Mid-Season ALL-ROOKIE TEAM (1 Viewer)

[Bracie Smathers]

http://withthefirstpick.com/2013/11/05/mid-season-rookie-team/

2013 NFL Draft

Mid Season All Rookie Team5th, 2013 at 6:17 am

Previous
Every week, Withthefirstpick.com will be selecting a weekly All-Rookie team, featuring the stars of the previous weekends games. In addition to the Weekly All-Rookie team, keep an eye out for the Mid-season All-Rookie team and the regular season All-Rookie team later in the year

Offense​

​

Geno Smith – Quarterback, New York Jets​

158-272, 58.1%, 1,997 yards, 8 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, 6 fumbles and 36 carries, 172 yards, and 3 touchdowns.​

Smith has provided a playmaking spark to the Jets offense and has helped win games, but he has one touchdown to 9 interceptions in 4 Jets losses.

Offensive Rookie of the Year​

Eddie Lacy – Running Back, Green Bay Packers​

134 carries, 596 yards, 4 touchdowns and 12 catches for 78 yards.​

Eddie Lacy has brought balance to the Green Bay offense and much needed relief for quarterback Aaron Rodgers.​

​

Giovani Bernard – Running Back, Cincinnati Bengals​

81 carries, 361 yards, 4 touchdowns and 30 catches for 267 yards, 2 touchdowns.​

Bernard has been a touchdown machine in Cincinnati’s offense as the Bengals have finally found a versatile playmaker at the running back position.

Keenan Allen – Wide Receiver, San Diego Chargers​

34 catches, 527 yards, and 3 touchdowns​

Allen found his way onto the starting line up due to injuries, but has seized the moment and quickly developed a chemistry with Philip Rivers.

Terrance Williams – Wide Receiver, Dallas Cowboys​

28 catches, 477 yards, and 4 touchdowns​

Stepped up in the absence of Miles Austin and has been a big play option opposite of Dez Bryant for quarterback Tony Romo.

Jordan Reed – Tight End, Washington Redskins​

38 catches, 425 yards, 2 touchdowns.​

The athletic Reed has been the focal point of the offense at times in 2013 and thus far has been a perfect fit within Mike Shanahan’s offense.

David Bakhtiari – Left Tackle, Green Bay Packers​

Bakhtiari’s surprising play has helped solidify a Green Bay offensive line which has protected Aaron Rodgers well while opening running lanes for Eddie Lacy and the Packers new found running game.

Kyle Long – Right Guard, Chicago Bears​

Long has been a starter all season long and has been one of the Bears best offensive lineman. At times has been dominant in the running game.

Travis Frederick – Center, Dallas Cowboys​

A controversial pick in April, Frederick has made the Cowboys look brilliant and has been a rock in the middle of Tony Romo’s offensive line.

Larry Warford – Right Guard, Detroit Lions​

An earth mover in every sense of the word. Warford has been a pleasant surprise in pass protection while thriving in the running game.

D.J. Fluker – Right Tackle, San Diego Chargers​

Fluker has flashed dominant ability, while providing perimeter protection for Philip Rivers. His arrival has helped Ryan Matthews and the Chargers running game get back on track.

============================================================================

Defense​

​

Ezekial “Ziggy” Ansah – Defensive End, Detroit Lions​

19 tackles, 3.0 sacks, 2 forced fumbles​

Ansah is still in need of development but he has been a disruptive force for the Lions defensive line. His progression will be key for the Lions chances of closing the season strong.

Star Lotulelei – Defensive Tackle, Carolina Panthers​

23 tackles, 1.0 sack, 4 run stuffs.​

Lotulelei has been a brick wall in the middle of the Carolina defense. His presence has allowed Luke Keuchly, Greg Hardy, and Charles Johnson to flourish and is a big part of the Panthers defensive turnaround.

Chris Jones – Defensive Tackle, New England Patriots​

30 tackles, 5.0 sacks, 1 run stuff.​

Jones was picked up after being waived by Tampa Bay and has been a key contributer for the Patriots while filling in for the injured Vince Wilfork. The Patriots have had to rely heavily on their defense in the wake of the offensive struggles.

Sheldon Richardson – Defensive Lineman, New York Jets​

41 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass defensed, 4 run stuffs.​

Richardson has been all over the field for the surprising Jets defense. His athleticism is a perfect fit in Rex Ryan’s aggressive penetration based scheme.

Barkevious Mingo – Rush Linebacker, Cleveland Browns​

23 tackles, 4.0 sacks, 1 pass defensed, 1 run stuff.​

Mingo has been an impact player in a rotational role in the Browns blitz heavy 3-4 defense. He has a long way to go before becoming an every down stud, but he is already a threat as a rush end.

Defensive Rookie of the Year​

​

Kiko Alonso – Inside Linebacker, Buffalo Bills​

89 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovered, 4 interceptions, 4 passes defensed, 6 run stuffs.​

The best defensive rookie in the NFL. An immediate starter and among the NFL’s most productive players, Alonso has a nose for the ball and arrives with nasty intentions.

Alec Ogletree – Outside Linebacker, St. Louis Rams​

59 tackles, 3 forced fumbles, 1 interception, 5 passes defensed, 3 run stuffs, 1 touchdown​

The long and rangy outside linebacker has been all over the field for the under rated Rams defense. Impressive production for a supposed “project”.

Marcus Cooper – Cornerback, Kansas City Chiefs​

18 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovered, 2 interceptions, 14 passes defensed, 1 run stuff.​

An absolute waiver wire steal for Kansas City. Cooper has thrived in a reserve role and has been all over the field, leading the league in passes defensed.

Tyrann Mathieu – Safety, Arizona Cardinals​

49 tackles, 1.0 sack, 1 forced fumble, 2 interceptions, 5 passes defensed, 4 run stuffs.​

Mathieu’s playmaking prowess has translated well to the NFL. Lining up in a variety of positions in the defensive backfield, Mathieu is a key component of the Arizona defense.

Eric Reid – Safety, San Francisco 49ers​

39 tackles, 1 fumble recovery, 3 interceptions, 6 passes defensed.​

The 49ers tabbed Reid to replace the departed Dashon Goldson, to which he has done an admirable job. Reid has been a steady playmaker and has improved weekly.

Logan Ryan – Cornerback, New England Patriots​

15 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 interception, 2 passes defensed, 1 touchdown.​

Ryan has been a steady contributor on a defense which has needed to be stout. He has made plays while blitzing and in coverage.

Kenny Vaccaro – Defensive Back, New Orleans Saints​

42 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception, 5 pass break ups, 2 run stuffs.​

The versatile Vaccaro has been an important chess piece for defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. Vaccaro has made plays from corner, safety, and linebacker.​

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Mid Season ALL-PRO team

http://mmqb.si.com/2013/11/05/nfl-2013-midseason-all-pro-team/4/

The MMQB Midseason All-Pros, Awards Winners ByGreg A. Bedard
Greg A. Bedard unveils his midseason All-Pro team and awards winners.

OffenseQB: Peyton Manning, Broncos. Believe it or not, I debated a while about this pick, with it coming down to Manning and Philip Rivers, and Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers close behind. It’s extremely difficult to ignore Rivers’ 72.2 completion percentage, and his lesser supporting cast. But Manning’s 29 touchdowns against Rivers’ 17 won out—for now.

RB: LeSean McCoy, Eagles; Jamaal Charles, Chiefs. McCoy leads the league with 777 rushing yards, and he’s fumbled just once. It won’t be long before critics knock McCoy as a “system back,” but Shady is just tremendous, especially in space. The only question is if he can last the season as the workhorse.

As for the second pick, Frank Gore, once the 49ers remembered he’s the man in their offense, has taken off and is having a great season, with seven rushes of 20 or more yards (compared to one for Charles). Still, you can make a convincing argument that there may not be a more valuable non-quarterback than Charles. He has accounted for 39 percent of the Chiefs’ yards, and half the offensive touchdowns, and is running with tremendous vision.

FB: Anthony Sherman, Chiefs. Bruce Miller is once again doing good work for the 49ers, but the young Sherman has been a little more consistent in the blocking department. Sherman’s trade from the Cardinals in May (for cornerback Javier Arenas) was a huge boost for the fullback.

TE: Jimmy Graham, Saints. He won’t be mistaken for pre-surgery Rob Gronkowski with his mediocre blocking skills, but Graham’s the most dynamic weapon of the group at this point. His 15.2 yards per catch average and 10 touchdowns are well above the followers, like Jordan Cameron, Antonio Gates, Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten.

WR: Calvin Johnson, Lions; A.J. Green, Bengals. Oh boy, this one was a doozy. You could make a convincing case for any number of guys, including Antonio Brown, Dez Bryant, Jordy Nelson, Pierre Garcon, Andre Johnson, Brandon Marshall, Wes Welker and DeSean Jackson. In the end, the tiebreaker was the most talent. The last three off were Brown, who leads the league with 61 receptions, Bryant (first among outside receivers with eight touchdowns) and Nelson, who has been terrific all around virtually the entire season. Brown was knocked out because he’s been a little aided by the Steelers trailing so much. Nelson’s 43 catches just aren’t enough. And Bryant’s been held under 50 yards three times.

OT: Joe Staley, 49ers (L); Doug Free, Cowboys ®. What made this choice so difficult was the fact that there are no longer any dominant left tackles in the game. There are plenty of good ones, like Nate Solder, Andrew Whitworth, Joe Thomas and Jordan Gross. But there are none that make you say, “That guy is Canton bound.” Solder probably has the highest ceiling—he might indeed win this in his second season at left tackle before the year is over—but Staley gets the nod for now because he’s had the higher degree of difficulty: Packers, Seahawks, Colts, Rams, Texans and Cardinals. You can make an argument he didn’t allow a sack in any of those games. And Staley is the toughest and most rugged of the bunch. On the right side, Free has done such terrific work that you could call him the league’s most improved player. He’s been a standout, especially on the ground.

OG: Evan Mathis, Eagles (L); Louis Vasquez, Broncos ®. Mathis is simply the best guard in the game, and it’s not even really close. Just a phenomenal athlete and top-notch technician. Vasquez was one of the most underrated free-agent signings of the offseason, coming over from the rival Chargers and instantly stabilizing a line that has endured injury woes at left tackle and center. The Broncos have the league’s best pass-blocking line (Manning surely helps), and needs to be represented.

C: Chris Myers, Texans. Houston hasn’t gotten the results it’s used to out of the zone blocking scheme or in the standings, but that’s been more about the quarterback play than anything. Myers has been a rock-solid standout in every game except against the Chiefs and nose tackle Dontari Poe, but nobody’s been able to block them or him with regularity.

=========================================================================

DEFENSEDE: Robert Quinn, Rams; Robert Mathis, Colts. These are the positions the AP has used for years, but I’m going to fill it a little bit differently. Quinn is second in The MMQB pressure rate for edge rushers, and he’s one of the only true ends on the list. He doesn’t get the benefit of scheme like some of the others who play outside linebacker in the 3-4 do. Mathis is technically an outside linebacker in the 3-4, but he plays mostly like an end. Mathis, despite now leading the league with 11.5 sacks, is not in our top 10 edge rushers. The point of our statistics is to capture a total look at quarterback pressure, and Mathis hasn’t added up in hurries and hits. However, Mathis is basically a one-man pass rush for the Colts, so he earns the other spot.

DT: J.J. Watt, Texans; Jason Hatcher, Cowboys. Watt was voted an All-Pro at end last year, but I don’t know how people vote him there. Could he play as a 4-3 end instead of a 3-4 end and dominate at the same level? I think we’d say yes. But he does most of his work from between the tackle and guard and further inside. To me, that’s a tackle—an awesome one at that. He’s just unstoppable.

Hatcher was a 3-4 end before this season, and now he’s a 4-3 DT. He hasn’t received much publicity, but he’s having an incredible season with seven sacks, three drawn holds, 24 hurries and seven quarterback hits. A week ago Hatcher was closing in on Watt in our interior rusher pressure rate. Watt’s widened the lead back up, so we’ll have to see how it unfolds. Muhammad Wilkerson is definitely in the conversation too.

OLB: Justin Houston, Chiefs; Lavonte David, Buccaneers. Doing a little mixing and matching here with OLBs of the 3-4 (Houston) and 4-3 (David), but both deserve a spot. Houston is the best stand-up outside linebacker in the game and leads our pressure points among all rushers in total points (33.13) and rate (12.5). Sure, Houston has benefited from a strong supporting cast, but production is production. David doesn’t get much attention with what’s going on with the winless Buccaneers, but the lack of success isn’t his fault. He’s been flying all over the field as a playmaker against the run and pass (five sacks and five passes defensed lead 4-3 outside linebackers).

ILB: Sean Lee, Cowboys; Derrick Johnson, Chiefs. Another position that is having a bit of an off year because there are several good candidates, but not many who shine above the rest. It’s kind of a beauty-is-in-the-eye-of-the-beholder situation. Can’t go wrong with NaVorro Bowman and Patrick Willis of the 49ers. Rookie Kiko Alonso has surprised in Buffalo. The Cardinals’ Darryl Washington has been the best player since returning from his suspension, and could win the award by the end of the season—he’s been that good. Luke Kuechly, Jerrell Freeman, Brad Jones and Karlos Dansby have played well for the most part. Lee and Johnson win out for now because the NFL is a passing league, and they are the two best cover linebackers to this point in addition to their very strong play against the run.

CB: Richard Sherman, Seahawks; Alterraun Verner, Titans. When it comes to cornerbacks, what I prefer to see is a true No. 1 cornerback who plays mostly man coverage and then go from there. The problem is, there aren’t a whole lot of viable candidates because Darrelle Revis hasn’t played much man, and Aqib Talib has missed too much time with his hip injury (for now). Both could be heard from down the stretch. The Bengals’ Leon Hall was headed for a spot before his injury, and Vontae Davis (Colts) and Joe Haden (Browns) are both right there. Sherman seems to be the one man corner who has played above the rest with consistency. He’s tied for the league lead with four interceptions. So is Verner, who holds the league lead with 17 passes defensed.

S: Earl Thomas, Seahawks (FS); Eric Berry, Chiefs (SS). These spots don’t necessarily call for a free and strong safety, but if you have two spots, why wouldn’t you do that? Thomas is, without question, the best free safety in the game. Devin McCourty may challenge him in time, but no one possesses Thomas’ closing speed, and that makes up any sloppy play that may leak out of the Seahawks. The Chargers’ Eric Weddle doesn’t get a whole lot of acclaim, but he’s a terrific player who is probably the biggest reason why San Diego has survived so many injuries on defense. He covers up a lot of mistakes. At strong safety, I haven’t historically been the biggest fan of Berry’s play, as he can be a liability in space, but new defensive coordinator Bob Sutton is putting him in great positions to be successful.

Special TeamsK: Matt Prater, Broncos. This looks like it will be a head-to-head battle until the end between Prater and Stephen Gostkowski. Both are among the league’s best at kickoffs, which gives them the edge on Nick Folk.. Prater has yet to miss on 12 attempts, with nine over 40. Gostkowski has missed once and is 9 of 10 in the same situation. Like I said, it’s virtually a deadheat. Time for a kick off.

P: Johnny Hekker, Rams. Tough three-way battle between Hekker, Shane Lechler and Thomas Morstead. Hekker is the choice because he leads the league in net average thanks to his 2.4 yards per return average, which is second only to Jon Ryan of the Seahawks (1.4).

KR: Trindon Holliday, Broncos. He’s the best dual returner in the game, and for now that gives him an edge on Vikings kickoff returner Cordarrelle Patterson and his two touchdowns.

Awards WinnersMVP: Jamaal Charles, Chiefs. This probably won’t be a popular pick, but if the season ended today with the Chiefs the top seed, the argument is there to be made that the one player they couldn’t do without is Charles. He’s nearly 40 percent of the offense and half the touchdowns, and he has no viable backup. Charles plays a central figure in both the run and the pass. He’s operating in an offense in which the quarterback’s best assets are his feet and that he won’t throw into coverage. The Chiefs don’t have any other weapons that threaten defensive coordinators. If Charles goes down, the feeling here is the Chiefs are going with him. There are plenty of worthy candidates for the MVP should the Chiefs falter: Manning, Rivers, Andrew Luck and Rodgers.

OPOY: Peyton Manning, Broncos. He’s on pace for a league record 58 touchdown passes. ‘Nuff said.

DPOY: J.J. Watt, Texans. It’s his world. Everyone else is fighting for second.

OROY: Giovani Bernard, Bengals. You’d like to see him carry the rock a little bit more, but he’s been so well-rounded in all phases of the game, and provided such a needed weapon for the Bengals, that we’ll overlook it for now. But look out, Keenan Allen (Chargers) and Zac Stacy (Rams) are coming on strong.

DROY: Sheldon Richardson, Jets. You might find rookies with flashier numbers, like linebacker Kiko Alonso and defensive back Tyrann Matheau, but Richardson and fellow lineman Star Lotulelei have been the most impressive to date. Richardson has settled down from his torrid early-season pace, but he has the edge at the moment.

Comeback: Darrelle Revis, Buccaneers. That’s all I’ve got. I don’t even know why they give out this award. What’s next, everybody gets a trophy at the end of the year? I mean, these guys have millions of dollars worth of reasons to “comeback” and play football.

COY: Andy Reid, Chiefs. For Rex Ryan to get a team with a rookie quarterback, no offensive weapons, no outside linebackers and no Darrelle Revis to 5-4 and in the playoffs if they started today is one of the greatest coaching jobs in recent league history. But even though Andy Reid has way more talent on his roster, he did inherit the worst team in the league according to records, and has them at 9-0. He’s the choice—until the Chiefs lose.

OCOY: Mike McCarthy/Tom Clements, Packers. Despite not having both offensive tackles (Bryan Bulaga, Derek Sherrod), a valuable back in DuJuan Harris and losing receivers Randall Cobb (IR), Jordy Nelson and James Jones and tight end Jermichael Finley for long stretches, the Packers are still humming along on offense. They rank first in yards per play, have jumped up to fifth in rushing yards per play, fourth on third downs and third in points per game. Take a bow, gentleman (and you too, Aaron Rodgers).

DCOY: Ray Horton, Browns; Bob Sutton, Chiefs (tie). Both first-year coordinators inherited talented rosters and have been saddled by offenses that aren’t exactly breaking records for ingenuity or execution. They’ve both been impressive in their own ways, and it’s too early to make a definitive call.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Another mid-season ALL-PRO team

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2013/11/05/pffs-midseason-all-pro-team/

PFF’s Midseason All-Pro TeamKhaled Elsayed | November 5, 2013

Unlike a lot of places we’re not going on what the box scores tell us or on the reputation players have. We’re not concerned with what people might think because in our method we trust and we take pride in having four sets of eyes (at least) on every snap of every game.

So sit back and enjoy.

OFFENSE

Quarterback: Peyton Manning, DEN (+22.3)

Was there ever any doubt? Sure Manning hasn’t played nearly as well in his last three starts as his first eight, but he’s still ahead of the chasing pack. We’ll guarantee this though and that’s if he doesn’t find some of that early season form then come the end of the year someone else be in his place.

Second Team: Philip Rivers (SD)

Running Back: LeSean McCoy, PHI (+14.4)

He leads the league in rushing, has forced 39 missed tackles and tops our rushing rankings at his position. Still, after a strong start to the year, he needs to do more than he has done recently to hold off the challenge.

Second Team: Marshawn Lynch (SEA)

Fullback: Anthony Sherman, KC (+13.3)

The only man who looks like vaguely challenging Sherman is Collin “The Moonster” Mooney of the Titans, but with just 106 snaps he’s got some work to do. Instead Sherman has quietly become the most reliable fullback in the league. We did not see that coming after his exploits in Arizona.

Second Team: Mike Tolbert (CAR)

Tight End: Vernon Davis, SF (+9.4)

Davis separated himself from the pack because unlike the other two contenders he can block. So that left a fight between Gonzalez and Graham for the last spot. After much discussion, Graham and his ability to get into the end zone wins the day despite the quite frankly ridiculous attention that Gonzalez is receiving right now.

Second Team: Jimmy Graham (NO)

Wide Receivers: Calvin Johnson, DET (+14.9) and Andre Johnson, HOU (+15.8)

The Johnson boys have cemented their union as our first-team pairing with two incredible strong performances in their last game. For Andre that pushed him to the top of our receiver rankings, marginally ahead of Calvin who might rue missing some time hurt in his quest to rewrite the record books.

Second Team: Jordy Nelson (GB) and Antonio Brown (PIT)

Tackles: Joe Thomas, CLE (+15.3) and Doug Free, DAL (+12.9)

In choosing a left tackle we wanted a guy who excelled in pass protection above all else. With five sacks allowed it meant turning away from our top-ranked Nate Solder and instead looking at the always reliable Thomas who has coped extremely well with some quarterbacks not afraid to hold onto the ball. The right side was an even trickier selection after Sebastian Vollmer went down on injured reserve. While the play of Zach Strief and the transformation in Tyler Polumbus warrant mentioning, it was Free who got the nod even after his worst performance of the year.

Second Team: Trent Williams (WAS) and Tyler Polumbus (WAS)

Guards: Evan Mathis, PHI (+27.9) and Louis Vasquez, DEN (+15.2)

Is there any stopping Evan Mathis? It looks like he’ll get our All Pro nod for the third consecutive year as he maintains his excellent form since becoming an Eagle. Vasquez, who also filled in at right tackle successfully, has proved worth the money Denver paid for him and then some. He’s given up just four hurries all year. On the second string, DeCastro picked himself but the standard of guard play made picking a left guard somewhat less appealing.

Second Team: David DeCasto (PIT) and Kory Lichtensteiger (WAS)

Center: Chris Myers, HOU (+15.5)

Comfortably our top-ranked center, Myers hasn’t set the world alight but he has continued to generate movement to open up running lanes. He may never be the best pass blocking center, but he’s good enough that you can live with it.

Second Team: Manny Ramirez (DEN)



DEFENSE
DEFENSE

Each week we put forward a hybrid defense that features two edge rushers (4-3 defensive ends or 3-4 outside linebackers), three players on the “interior” of the defensive line (defensive tackles or 3-4 defensive ends) and two linebackers (all inside linebackers and 4-3 outside linebackers).

Defensive Interior – Ends: J.J. Watt, HOU (+51.0) and Gerald McCoy, TB (+26.3)

If you didn’t see this coming you’re not watching enough football. His sack numbers aren’t as high but Watt leads his peers in defensive stops in the run game (23) and quarterback disruptions (41). He’s still the best player in football. When you watch McCoy make plays you forget briefly all about the struggles of Tampa Bay. He’s so good on every down.

Second Team: Jason Hatcher (DAL) and Fletcher Cox (PHI)

Defensive Interior – Nose: Damon Harrison, NYJ (+21.8)

One of the most pleasant surprises of the year has been the ascension of Harrison to not just a starting role, but to earning a spot on our Midseason All-Pro team. He’s fantastic against the run and does more than just eat up space as his 12.9 run stop percentage (fourth best of all defensive tackles) will show you. A really stacked position with Dontari Poe, Marcell Dareus and Brandon Mebane all playing well enough.

Second Team: Dontari Poe (KC)

Edge Rushers: Robert Quinn, SL (+34.2) and Justin Houston, KC (+22.1)

You can only beat what is in front of you, and nobody smells blood in the water like Robert Quinn. He’s feasted on poor tackles to the tune of 46 quarterback disruptions, with only the Chiefs outside linebackers having more. In that regard Tamba Hali leads the way, but it’s Houston (with 35 fewer pass rushes and better all round play) who gets in.

Second Team: Tamba Hali (KC) and Robert Mathis (IND)

Linebackers: Sean Lee, DAL (+10.8) and Lavonte David, TB (+12.3)

Is there a linebacker playing better than Lee right now? He has graded positively in every area of the game only Paul Posluszny and David have more defensive stops than his 40, and he’s got four interceptions and three pass break ups to go with it. It might feel odd to have another Buccaneer on this team given their struggles but when you watch David make play after play after play how could you not find a spot for him.

Second Team: Derrick Johnson (KC) and Kiko Alonso (BUF)

Cornerbacks: Darrelle Revis, TB (+13.8) and Alterraun Verner, TEN (+11.7)

Are you calling shenanigans? A third Buccaneer? Well that just goes to show the lopsided nature of the team with Revis not back to his best, but close enough to lead our cornerback rankings. Verner hasn’t quite maintained his magnificent early season form, but hangs on in with his teammate McCourty, Seahawk Sherman and many more not far behind.

Second Team: Jason McCourty (TEN) and Richard Sherman (SEA)

Safeties: Devin McCourty, NE (+17.4) and T.J. Ward, CLE (+11.7)

He might not be as complete as Earl Thomas, but the work of McCourty as a deep safety has been unparalleled this year. A really good feel for where he should be as seen him break up five balls to go with his one interception. Ward is the standout strong safety even if he might not be able to do all the things Eric Berry can. He’s thriving in that Ray Horton defense and it shows with nine more defensive stops for Ward than any other safety.

Second Team: Earl Thomas (SEA) and Eric Berry (KC)

SPECIAL TEAMS

Kicker: Nick Folk, NYJ (+13.7)

There isn’t a better one right now than Folk who shows no signs of missing a kick or letting the pressure get to him.

Second Team: Stephen Gostkowski (NE)

Punter: Shane Lechler, HOU (+18.5)

Hekker might have the better grade but a lot of that owes to simply punting the ball a heck (punt intended) of a lot more. Lechler has thrived in Houston.

Second Team: Johnny Hekker (SL)

Returner: Cordarrelle Patterson, MIN (+8.7)

Two touchdowns isn’t a bad return from the rookie, is it? An electric returner.

Second Team: Golden Tate (SEA)

Special Teamer: Justin Bethel, ARZ (+8.5)

Special teams guru Neil Hornsby can’t say enough good things about either man, but it’s Bethel who will be first string. He’s already drawn five penalties with his work on the punt coverage unit.

Second Team: Jeremy Lane (SEA)

 

[FUBAR]

When watching the Texans game this week, I was wondering about Watt. He's a stud for sure, but isn't putting up the stats like last year. Not having watched other Texans game, it wasn't clear if Watt was still as much a stud as last year. Which led me to question whether he's still the DPOY, or if someone like Earl Thomas has meant as much or more to a winning team. Certainly not debating the choice, but for those who have watched - has Watt been as important to his team as last year?

 

[Bracie Smathers]

When watching the Texans game this week, I was wondering about Watt. He's a stud for sure, but isn't putting up the stats like last year. Not having watched other Texans game, it wasn't clear if Watt was still as much a stud as last year. Which led me to question whether he's still the DPOY, or if someone like Earl Thomas has meant as much or more to a winning team. Certainly not debating the choice, but for those who have watched - has Watt been as important to his team as last year?

Haven't been watching the Texans but PFF gives him their highest defensive grade and make a pretty solid case for him.

Defensive Interior – Ends: J.J. Watt, HOU (+51.0) and Gerald McCoy, TB (+26.3)

If you didn’t see this coming you’re not watching enough football. His sack numbers aren’t as high but Watt leads his peers in defensive stops in the run game (23) and quarterback disruptions (41). He’s still the best player in football.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

J.J. Watt, tearing it up.

Pro Football Focus‏@PFF3h

J.J. Watt showing no signs of slowing down this year. On pace for grade of +108.1. Finished with +101.6 last year. pic.twitter.com/PR4prEqLYu

 

[The Duff Man]

Important stat missing for Kiko.

Jerseys traded for BJs: 1

 

[Vector]

Can't take Khaled seriously when Jimmy Graham is not #1 TE. Are you serious ?!?!?!?

 

[Fariq]

Can't take Khaled seriously when Jimmy Graham is not #1 TE. Are you serious ?!?!?!?

Davis blocks better, just like the writer indicated. It is an important part of the position. I still might go Graham over Davis, but it was not a ridiculous selection.

 

[Ilov80s]

Can't take Khaled seriously when Jimmy Graham is not #1 TE. Are you serious ?!?!?!?

Can't take Khaled seriously when Jimmy Graham is not #1 TE. Are you serious ?!?!?!?

Davis blocks better, just like the writer indicated. It is an important part of the position. I still might go Graham over Davis, but it was not a ridiculous selection.

I can't believe he was considering Gonzo over Graham.

 

[Houston turmOiler]

I can say as a Texans homer that JJ Watt is definitely all that and more....this defense would be scary if they could add some LBs who could run and an edge rusher or two. This guy routinely destroys whatever is put in front of him....maybe the most awesome defensive player I've ever seen the last two seasons (and I know that is saying quite a bit)

 

[Houston turmOiler]

Can't take Khaled seriously when Jimmy Graham is not #1 TE. Are you serious ?!?!?!?

Davis blocks better, just like the writer indicated. It is an important part of the position. I still might go Graham over Davis, but it was not a ridiculous selection.

I don't even care what you said....MAD PROPS for your avatar

 

[Fariq]

Can't take Khaled seriously when Jimmy Graham is not #1 TE. Are you serious ?!?!?!?

Davis blocks better, just like the writer indicated. It is an important part of the position. I still might go Graham over Davis, but it was not a ridiculous selection.

I don't even care what you said....MAD PROPS for your avatar

Thanks, man. Also, you are right about Watt.