Choose your 2006 Dream Team (1 Viewer)

[Despyzer]

You've got 45 roster spots, just like a real NFL team. Assemble the best assortment of talent you can from the current pool of active players. You can run any form of offensive or defensive system you like. Consider any other factors you wish (chemistry, locker-room presence, etc.)

My team would look like this, starters in Bold:

My offense would be a traditional pro-set (one halfback, one fullback, one TE, 2 WRs)

QBs (3) - Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, Peyton Manning (Peyton is the best passer, but with this team I am putting a priority on leadership at this position)

RBs (5) - LaDainian Tomlinson, Mack Strong, Shaun Alexander, Clinton Portis, Lorenzo Neal

WRs (5) - Torry Holt, Hines Ward, Marvin Harrison, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin (I removed the distraction of all the big "me-first" wideouts)

TEs (2) - Antonio Gates, Tony Gonzalez

Cs (2) - Jeff Hartings, Olin Kreutz

Gs (3) - Alan Faneca, Steve Hutchinson, Will Shields

Ts (3) - Walter Jones, Orlando Pace, Willie Anderson

On defense I would be partial to the 3-4, but I would want a little flexibility

NTs (2) - Casey Hampton, Jamal Williams

DTs (1) - John Henderson

DEs (3) - Richard Seymor, Jason Taylor, Julius Peppers, Adewale Ogunleye

ILBs/MLBs (4) - Brian Urlacher, Jonathon Vilma, Al Wilson, Donnie Edwards

OLBs (4) - Takeo Spikes, Shawne Merriman, DeMarcus Ware, Lance Briggs

CBs (3) - DeAngelo Hall, Champ Bailey, Terence Newman

Ss (3) - Troy Polamula, Ed Reed, Roy Williams

K (1) - David Akers

P (1) - Shane Lechler

*Feel free to comment on my list, but if you are feeling really critical, just make your own list.

 

[Despyzer]

Okay, no replies at all in almost two hours. What did I do wrong? Too much work? Too big of a topic? Done too many times? Too stupid of a topic? My roster is too perfect? What's up?

 

[Dolfan34]

good list. although i would add dawkins as a safety and your making a mistake with not including head case receivers. moss needs to be in there. also, manning should start ahead of brady. one more thing... zach thomas over al wilson.

 

[-OZ-]

I'd probably put LJ ahead of Portis

I love the Holt / Ward combo, but would put Randy Moss ahead of Boldin

Is Hartings better than Kreutz? I'd personally take Kreutz, but it's arguable

I'll take Dawkins ahead of Reed

KR / PR? Right now it looks like you're using Newman, but I'd put Dante Hall in there.

Aside from those minor arguments, nice list.

 

[Despyzer]

KR / PR? Right now it looks like you're using Newman, but I'd put Dante Hall in there.

I wanted to include Terrence McGee and Reggie Bush as returners and Adam Treu as a longsnapper, but I ran out of roster spots.Lots of love for Dawkins, huh? The other safety I was considering was Sean Taylor.

 

[Despyzer]

Based on their 101 Greatest NFL Players, here would be TSN's lineup (starters in bold, rankings in parentheses):

QBs (3) - Peyton Manning (2), Tom Brady (3), Carson Plamer (6)

RBs (4) - LaDainian Tomlinson (4), Larry Johnson (12), Tiki Barber (25), Shaun Alexander (30) - and no FBs

WRs (5) - Steve Smith (5), Chad Johnson (10), Santana Moss(17), Torry Holt (19), Randy Moss (23)

TEs (2) - Antonio Gates (24), Tony Gonzalez (33)

Cs (2) - Olin Kreutz (50), Kevin Mawae (83)

Gs (3) - Steve Hutchinson (22), Alan Faneca (41), Will Shields (81)

Ts (3) - Walter Jones (1), Orlando Pace (32), Jonathon Ogden (61)

DTs/NTs (4) - Marcus Stroud (37), Shaun Rogers (44), Tommie Harris (48), Rod Coleman (54)

DEs (4) - Dwight Freeney (8), Julius Peppers (13), Richard Seymor (15), Jason Taylor (16)

ILBs/MLBs (3) - Brian Urlacher (7), Jonathon Vilma (35), Ray Lewis (52), Lofa Tatupu (55)

OLBs (4) - Shawne Merriman (11), Julian Peterson (39), Keith Bulluck (45), Lance Briggs (56)

CBs (3) -Champ Bailey (14), DeAngelo Hall (49), Shawn Springs (64)

Ss (4) - Ed Reed (9), Troy Polamula (20), Brian Dawkins (34), Roy Williams (36)

 

[Remus]

I'll take Heath Miller. He's been the most valuable TE so far by far!

 

[The Shizzle]

Winning team right?

Yeah, then go with Brady over Manning.

 

[Jous]

Alright, here it is....THE PERFECT ROSTER.

I'll use the same offense as you....2 WR, 1 TE, 1 HB and FB

QB: Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Ben Roethlisberger (Manning is the best pure passer, Roethlisberger is the best pure game winner. But Brady is the perfect fusion of both of them.)

HB: LaDainian Tomlinson, Brian Westbrook (LDT can do it all, and Westbrook as a change of pace back is perfect)

FB: Mack Strong, Alstott (Strong is the best in the business. Alstott is a solid runner to bring in on short yardage.)

WR: Torry Holt, Chad Johnson (You can't argue with Holt's numbers. He's versatile, and can do it all. CJ is just slightly less great than Holt IMO)

WR: Steve Smith, Hines Ward (Smith really emerged last season, so it's ahrd to not have ihm on here. Ward is a tough nosed, clutch WR whose blocking helps the run game)

TE: Antonio Gates, Tony Gonzalez (Both athletic and both good blockers. What more can you ask for?)

OT's: Walter Jones, Orlando Pace, Willie Anderson (Best tackles in the league. No coincidence all 3 play for high powered offenses)

OG's: Alan Faneca, Steve Hutchinson, Will Shields (again, no coincidence their teams are dominant running teams. Or were dominant run teams, in Hutchinson's case...)

C's: Olin Kreutz, Kevin Mawae (have done it for years and are proven)

Defense.... Using a 3-4

DE's: Richard Seymour, Aaron Smith, Luis Castillo, Julius Peppers (Smith is underrated. Because he plays in the 3-4 he doesn't get many sacks, but he's very strong against the run. Seymour is Seymour... and Luis Castillo is an underrated part of the Charger line who's strong against the run and in pursuit. peppers is a 3-4 end, but he's such a genetic freak that I'd place bets that he could play well in a 3-4.)

NT: Casey Hampton, Jamal Williams (same choices as you here. Hampton and Jamal make their run defenses work)

OLB's: Takeo Spikes, Joey Porter, Julian Peterson, Shawn Merriman (Spikes, when healthy, is an absolute beast. Joey Porter is the most feared defensive player in the league and makes big play after big play. If Peterson can recover and play to his potential, he'll be up there too. And if Merriman continues his growth, he could possibly become even better than Porter)

ILB's: Brian Urlacher, Al Wilson, Lofa Tatupu, Mike Peterson (Urlacher is tops in the league, and Wilson is much more important to Denver than his stats would suggest. Tatupu has the tools, heart, and leadership to become the best MLB since Ray Lewis. And Peterson doesn't get much attention because he's a Jaguar, but he's a great player)

SS: Troy Polamalu, Ed Reed (Troy can single-handedly change an opponent's gameplan. Reed is a playmaker)

FS: Brian Dawkins, Roy Williams (Dawkins is the old stallion that hasn't slowed down yet)

CB's: Champ Baily, Ken Lucas, Deangelo Hall, Terrence Newman (Lucas and Newman played fantastic last year and deserve their spots. Hall took a big step forward and will be the next elite corner)

K: Adam Vinatieri (Clutch. What can I say that hasn't been said already?)

P: Shane Lechler (best in the business...following in Ray Guy's footsteps)

Coach: Bill Belichick. Really, is there any other choice?

 

[Englishteacher]

Okay, no replies at all in almost two hours. What did I do wrong? Too much work? Too big of a topic? Done too many times? Too stupid of a topic? My roster is too perfect? What's up?

you're a bit light on CB's and people in the secondary in general for a real football team. Not saying they couldn't do it but you'll have a Safety playing CB in a dime defense and one injury to any of the secondary guys and you'll be playing a LBer or offensive convert in your dime package. FWIW. Jason Taylor is not going to start at DE in a 3-4. You might need another big body to make your 3-4 work and drop a DE or LB. When you go to a 4-3, a passing defense, you could double one of your rush LBers at RE.My brain is cramping - is 45 what NFL teams carry on Sunday? I thought it might be different.EDITED to add: That wasn't trying to be really critical. Good team. Not. Kidding.

 

[Englishteacher]

Alright, here it is....THE PERFECT ROSTER.

I'll use the same offense as you....2 WR, 1 TE, 1 HB and FB

QB: Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Ben Roethlisberger (Manning is the best pure passer, Roethlisberger is the best pure game winner. But Brady is the perfect fusion of both of them.)

HB: LaDainian Tomlinson, Brian Westbrook (LDT can do it all, and Westbrook as a change of pace back is perfect)

FB: Mack Strong, Alstott (Strong is the best in the business. Alstott is a solid runner to bring in on short yardage.)

WR: Torry Holt, Chad Johnson (You can't argue with Holt's numbers. He's versatile, and can do it all. CJ is just slightly less great than Holt IMO)

WR: Steve Smith, Hines Ward (Smith really emerged last season, so it's ahrd to not have ihm on here. Ward is a tough nosed, clutch WR whose blocking helps the run game)

TE: Antonio Gates, Tony Gonzalez (Both athletic and both good blockers. What more can you ask for?)

OT's: Walter Jones, Orlando Pace, Willie Anderson (Best tackles in the league. No coincidence all 3 play for high powered offenses)

OG's: Alan Faneca, Steve Hutchinson, Will Shields (again, no coincidence their teams are dominant running teams. Or were dominant run teams, in Hutchinson's case...)

C's: Olin Kreutz, Kevin Mawae (have done it for years and are proven)

Defense.... Using a 3-4

DE's: Michael Strahan, Julius Peppers, Richard Seymour, Aaron Smith (Smith is underrated. Because he plays in the 3-4 he doesn't get many sacks, but he's very strong against the run)

NT: Casey Hampton, Jamal Williams (same choices as you here. Hampton and Jamal make their run defenses work)

OLB's: Takeo Spikes, Joey Porter, Julian Peterson, Shawn Merriman (Spikes, when healthy, is an absolute beast. Joey Porter is the most feared defensive player in the league and makes big play after big play. If Peterson can recover and play to his potential, he'll be up there too. And if Merriman continues his growth, he could possibly become even better than Porter)

ILB's: Brian Urlacher, Al Wilson, Lofa Tatupu, Mike Peterson (Urlacher is tops in the league, and Wilson is much more important to Denver than his stats would suggest. Tatupu has the tools, heart, and leadership to become the best MLB since Ray Lewis. And Peterson doesn't get much attention because he's a Jaguar, but he's a great player)

SS: Troy Polamalu, Ed Reed (Troy can single-handedly change an opponent's gameplan. Reed is a playmaker)

FS: Brian Dawkins, Roy Williams (Dawkins is the old stallion that hasn't slowed down yet)

CB's: Champ Baily, Ken Lucas, Deangelo Hall, Terrence Newman (Lucas and Newman played fantastic last year and deserve their spots. Hall took a big step forward and will be the next elite corner)

K: Adam Vinatieri (Clutch. What can I say that hasn't been said already?)

P: Shane Lechler (best in the business...following in Ray Guy's footsteps)

Coach: Bill Belichick. Really, is there any other choice?

again, this team won't work either. You're Dt's are going to be exhausted because Strahan and peppers aren't 3-4 ends. If they are, they're RE's at best and even then I don't see it. 3-4's typically use three DT's even though the starters will technically be called DE's. If you want to pick a "DE" who can play in a 3-4 pick Richard Seymour because he's a DT or LE (strong side) in a 4-3.

 

[SoFresh&SoClean]

QB- Carson Palmer, Tom Brady

RB- LT, Alexander

FB- Lorenzo Neal

WR- CJ, SSmith, Holt, Moss

TE- Gonzalez, Gates

T- Walter Jones, Willie Anderson, Pace

G- Hutch, Steinbach, Faneca

DE- Peppers, Freeney

DT- Stroud, Rodgers

LB- Urlacher, Spikes, Wilson

S- Reed, Polomalu

CB- Bailey, Deltha O'Neal, Gamble

P- Lechler

K- Vinatieri

Coach- Bellichick

 

[Jous]

I don't see how anyone could not pick Tom Brady as the starter...it should be pretty clear cut that he's the best QB in the league by now.

 

[Jous]

alrighty...edited my team. should work out now.

 

[SteveUK]

My brain is cramping - is 45 what NFL teams carry on Sunday? I thought it might be different.

I believe it is 53.

 

[massraider]

QB: Carson Palmer, Tom Brady, Mike Vick--Vick's the 3rd QB, but we use him on the goalline occasionally. Gives the D something to think about.

RB: Ladanian Tomlinson, Shaun Alexander, Willie Parker, Lorenzo Neal, --LT's value to the passing game put him at #1. Alexander's durability and nose for the endzone make him the best backup. Willie Parker is the change-of-pace home run threat.

WR: Chad Johnson, Randy Moss, Steve Smith, Lary Fitzgerald, Hines Ward--Oooh baby.....Smith runs back punts

TE: Jeremy Shockey, Alge Crumpler, Jim Kleinsasser--My TE's have to block. Good goalline TE's are important.

LT: Walter Jones--the best

LG: Alan Faneca--Can move, and get out to the LB's

C: Olin Kreutz--Feisty enough to lead this line of alpha males

RG: Steve Hutchinson--Not as good a pass blocker as Faneca, but good enough to play for me

RT: Willie Anderson--Best RT in the game

OL backups: Orlando Pace, LeCharles Bentley (assumin healthy, has the versatility I need for a backup), Bran Waters

DE: Jason Taylor, Osi Umenyiora, Dwight Freeney, Richard Seymour--Freeney is designated pass rusher, Seymour allows ability to slide inside when he's in the game. Taylor plays all over the place.

DT: Casey Hampton, Kevin Williams, Rod Coleman, John Henderson--Fantastic rotation. Hampton is the premeir run stuffer in the game, replaced by Coleman on passing downs.

OLB: Keith Bulluck, Karlos Dansby, Takeo Spikes, DJ Williams--LB's that do it all not just rush the passer.

MLB: Brian Urlacher, Mike Peterson

CB: Champ Bailey, Rashean Mathis, Antoine Winfield, Terrence McGee--I want big play CB's that can take advantage of an offense's mistakes, and play the run. Mcgee returns KO's.

S: Ed Reed, Troy Polamalu, Sean Taylor, Adrian Wilson--I want 4 safeties, because they are special teams monsters.

 

[Englishteacher]

My brain is cramping - is 45 what NFL teams carry on Sunday? I thought it might be different.

I believe it is 53.

I thought so.

 

[Englishteacher]

alrighty...edited my team. should work out now.

didn't say you had to edit it it's kind of just a fun exercise, myself, I'm just too lazy to write one down

 

[Englishteacher]

if someone really wanted to wow, I'd love to see someone put together th4e dream team that fits under the salary cap for 2006 - I'm buying one for wohever comes up with the best

 

[massraider]

if someone really wanted to wow, I'd love to see someone put together th4e dream team that fits under the salary cap for 2006 - I'm buying one for wohever comes up with the best

Yeah, god luck finding salary cap numbers. The best you'll find are base salaries off the NFLPA site.

 

[Englishteacher]

if someone really wanted to wow, I'd love to see someone put together th4e dream team that fits under the salary cap for 2006 - I'm buying one for wohever comes up with the best

Yeah, god luck finding salary cap numbers. The best you'll find are base salaries off the NFLPA site.

I'm sure with some research you could find the base salaries. NFLPA has them? Didn't even know that. You'd think they could average things in like the signing bounus as it applies to each year's salry cap number as well. The bonuses and escalators would start to get REAL complicated.

 

[SSOG]

My brain is cramping - is 45 what NFL teams carry on Sunday? I thought it might be different.

I believe it is 53.

Only 45 are active, though.Offense-

QB- Peyton Manning, Tom Brady. I gave Manning the start for consistancy reasons. He's never missed a game in his career, and unlike Tom Brady, he hasn't played the last 3 seasons with a shoulder injury ( ).

RB- Tomlinson, Tiki Barber (versatility is the name of the game. Both backs have carried an offense on their back before)

FB- Tony Richardson, Kyle Johnson (Richardson is a devastating blocker. Johnson is a very good blocker, and a nice receiving option, too).

TE- Antonio Gates, Tony Gonzalez, Daniel Graham (somebody needed to put a blocking TE on their roster here)

WR- Torry Holt, Hines Ward, Randy Moss, Steve Smith, Dante Hall (The first four are self explanatory. Hall is a return specialist).

Center- Tom Nalen, Olin Kreutz (Nalen has the advantage of never having punched his own teammate. Also, everyone listing Mawae may not have noticed, but Mawae was cut this offseason, while Nalen was given a very fat extension)

Guard- Steve Hutchinson, Alan Faneca, Ben Hamilton

Tackle- Walter Jones, Matt Lepsis, Levi Jones (Levi Jones deserved the trip to Hawaii more than his teammate Willie Anderson last year. Matt Lepsis is without question the most underrated tackle in the game- Dr. Z tracked every play and said that no tackle in the league played as well as Lepsis last year- not even Walter Jones.)

You'll notice I have three Denver OLs. That's no mistake- Denver pays its OL more than anyone else in the entire league. The lack of respect they get is a disgrace. How else do you think Denver ranks in the top 3 in all rushing and pass-protection statistics over the last 3 seasons, despite starting 5 different RBs?

Defense-

The 3-4 is trendy, but the 3-4 is a defense designed to hide weaknesses. If you've got the horses to run it, no defense can compare to the 4-3 (the defense of the 2000 Baltimore Ravens, 2002 Tampa Bay Bucs, and 2005 Chicago Bears).

Defensive End- Julius Peppers, Michael Strahan, Jason Taylor, Richard Seymour, Dwight Freeney (The first four are absolute studs. Freeney is rubbish against the run and will only see the field in 3rd-and-long as a pass-rush specialist. Peppers/Strahan/Taylor/Seymour are all HoF caliber two-way threats who will rotate liberally to keep them all fresh all game long. Seymour has the added benefit of being able to go inside and play Tackle).

Defensive Tackle- Casey Hampton, Chris Hovan, Marcus Stroud (I admit that Chris Hovan was a bit of a reach, but I plan on running the Tampa 2 here, and I *needed* an under-tackle capable of getting some big pressure up the middle. From what I've seen, with the decline of Sapp, Hovan might be the best guy in the league at that).

Outside Linebacker- TKO Spikes, Shawne Merriman, Ian Gold

MLB- Brian Urlacher, Al Wilson (two Denver LBs here might be a reach, but my defensive scheme calls for fast LBs that can cover, and Urlacher, Gold, and Wilson are among the best coverage LBs in the league).

CB- Champ Bailey, Ronde Barber, Al Harris, Shawn Springs (Barber and Harris are the two most disrespected CBs in the league- I might have missed it, but I haven't seen either listed once. Harris is the best cover guy in the league, and Barber is far and away the most versatile CB in the league. Barber and Bailey get the start for their run-stuffing skills, which are vital in the Tampa 2.)

Safety- Ed Reed, Troy Polamalu, Shaun Taylor, Brian Dawkins (lots of ballhawks at safety. Gotta love ballhawking safeties).

Kicker- David Akers (best at both placekicking and kickoffs, assuming he's healthy again)

Punter- Todd Sauerbrun (assuming I'm not saddled with his suspension. That's one monstrous leg).

That's 45. I'd have to teach Daniel Graham to long-snap, but other than that, I think I've got all of my bases covered.

 

[jurb26]

QB: Brady, Manning, Roethlisburger

RB: LT, Portis, Bush

FB: L. Neal

T: W. Jones, L. Jones, J. Jansen

G: Faneca, Hutchinson, Waters

C: Nalen, Kruetz

WR: R. Moss (1), Fitz (2), S. Smith (3), S. Moss (4), Bush (could be WR5 as well)

TE: Gates, Heap

3-4 D

DT: Hampton, J. Williams, Henderson

DE: Semore, Jenkins (I would move him here in 3-4 scheme), Abraham, S. Rodgers (would move him too)

ILB: Vilma, Urlacher, Farrior, M. Peterson

OLB: Porter, Bulluck, Merriman, Ware

CB: Bailey, McAllister, S. Brown, Winfield

S: S. Taylor, E. Reed, Polomalu, M. Brown

 

[Snotbubbles]

Michael Strahan and Dwight Freeney should be the DEs on any Dream Team.

 

[jurb26]

Michael Strahan and Dwight Freeney should be the DEs on any Dream Team.

Not in a 3-4 they shouldnt. They shouldnt even be in the discussion.

 

[Despyzer]

Michael Strahan and Dwight Freeney should be the DEs on any Dream Team.

Strahan is no better than the 5th best DE in the league now. I'd take Peppers, Freeney, Ogunleye, Seymor, and Jason Taylor over him. John Abraham is better than him too if his head is on straight.

 

[(HULK)]

I'll take 45 Reggie Bushes and start him at every position.

I'm not sure how they'd look on D, but on offense, it'd be pandamonium!

 

[Englishteacher]

I'll take 45 Reggie Bushes and start him at every position.I'm not sure how they'd look on D, but on offense, it'd be pandamonium!

I guess you're looking at a lot of laterals, kind of like the kickoff return with 6 seconds remaining and the return team down by 4.Funny.

 

[code]

This thread needs less Al Wilson

 

[SSOG]

Michael Strahan and Dwight Freeney should be the DEs on any Dream Team.

Strahan, agreed 100%. Dwight Freeney, no way. He's so one-dimensional it's not even funny. I'm pretty sure an inanimate carbon rod would be better in run support. He's a phenominal situational pass rusher on 3rd-and-longs, but as a regular every-down starter, he's a liability on a "dream team".

Michael Strahan and Dwight Freeney should be the DEs on any Dream Team.

Not in a 3-4 they shouldnt. They shouldnt even be in the discussion.

Freeney would make a solid 3-4 OLB. Strahan is so freakishly strong and is so ridiculously good in run support that I definitely believe he'd make a quality 3-4 DE.

Michael Strahan and Dwight Freeney should be the DEs on any Dream Team.

Strahan is no better than the 5th best DE in the league now. I'd take Peppers, Freeney, Ogunleye, Seymor, and Jason Taylor over him. John Abraham is better than him too if his head is on straight.

Peppers is a freak of nature, but he disappears way too often and way too easily. Strahan's been a better passrusher for the past 4 years, and is far more solid in run support, too. I'd take Peppers for the long run, but for just one season, Strahan gets the nod.Ogunleye isn't anywhere NEAR Strahan's level. He's more of an Usi Omenyori (sp?) type- a very good DE who looks a lot better because the offense is too busy focusing on other members of the defense (in Usi's case, Strahan). Ogunleye has caused as much havoc as the beneficiary of someone else's double teams as Strahan has caused WHILE DOUBLE TEAMED. Freeney I've covered. Seymour is better than Strahan against the run, but Strahan gets better pressure, so I call it a wash. Jason Taylor gets better pressure, but is worse against the rush, so again I call it a wash.Michael Strahan is, along with Bruce Smith and the Minister of Defense, the best two-way DE of our generation. He's one of the truly rare players who is actually UNDERRATED despite playing in New York (basically, it's him and Tiki). He's a first-ballot HoFer, in my mind, and he's still playing at an incredibly high level.

 

[Despyzer]

Peppers is a freak of nature, but he disappears way too often and way too easily. Strahan's been a better passrusher for the past 4 years, and is far more solid in run support, too. I'd take Peppers for the long run, but for just one season, Strahan gets the nod.Ogunleye isn't anywhere NEAR Strahan's level. He's more of an Usi Omenyori (sp?) type- a very good DE who looks a lot better because the offense is too busy focusing on other members of the defense (in Usi's case, Strahan). Ogunleye has caused as much havoc as the beneficiary of someone else's double teams as Strahan has caused WHILE DOUBLE TEAMED. Freeney I've covered. Seymour is better than Strahan against the run, but Strahan gets better pressure, so I call it a wash. Jason Taylor gets better pressure, but is worse against the rush, so again I call it a wash.Michael Strahan is, along with Bruce Smith and the Minister of Defense, the best two-way DE of our generation. He's one of the truly rare players who is actually UNDERRATED despite playing in New York (basically, it's him and Tiki). He's a first-ballot HoFer, in my mind, and he's still playing at an incredibly high level.

I'm willing to concede any and all of these points as a matter of opinion, except Jason Taylor. Year in and year out, Taylor is regarded as the top DE against the run. How can you now claim that it is his weakness in a comparison to Strahan? I have NEVER heard Strahan referred to as a top run-defender.

 

[pizzatyme]

Michael Strahan and Dwight Freeney should be the DEs on any Dream Team.

Strahan, agreed 100%. Dwight Freeney, no way. He's so one-dimensional it's not even funny. I'm pretty sure an inanimate carbon rod would be better in run support. He's a phenominal situational pass rusher on 3rd-and-longs, but as a regular every-down starter, he's a liability on a "dream team".

Michael Strahan and Dwight Freeney should be the DEs on any Dream Team.

Not in a 3-4 they shouldnt. They shouldnt even be in the discussion.

Freeney would make a solid 3-4 OLB. Strahan is so freakishly strong and is so ridiculously good in run support that I definitely believe he'd make a quality 3-4 DE.

Michael Strahan and Dwight Freeney should be the DEs on any Dream Team.

Strahan is no better than the 5th best DE in the league now. I'd take Peppers, Freeney, Ogunleye, Seymor, and Jason Taylor over him. John Abraham is better than him too if his head is on straight.

Peppers is a freak of nature, but he disappears way too often and way too easily. Strahan's been a better passrusher for the past 4 years, and is far more solid in run support, too. I'd take Peppers for the long run, but for just one season, Strahan gets the nod.Ogunleye isn't anywhere NEAR Strahan's level. He's more of an Usi Omenyori (sp?) type- a very good DE who looks a lot better because the offense is too busy focusing on other members of the defense (in Usi's case, Strahan). Ogunleye has caused as much havoc as the beneficiary of someone else's double teams as Strahan has caused WHILE DOUBLE TEAMED. Freeney I've covered. Seymour is better than Strahan against the run, but Strahan gets better pressure, so I call it a wash. Jason Taylor gets better pressure, but is worse against the rush, so again I call it a wash.Michael Strahan is, along with Bruce Smith and the Minister of Defense, the best two-way DE of our generation. He's one of the truly rare players who is actually UNDERRATED despite playing in New York (basically, it's him and Tiki). He's a first-ballot HoFer, in my mind, and he's still playing at an incredibly high level.

As much as I love Freeney for what he does. SSOG is absolutely right here. Freeney is one dimensional. He is non-existant in the running game.I think I would prefer someone like Jason Taylor here. I've seen him do it both versus the run and the pass.

 

[The Jacket]

Defensive Tackle- Casey Hampton, Chris Hovan, Marcus Stroud (I admit that Chris Hovan was a bit of a reach, but I plan on running the Tampa 2 here, and I *needed* an under-tackle capable of getting some big pressure up the middle. From what I've seen, with the decline of Sapp, Hovan might be the best guy in the league at that).

Kevin Williams.

 

[SSOG]

Peppers is a freak of nature, but he disappears way too often and way too easily. Strahan's been a better passrusher for the past 4 years, and is far more solid in run support, too. I'd take Peppers for the long run, but for just one season, Strahan gets the nod.Ogunleye isn't anywhere NEAR Strahan's level. He's more of an Usi Omenyori (sp?) type- a very good DE who looks a lot better because the offense is too busy focusing on other members of the defense (in Usi's case, Strahan). Ogunleye has caused as much havoc as the beneficiary of someone else's double teams as Strahan has caused WHILE DOUBLE TEAMED. Freeney I've covered. Seymour is better than Strahan against the run, but Strahan gets better pressure, so I call it a wash. Jason Taylor gets better pressure, but is worse against the rush, so again I call it a wash.Michael Strahan is, along with Bruce Smith and the Minister of Defense, the best two-way DE of our generation. He's one of the truly rare players who is actually UNDERRATED despite playing in New York (basically, it's him and Tiki). He's a first-ballot HoFer, in my mind, and he's still playing at an incredibly high level.

I'm willing to concede any and all of these points as a matter of opinion, except Jason Taylor. Year in and year out, Taylor is regarded as the top DE against the run. How can you now claim that it is his weakness in a comparison to Strahan? I have NEVER heard Strahan referred to as a top run-defender.

You may not have heard it, but he is. Like I said, it's rare, but Strahan actually plays in NYC and is still UNDERrated. Heck, Strahan himself has said that he has two passrush moves- the Bullrush, and the fake Bullrush... and nothing's tougher against the run than a good old Bullrush. I've actually never once seen Strahan run himself out of a play. Never. I've seen Jason Taylor do it, though. It's exceedingly rare, but it happens.It's not like stopping the run is a weakness for Taylor. He's one of the best in the league at it. I just think Strahan's better.

 

[lod2005]

Frank Gore will be headlining this by the end of the year.

 

[hi1111]

QB - Peyton Manning

RB - Ladainian Tomlinson

FB - Lorenzo Neal

WR - Terrel Owens

Randy Moss

TE - Antonio Gates

LT - Jonathen Ogden

LG - Brian Waters

C - LeCharles Bentley

RG - Alan Faneca

RT - Orlando Pace

RE - Mario Williams

NT - Shaun Rogers

LE - Richard Seymour

ROLB - Joey Porter

MLB - Ray Lewis

MLB - Mike Peterson

LOLB - Shawn Merriman

CB - Chris McCalister

Champ Bailey

FS - Brian Dawkins

SS - Ed Reed

 

[SSOG]

I think it's weird that everyone keeps going with the 3-4. I guess it's the new in thing, but if the 3-4 was really inherantly better then over 50% of the league would be using it (rather than under 50%). And it never would have gone out of style in the first place.

The 3-4 is a great defensive scheme that offers a great change of pace and has some very big strengths (such as variety), but I've always felt that if you have stud players capable of running it to perfection, the 4-3 will beat it every time. Just my humble opinion.

 

[jurb26]

I think it's weird that everyone keeps going with the 3-4. I guess it's the new in thing, but if the 3-4 was really inherantly better then over 50% of the league would be using it (rather than under 50%). And it never would have gone out of style in the first place.The 3-4 is a great defensive scheme that offers a great change of pace and has some very big strengths (such as variety), but I've always felt that if you have stud players capable of running it to perfection, the 4-3 will beat it every time. Just my humble opinion.

Hell no! I say that in all kindness. Scheme is all about preference. Simple as that. I would prefer to confuse the daylights out of opposing blocking schemes and QBs witha fast, agressive 3-4 blitz package mixed with disguised zones and man coverage. If you prefer a dominante front 4, so be it. They are both means to and end. I personally feel the 3-4 is much more fun from a scheme stand point and allows more creativity.

 

[Despyzer]

I think it's weird that everyone keeps going with the 3-4. I guess it's the new in thing, but if the 3-4 was really inherantly better then over 50% of the league would be using it (rather than under 50%). And it never would have gone out of style in the first place.The 3-4 is a great defensive scheme that offers a great change of pace and has some very big strengths (such as variety), but I've always felt that if you have stud players capable of running it to perfection, the 4-3 will beat it every time. Just my humble opinion.

One reason that most teams don't run more 3-4s is on account of personnel. The 3-4 is rarely played in the college game, so teams have to transition players at too many positions: DT to NT or DE, DE to OLB, etc. There aren't a lot of guys coming out of college that you know can play NT or 3-4 DE or 3-4 OLB. The risk, therefore, isn't worth the reward to most teams. A lot of recent Super Bowl teams have run at least a variation of the 3-4.

 

[zoonation]

You've got 45 roster spots, just like a real NFL team. Assemble the best assortment of talent you can from the current pool of active players. You can run any form of offensive or defensive system you like. Consider any other factors you wish (chemistry, locker-room presence, etc.)

My team would look like this, starters in Bold:

My offense would be a traditional pro-set (one halfback, one fullback, one TE, 2 WRs)

QBs (3) - Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, Peyton Manning (Peyton is the best passer, but with this team I am putting a priority on leadership at this position)

RBs (5) - LaDainian Tomlinson, Mack Strong, Shaun Alexander, Clinton Portis, Lorenzo Neal

WRs (5) - Torry Holt, Hines Ward, Marvin Harrison, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin (I removed the distraction of all the big "me-first" wideouts)

TEs (2) - Antonio Gates, Tony Gonzalez

Cs (2) - Jeff Hartings, Olin Kreutz

Gs (3) - Alan Faneca, Steve Hutchinson, Will Shields

Ts (3) - Walter Jones, Orlando Pace, Willie Anderson

On defense I would be partial to the 3-4, but I would want a little flexibility

NTs (2) - Casey Hampton, Jamal Williams

DTs (1) - John Henderson

DEs (3) - Richard Seymor, Jason Taylor, Julius Peppers, Adewale Ogunleye

ILBs/MLBs (4) - Brian Urlacher, Jonathon Vilma, Al Wilson, Donnie Edwards

OLBs (4) - Takeo Spikes, Shawne Merriman, DeMarcus Ware, Lance Briggs

CBs (3) - DeAngelo Hall, Champ Bailey, Terence Newman

Ss (3) - Troy Polamula, Ed Reed, Roy Williams

K (1) - David Akers

P (1) - Shane Lechler

*Feel free to comment on my list, but if you are feeling really critical, just make your own list.

Are you trying to win a playoff game? Marvin hibernates in January.