has the power to hold up against the run and the quickness to get pressure.

15. Michael Vick, QB, Falcons: He has to improve his passing to make a jump up this list. He's still electrifying. But he has to throw it better.

16. Chris McAlister, CB, Ravens: The Ravens did the wise thing and locked him up to a long-term deal that will keep him around for a while. Teaming with Samari Rolle will give Baltimore the best corner tandem in the game.

17. Tony Gonzalez, TE, Chiefs: Even as he gets to the end of his career, Gonzalez is still the best pass-receiving tight end in the league.

18. Marcus Stroud, DT, Jaguars: Stroud was plagued some by injuries last year, but when he was healthy he was good enough to go to the Pro Bowl.

19. Jamal Lewis, RB, Ravens: He had some off-field and injury concerns last season, but he's still a big-time runner. Might be even better now if the Ravens open things up a bit.

20. Priest Holmes, RB, Chiefs: Injuries have started to erode his career, but he's still one of the best when healthy. How much is he a product of the Chiefs' offensive line and system?

21. Chad Johnson, WR, Bengals: He always said he'd be one of the NFL's best, and he is. We love the way he plays the game.

22. Dwight Freeney, DE, Colts: He might not be great against the run, but Freeney's speed off the edge makes him special.

23. Julius Peppers, DE, Panthers: Peppers can make plays that other ends can only dream about. He's an amazing athlete for a man his size.

24. Torry Holt, WR, Rams: Holt continues to play at a high level, even though he's getting up in years. Holt is still one of the most feared receivers in the league.

25. Jonathan Ogden, T, Ravens: Ogden remains a premium left tackle, although he isn't as good as he was a few years ago. He has so much athleticism for the position. Said to lack a mean streak, though.

26. Ahman Green, RB, Packers: He is a fantasy player's delight. The one knock on him is that he fumbles too much.

27. Antonio Gates, TE, Chargers: Gates emerged last season as a go-to guy for Drew Brees. He is an athletic tight end who can't be covered one-on-one.

28. Kris Jenkins, DT, Panthers: He was knocked out by injuries last season and recently admitted a drinking problem, but Jenkins is a star when he's on the field. He does have to lose some weight.

29. Derrick Brooks, LB, Bucs: Age is starting to become a factor, but he is still one of the best outside backers in the game. A class act, too.

30. Shaun Rogers, DT, Lions: Here's a player who got in shape and then got good. Rogers is now a force in the middle of the Lions line.

31. Brian Dawkins, S, Eagles: Continues to be a force in the back of the Eagles defense. Dawkins might be on his way to the Hall of Fame.

32. Brett Favre, QB, Packers: He can still make magical plays, but he can look ordinary now too. Favre is falling down the list, although we still hold him in high regard.

33. Jeremy Shockey, TE, Giants: The only thing holding him back is injuries. He and Eli Manning will be special together this season.

34. Kevin Williams, DT, Vikings: Has quietly become a dominant player in the middle of the Minnesota defense. With Pat Williams now next to him, he will be even better

35. Todd Heap, TE, Ravens: Injuries slowed him last year, but he's back healthy again and should be even better under new coordinator Jim Fassel.

36. Orlando Pace, T, Rams: If not for Pace, the Rams line would have been awful last year. He still plays a high level.

37. Steve McNair, QB, Titans: It would be easy to leave him off this list based on last season, but he's a year removed from a co-MVP and he is still a force when he's healthy.

38. Andre Johnson, WR, Texans: We put him in the top 50 last year, and that opened some eyes. Are there any doubters now?

39. Willie Roaf, T, Chiefs: The old man can still play. Roaf is a force at left tackle on the league's best line.

40. Simeon Rice, DE, Bucs: One of only two men with 100 sacks in his career still playing (Michael Strahan is the other). Rice can still come off the edge with a burst.

41. Jason Taylor, DE, Dolphins: Once just a pass rusher, he is now a well-rounded end. But where does he play in Miami's new 3-4 scheme?

42. John Henderson, DT, Jaguars: Big John played better than Stroud in the second half of the 2004 season. He is a force against the run.

43. Samari Rolle, CB, Ravens: He's going to be missed in a big way in Tennessee. The Ravens will love him.

44. Patrick Surtain, CB, Chiefs: He excelled for the Dolphins playing a lot of man coverage, something we love. How will he fit in for the Chiefs?

45. Al Wilson, LB, Broncos: Wilson is a tenacious force in the middle of the Denver defense. If he had bigger people in front of him, he'd be even better.

46. Deuce McAllister, RB, Saints: He was slowed by an ankle injury last season, but expect him to bounce back with a huge season in 2005. He will be higher up this list next summer.

47. Brian Urlacher, LB, Bears: Has never been as good as the hype, but he's still a good player and can be a very good player.

48. Hines Ward, WR, Steelers: I left him off this list last season and heard it from the Steelers fans. That won't happen this year.

49. Takeo Spikes, LB, Bills: A playmaking star in a very good defense, Spikes has proved to be a heck of a steal for the Bills.

50.Charles Woodson, CB, Raiders: Here's a player fans and the media love to knock, but he's still an outstanding cover corner. How do we know? Ask the scouts

http://dallascowboyszone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27756&highlight=PRISCO

And in my search, I also saw that Fisher wrote a Top 50 bias...

[superpunk]

Nice find WG. We had no players on there last year, and won 9 games.

The Steelers had one WR on there, and they won the SB.

Uh-Oh.... :)

[Cowchips]

They put Vick and Favre on the list and leave off Bledsoe, Brunnell and Eli Manning. Vick only threw for 2,400 yds and 15 tds and Favre almost threw 30 interceptions last year.

This guy must be into comic relief :)

[the kid 05]

link: http://www.sportsline.com/print/nfl/story/9469847

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 is limited, the big-money years coming and going, replaced by the reality that it's over.
That becomes even more evident each summer when I sit down to do the CBS SportsLine.com list of the Top 50 players, 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, 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.
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.

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 the 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, 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.
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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/12531), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/187741), QB, Patriots: He had an amazing season in 2005, carrying an offense without a running attack. He is right up there with Manning, just a smidge under him in the ratings.
3. LaDainian Tomlinson (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/235249), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/133217), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/396173), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/4601), T, Seahawks: He is the game's best offensive lineman. He dominates his opponents and plays light on his feet.
7. Randy Moss (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/12576), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/187400), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/235222), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/3831), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/1231), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/235242), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/302214), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/396164), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/1290), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/313800), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/493043), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/302215), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/302218), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/187382), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/396811), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/235157), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/396174), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/235246), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/1782), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/493084), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/133310), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/235219), 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 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/492934), WR, Cardinals: He came into his own last year and expect him to get better as he matures. He has big-time skills.

[the kid 05]

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.


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CBS "eye device" is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting, Inc.

[JackMagist]

Ok except that there is no Roy Williams on the list and he is easily a top 50 player. And Terrance Newman (who never gets his due for whatever reason) is a better cover corner than Champ Bailey.

[TheHustler]

Already been posted.

List is ridiculous.

[AmericasTeam31]

This is a joke.... Holt at 27? Barber at 25? But Portis at 18? Favre is still in the top 50, too? Rediculous

[burmafrd]

Dumb list. I will bet you that virtually EVERY coach in the NFL would take Brady over Manning. And several of those players have not done anything WORTHY of being in the top 50= he is just playing hunches not basing it on ACTUAL PERFORMANCE. Taylor, Vick and Jackson are NOT top 50 players.

[the kid 05]

sorry hustler, looked but didn't find

[Stretch3]

HEY! Leave the BOY alone!
And, the reason these RedStink fans watch the Cardinals is so they can finally satisfy their little tiny minds that at least someone is worse then them!


Umm yeah. We can just look to the for that...

[TEK2000]

Umm yeah. We can just look to the for that...

Enjoy it while you can pal.. you guys are going DOWN! this season!!!! :)

[DefendeR]

nice to meet you George Clooney.

Nice to meet you too.
I have a big red bridge for sale in San Fran if you're interested.

[apickmans]

Nice to meet you too.
I have a big red bridge for sale in San Fran if you're interested.

awesome. Notice how no one backed u up in your original statement, so just chill.

[Bob Sacamano]

so just chill.

uh, remember what forum you're on

[apickmans]

uh, remember what forum you're on

Yeah i know where iam. Did I say something to piss people off here or something?