Shake_Tiller
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PFW’s Super 50
The top 50 players during 2008
By Mike Wilkening
Jan. 22, 2009
With the help of coaches, scouts and personnel men from around the league, we at Pro Football Weekly present our list of the top 50 players of 2008, based on their performance and their value to their clubs.
All comments were made on condition of anonymity.
1. QB Peyton Manning / Indianapolis Colts: “You take Peyton Manning out of there, they’re not having a parade for Tony Dungy.”
2. WR Larry Fitzgerald / Arizona Cardinals: “He’s got long arms and the strength to ward off guys. He’s got good arm strength.”
3. S Ed Reed / Baltimore Ravens: “He makes more plays on the ball than anyone I’ve ever seen. He’s like a Willie Mays back there. He’s got that mentality where he says, ‘If I see it, I’m going, and if I’m wrong, I’m wrong.’ But most of the time, he’s right.”
4. RB Adrian Peterson / Minnesota Vikings: “If he can stay healthy, he could be a great back. Wear-and-tear comes where you’re getting (hit) by the linebackers.”
5. OLB James Harrison / Pittsburgh Steelers: “He’s a little like Dwight Freeney in that both guys are not built like the classic rusher, but he’s explosive, strong and has natural leverage. He plays hard.”
6. OLB DeMarcus Ware / Dallas Cowboys: “Dominates vs. the run and the pass.”
7. DT Albert Haynesworth / Tennessee Titans: “A guy who can completely take over the line of scrimmage. He takes up two guys inside. If you single-block him, he’ll throw the guard into the backfield. “
8. S Troy Polamalu / Pittsburgh Steelers: “He’s really learned how to play in deep coverage, as well as being a force near the line of scrimmage. You see him now being much more productive in coverage in the deep half, middle of the field. I think he’s realizing (that with) the style of play he came into the league with, he wasn’t going to last very long.”
9. QB Kurt Warner / Arizona Cardinals: “Understands the quick-throwing game. He’s got quality receivers. I think things are working out for him.”
10. QB Drew Brees / New Orleans Saints: “He just gets the job done. He sees the field extremely well for his height. He’s just as productive as any QB in the league.”
11. WR Andre Johnson / Houston Texans: “As consistent as any of your elite receivers. He’s been very productive. He’s got the ability to make the tough catches. He’s got the speed to run by you.”
12. RB Michael Turner / Atlanta Falcons: “A force.”
13. QB Philip Rivers / San Diego Chargers: “He’s uncanny. He does a very good job of getting the ball outside.”
14. RB Brian Westbrook / Philadelphia Eagles: “There’s a million things they can do with that guy.”
15. QB Jay Cutler / Denver Broncos: “His arm strength is what sets him apart. You have to really be disciplined in your deep zone coverage (against him).”
16. WR Steve Smith / Carolina Panthers: “He can go up in traffic and get it, which is surprising for a guy his size.”
17. QB Chad Pennington / Miami Dolphins: “He has all the intangibles.”
18. RB Chris Johnson / Tennessee Titans: “He’s brought the big play to (Tennessee).”
19. QB Donovan McNabb / Philadelphia Eagles: “He turned into the old McNabb (after being benched).”
20. CB Nnamdi Asomugha / Oakland Raiders: “He’s the prototype. He’s got long arms and great speed. He tackles. Understands the game. Has the hands. Has the ability when the ball’s in the air to come down with it.”
21. DE Dwight Freeney / Indianapolis Colts: “He gets his, but he also opens things up for the other guys. He’s got the quickest pirouette off the upfield move I’ve ever seen. You blink, he’s gone.”
22. RB DeAngelo Williams / Carolina Panthers: “He brings a lot to the table.”
23. QB Matt Ryan / Atlanta Falcons: “He’s going to be very good for a long time.”
24. OT Michael Roos / Tennessee Titans: “The guy stays off the ground (and) in good position. He doesn’t overextend.”
25. DE John Abraham / Atlanta Falcons: “Had a tremendous year.”
26. DE Jared Allen / Minnesota Vikings: “He’s 100 mph. He’s impacted that defense on third downs.”
27. ILB Ray Lewis / Baltimore Ravens: “Obviously he’s the heartbeat for them. He just knows how to play the position. A lot of that position is presence, and he has that.”
28. DT Kevin Williams / Minnesota Vikings: “Plays the run very stoutly and rushes the passer from the middle.”
29. WR Roddy White / Atlanta Falcons: “Has all the qualities you look for.”
30. DE Mario Williams / Houston Texans: “Williams is a step above. I’d hate to see them add a productive pass rusher (opposite him).”
31. QB Ben Roethlisberger / Pittsburgh Steelers: “He extends the play. He really gets that offense going.”
32. QB Matt Cassel / New England Patriots: “One of the most improved players in the league.”
33. RB Clinton Portis / Washington Commanders: “He’s always available on Sundays, even if he’s banged up.”
34. OLB Joey Porter / Miami Dolphins: “Works to get his sacks.”
35. DE Julius Peppers / Carolina Panthers: “He does a lot for that team.”
36. DE Justin Tuck / N.Y. Giants: “A very good player.”
37. RB Matt Forté / Chicago Bears: “It’s clearly a different team when he’s not in there.”
38. MLB Jon Beason / Carolina Panthers: “A playmaker and a football guy. He’s an attack linebacker.”
39. WR Calvin Johnson / Detroit Lions: “Basically the only thing they had.”
40. RB Thomas Jones / N.Y. Jets: “I think he’s a warrior.”
41. WR Wes Welker / New England Patriots: “His short-area quickness is unbelievable. He has a really good feel for underneath coverages.“
42. MLB Patrick Willis / San Francisco 49ers: “He does a lot for that defense. He brings that playmaking ability.”
43. WR Brandon Marshall / Denver Broncos: “You like his size, quickness and ability to make the tough catch.”
44. QB Eli Manning / N.Y. Giants: “When he makes a bad play, you like that he doesn’t freak out.”
45. NT Kris Jenkins / N.Y. Jets: “Dominated the point of attack. He moved people back.”
46. WR Anquan Boldin / Arizona Cardinals: “He’s tough to bring down.”
47. TE Tony Gonzalez / Kansas City Chiefs: “As impressive as ever. Man, he does it with double coverage.”
48. OG Chris Snee / N.Y. Giants: “Once he gets his hands into position, he can control opponents.”
49. CB Cortland Finnegan / Tennessee Titans: “He’s a good little cover guy. His closing speed is very good.”
50. RB Steve Slaton / Houston Texans: “He has been excellent.”
Honorable mention: Rams S O.J. Atogwe, Broncos OT Ryan Clady, Colts TE Dallas Clark, Cardinals LB Karlos Dansby, Eagles S Brian Dawkins, Cardinals DT Darnell Dockett, Steelers ILB James Farrior, Titans S Michael Griffin, Panthers OT Jordan Gross, Giants RB Brandon Jacobs, Packers WR Greg Jennings, Raiders P Shane Lechler, Ravens WR Derrick Mason, Eagles S Quintin Mikell, Colts DE Robert Mathis, Patriots ILB Jerod Mayo, Patriots WR Randy Moss, Ravens DT Haloti Ngata, Jets CB Darrelle Revis, Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, Browns NT Shaun Rogers, Cowboys QB Tony Romo, Eagles CB Asante Samuel, Chargers P Mike Scifres, Ravens OLB Terrell Suggs, Jets RB-RS Leon Washington, Colts WR Reggie Wayne, Vikings CB Antoine Winfield, Cowboys TE Jason Witten, Steelers OLB LaMarr Woodley.
PFW’s Super 50
The top 50 players during 2008
By Mike Wilkening
Jan. 22, 2009
With the help of coaches, scouts and personnel men from around the league, we at Pro Football Weekly present our list of the top 50 players of 2008, based on their performance and their value to their clubs.
All comments were made on condition of anonymity.
1. QB Peyton Manning / Indianapolis Colts: “You take Peyton Manning out of there, they’re not having a parade for Tony Dungy.”
2. WR Larry Fitzgerald / Arizona Cardinals: “He’s got long arms and the strength to ward off guys. He’s got good arm strength.”
3. S Ed Reed / Baltimore Ravens: “He makes more plays on the ball than anyone I’ve ever seen. He’s like a Willie Mays back there. He’s got that mentality where he says, ‘If I see it, I’m going, and if I’m wrong, I’m wrong.’ But most of the time, he’s right.”
4. RB Adrian Peterson / Minnesota Vikings: “If he can stay healthy, he could be a great back. Wear-and-tear comes where you’re getting (hit) by the linebackers.”
5. OLB James Harrison / Pittsburgh Steelers: “He’s a little like Dwight Freeney in that both guys are not built like the classic rusher, but he’s explosive, strong and has natural leverage. He plays hard.”
6. OLB DeMarcus Ware / Dallas Cowboys: “Dominates vs. the run and the pass.”
7. DT Albert Haynesworth / Tennessee Titans: “A guy who can completely take over the line of scrimmage. He takes up two guys inside. If you single-block him, he’ll throw the guard into the backfield. “
8. S Troy Polamalu / Pittsburgh Steelers: “He’s really learned how to play in deep coverage, as well as being a force near the line of scrimmage. You see him now being much more productive in coverage in the deep half, middle of the field. I think he’s realizing (that with) the style of play he came into the league with, he wasn’t going to last very long.”
9. QB Kurt Warner / Arizona Cardinals: “Understands the quick-throwing game. He’s got quality receivers. I think things are working out for him.”
10. QB Drew Brees / New Orleans Saints: “He just gets the job done. He sees the field extremely well for his height. He’s just as productive as any QB in the league.”
11. WR Andre Johnson / Houston Texans: “As consistent as any of your elite receivers. He’s been very productive. He’s got the ability to make the tough catches. He’s got the speed to run by you.”
12. RB Michael Turner / Atlanta Falcons: “A force.”
13. QB Philip Rivers / San Diego Chargers: “He’s uncanny. He does a very good job of getting the ball outside.”
14. RB Brian Westbrook / Philadelphia Eagles: “There’s a million things they can do with that guy.”
15. QB Jay Cutler / Denver Broncos: “His arm strength is what sets him apart. You have to really be disciplined in your deep zone coverage (against him).”
16. WR Steve Smith / Carolina Panthers: “He can go up in traffic and get it, which is surprising for a guy his size.”
17. QB Chad Pennington / Miami Dolphins: “He has all the intangibles.”
18. RB Chris Johnson / Tennessee Titans: “He’s brought the big play to (Tennessee).”
19. QB Donovan McNabb / Philadelphia Eagles: “He turned into the old McNabb (after being benched).”
20. CB Nnamdi Asomugha / Oakland Raiders: “He’s the prototype. He’s got long arms and great speed. He tackles. Understands the game. Has the hands. Has the ability when the ball’s in the air to come down with it.”
21. DE Dwight Freeney / Indianapolis Colts: “He gets his, but he also opens things up for the other guys. He’s got the quickest pirouette off the upfield move I’ve ever seen. You blink, he’s gone.”
22. RB DeAngelo Williams / Carolina Panthers: “He brings a lot to the table.”
23. QB Matt Ryan / Atlanta Falcons: “He’s going to be very good for a long time.”
24. OT Michael Roos / Tennessee Titans: “The guy stays off the ground (and) in good position. He doesn’t overextend.”
25. DE John Abraham / Atlanta Falcons: “Had a tremendous year.”
26. DE Jared Allen / Minnesota Vikings: “He’s 100 mph. He’s impacted that defense on third downs.”
27. ILB Ray Lewis / Baltimore Ravens: “Obviously he’s the heartbeat for them. He just knows how to play the position. A lot of that position is presence, and he has that.”
28. DT Kevin Williams / Minnesota Vikings: “Plays the run very stoutly and rushes the passer from the middle.”
29. WR Roddy White / Atlanta Falcons: “Has all the qualities you look for.”
30. DE Mario Williams / Houston Texans: “Williams is a step above. I’d hate to see them add a productive pass rusher (opposite him).”
31. QB Ben Roethlisberger / Pittsburgh Steelers: “He extends the play. He really gets that offense going.”
32. QB Matt Cassel / New England Patriots: “One of the most improved players in the league.”
33. RB Clinton Portis / Washington Commanders: “He’s always available on Sundays, even if he’s banged up.”
34. OLB Joey Porter / Miami Dolphins: “Works to get his sacks.”
35. DE Julius Peppers / Carolina Panthers: “He does a lot for that team.”
36. DE Justin Tuck / N.Y. Giants: “A very good player.”
37. RB Matt Forté / Chicago Bears: “It’s clearly a different team when he’s not in there.”
38. MLB Jon Beason / Carolina Panthers: “A playmaker and a football guy. He’s an attack linebacker.”
39. WR Calvin Johnson / Detroit Lions: “Basically the only thing they had.”
40. RB Thomas Jones / N.Y. Jets: “I think he’s a warrior.”
41. WR Wes Welker / New England Patriots: “His short-area quickness is unbelievable. He has a really good feel for underneath coverages.“
42. MLB Patrick Willis / San Francisco 49ers: “He does a lot for that defense. He brings that playmaking ability.”
43. WR Brandon Marshall / Denver Broncos: “You like his size, quickness and ability to make the tough catch.”
44. QB Eli Manning / N.Y. Giants: “When he makes a bad play, you like that he doesn’t freak out.”
45. NT Kris Jenkins / N.Y. Jets: “Dominated the point of attack. He moved people back.”
46. WR Anquan Boldin / Arizona Cardinals: “He’s tough to bring down.”
47. TE Tony Gonzalez / Kansas City Chiefs: “As impressive as ever. Man, he does it with double coverage.”
48. OG Chris Snee / N.Y. Giants: “Once he gets his hands into position, he can control opponents.”
49. CB Cortland Finnegan / Tennessee Titans: “He’s a good little cover guy. His closing speed is very good.”
50. RB Steve Slaton / Houston Texans: “He has been excellent.”
Honorable mention: Rams S O.J. Atogwe, Broncos OT Ryan Clady, Colts TE Dallas Clark, Cardinals LB Karlos Dansby, Eagles S Brian Dawkins, Cardinals DT Darnell Dockett, Steelers ILB James Farrior, Titans S Michael Griffin, Panthers OT Jordan Gross, Giants RB Brandon Jacobs, Packers WR Greg Jennings, Raiders P Shane Lechler, Ravens WR Derrick Mason, Eagles S Quintin Mikell, Colts DE Robert Mathis, Patriots ILB Jerod Mayo, Patriots WR Randy Moss, Ravens DT Haloti Ngata, Jets CB Darrelle Revis, Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, Browns NT Shaun Rogers, Cowboys QB Tony Romo, Eagles CB Asante Samuel, Chargers P Mike Scifres, Ravens OLB Terrell Suggs, Jets RB-RS Leon Washington, Colts WR Reggie Wayne, Vikings CB Antoine Winfield, Cowboys TE Jason Witten, Steelers OLB LaMarr Woodley.
