The 75th NFL Anniversary All-Time Team (1 Viewer)

[Pittsburgh United]

Deion Sanders

Jerome Bettis

Tony Gonzales

Peyton Manning

 

[MarshallRob]

JWB,Why isn't Thorpe on this list?

Thorpe's probably not on the list because his best years as a player predated the NFL. He was 32 in 1920, the first year of he NFL. He won three titles with the Ohio League in the teens. Also, rushing statistics weren't kept until the 1930's.

That's interesting. I rememberred reading an article on him around the 75th time but couldn't remember the rationale.I'm not a baseball fan, is Jackie in the MLB HOF on merit or some special induction? I understand what he did and am not minimizing it, I'm simply asking if it was a normal type voting process to get him in

Jackie's in on merit. He was one of the greatest players of all time even if you ignore his contributions to America and to baseball. He was selected by the BBWA in a normal vote in 1962 in his first year of eligiblity. As for the All-Time NFL team, the only changes I'd make would be to add Deion, Emmitt, and Barry and to drop O.J. All those things will be done in reality when the 100-year team is picked. Personally, I would not add Favre as I believe Marino and Young were better and I wouldn't put them on the team. And I know I'm in the minority on this but I also believe that Bart Starr, not Favre, is the greatest QB in Green Bay history and if he's not on the all-time team, Favre shouldn't be either. All the QB's currently on the all-time team won at least 2 championships. Favre only won one and he blew excellent opportunites to win others in 1995 and (especially) 1997. It's still too early to think about Manning or Brady but I suspect Manning will probably wind up as the 5th QB on the 100-year team. I wouldn't count out Brady either. His team's failure to hold onto the lead in the AFC title game a few months ago really hurt his chances though. Harrison's a tough one. His numbers are fantastic but he's been horrible in the postseason. I say no for now but a grudging yes once he's moved up to second in receiving yards and TD's.

 

[Sabertooth]

Ray Lewis

Champ Bailey

Ladainian Tomlinson

 

[Bri]

JWB,Why isn't Thorpe on this list?

Thorpe's probably not on the list because his best years as a player predated the NFL. He was 32 in 1920, the first year of he NFL. He won three titles with the Ohio League in the teens. Also, rushing statistics weren't kept until the 1930's.

That's interesting. I rememberred reading an article on him around the 75th time but couldn't remember the rationale.I'm not a baseball fan, is Jackie in the MLB HOF on merit or some special induction? I understand what he did and am not minimizing it, I'm simply asking if it was a normal type voting process to get him in

Jackie's in on merit. He was one of the greatest players of all time even if you ignore his contributions to America and to baseball. He was selected by the BBWA in a normal vote in 1962 in his first year of eligiblity.

Interesting

 

[dgreen]

Jerome Bettis

 

[Yitbos69]

Michael Turner?

 

[Dexter Manley]

I'm sorry, but Sammy Baugh isn't going anywhere. He's generally recognized as one of the top 10 greatest NFL players of all-time, by the experts.

Rod Woodson being on this list is an abomination. He was a great player, but Champ Bailey has already passed him at CB, imo.

The fact that Darrell Green isn't on this list is an atrocity. Since I'm only 32, I didn't get to see all those CB's on the list play, and thus I can't comment on them, but Green is clearly the greatest CB of the modern era.

Think about this -- Darrell Green covered the opposing team's #1 WR man-to-man every game he played until the last couple years of his career. It didn't matter if the Redskins were playing San Francisco or Dallas, Green covered Rice and Irvin man-to-man with absolutely no help. Washington's defense was basically built around him.

For all of the hype Deon Sanders gets, he covered the opposing team's #2 receiver for at least half of his career. Why? Because he wasn't as good as Green. I know Sanders has more int's and returns for td's, but he also got burned deep a hell of a lot more than Green, while generally covering worse receivers. And there's the fact that Sanders is probably the worst tackler that played on defense in the last 20 years. I don't care what position you play, if you can't tackle, you don't belong on any alltime great nfl defensive team.

 

[Bri]

I'm sorry, but Sammy Baugh isn't going anywhere. He's generally recognized as one of the top 10 greatest NFL players of all-time, by the experts.Rod Woodson being on this list is an abomination. He was a great player, but Champ Bailey has already passed him at CB, imo.The fact that Darrell Green isn't on this list is an atrocity. Since I'm only 32, I didn't get to see all those CB's on the list play, and thus I can't comment on them, but Green is clearly the greatest CB of the modern era. Think about this -- Darrell Green covered the opposing team's #1 WR man-to-man every game he played until the last couple years of his career. It didn't matter if the Redskins were playing San Francisco or Dallas, Green covered Rice and Irvin man-to-man with absolutely no help. Washington's defense was basically built around him.

coverring means little, shutting down means something and he didn't often do that. I don't know that he was ever the top CB in the league. Fun guy to read about and interesting person, played a long time and....lots of positives I just don't think he was the best. I don't really understand how Rod Woodson is debatable considerring how he was excellent at S and CB, all pro many times....I don't get it.

 

[Tau837]

I'm sorry, but Sammy Baugh isn't going anywhere. He's generally recognized as one of the top 10 greatest NFL players of all-time, by the experts.Rod Woodson being on this list is an abomination. He was a great player, but Champ Bailey has already passed him at CB, imo.The fact that Darrell Green isn't on this list is an atrocity. Since I'm only 32, I didn't get to see all those CB's on the list play, and thus I can't comment on them, but Green is clearly the greatest CB of the modern era. Think about this -- Darrell Green covered the opposing team's #1 WR man-to-man every game he played until the last couple years of his career. It didn't matter if the Redskins were playing San Francisco or Dallas, Green covered Rice and Irvin man-to-man with absolutely no help. Washington's defense was basically built around him.For all of the hype Deon Sanders gets, he covered the opposing team's #2 receiver for at least half of his career. Why? Because he wasn't as good as Green. I know Sanders has more int's and returns for td's, but he also got burned deep a hell of a lot more than Green, while generally covering worse receivers. And there's the fact that Sanders is probably the worst tackler that played on defense in the last 20 years. I don't care what position you play, if you can't tackle, you don't belong on any alltime great nfl defensive team.

With respect to your CB comments, here are a few facts:1. Defensive Player of the Year selections: Sanders 1, Woodson 1, Green 0.2. All NFL selections: Sanders 7 (6 as CB, 1 as KR), Woodson 6 (4 as CB, 1 as S, 1 as KR), Green 3.3. Rank on Sporting News Top 100 football players list (created in 1999): Sanders #37, Green #81, Woodson #87.IMO you are off base in your comments about both Sanders and Woodson. I think Green should be a first ballot HOFer, but I think both Sanders and Woodson were better. And, while this is certainly subjective, what evidence there is supports my position.

 

[Tau837]

At safety, I'd add Brian Dawkins and get rid of Wilson or Houston.

Dawkins isn't even the best safety from his era. I think Rodney Harrison and Leroy Butler have been clearly better, and many would argue John Lynch has been better as well.

 

[Dexter Manley]

I'm sorry, but Sammy Baugh isn't going anywhere. He's generally recognized as one of the top 10 greatest NFL players of all-time, by the experts.Rod Woodson being on this list is an abomination. He was a great player, but Champ Bailey has already passed him at CB, imo.The fact that Darrell Green isn't on this list is an atrocity. Since I'm only 32, I didn't get to see all those CB's on the list play, and thus I can't comment on them, but Green is clearly the greatest CB of the modern era. Think about this -- Darrell Green covered the opposing team's #1 WR man-to-man every game he played until the last couple years of his career. It didn't matter if the Redskins were playing San Francisco or Dallas, Green covered Rice and Irvin man-to-man with absolutely no help. Washington's defense was basically built around him.

coverring means little, shutting down means something and he didn't often do that. I don't know that he was ever the top CB in the league. Fun guy to read about and interesting person, played a long time and....lots of positives I just don't think he was the best. I don't really understand how Rod Woodson is debatable considerring how he was excellent at S and CB, all pro many times....I don't get it.

Of course Deon shut down most of the #2 wr's he covered. But what he couldn't do is consistently cover the game's best wr's. There's a reason Deon covered Taylor and Harper in the playoffs instead of Rice and Irvin -- it's because he got absolutely torched in the past when matching up against those guys one on one. When Deon played for Atlanta and Glanville was the coach, I remember one game where he tried to cover Jerry Rice man-to-man and gave up like 3 or 4 td's.Green was a better CB. Of course he could shut down any #2 wr if that's who the coaches matched him up against, but he was ALWAYS on the other team's best wr, no exceptions, and he shut down most of them except for the greatest. And more importantly, he could hold his own against in man-to-man coverage against guys like Rice and Irvin.I will give you this -- Deon is the greatest #2 CB of all time.

 

[Dexter Manley]

I'm sorry, but Sammy Baugh isn't going anywhere. He's generally recognized as one of the top 10 greatest NFL players of all-time, by the experts.Rod Woodson being on this list is an abomination. He was a great player, but Champ Bailey has already passed him at CB, imo.The fact that Darrell Green isn't on this list is an atrocity. Since I'm only 32, I didn't get to see all those CB's on the list play, and thus I can't comment on them, but Green is clearly the greatest CB of the modern era. Think about this -- Darrell Green covered the opposing team's #1 WR man-to-man every game he played until the last couple years of his career. It didn't matter if the Redskins were playing San Francisco or Dallas, Green covered Rice and Irvin man-to-man with absolutely no help. Washington's defense was basically built around him.For all of the hype Deon Sanders gets, he covered the opposing team's #2 receiver for at least half of his career. Why? Because he wasn't as good as Green. I know Sanders has more int's and returns for td's, but he also got burned deep a hell of a lot more than Green, while generally covering worse receivers. And there's the fact that Sanders is probably the worst tackler that played on defense in the last 20 years. I don't care what position you play, if you can't tackle, you don't belong on any alltime great nfl defensive team.

With respect to your CB comments, here are a few facts:1. Defensive Player of the Year selections: Sanders 1, Woodson 1, Green 0.2. All NFL selections: Sanders 7 (6 as CB, 1 as KR), Woodson 6 (4 as CB, 1 as S, 1 as KR), Green 3.3. Rank on Sporting News Top 100 football players list (created in 1999): Sanders #37, Green #81, Woodson #87.IMO you are off base in your comments about both Sanders and Woodson. I think Green should be a first ballot HOFer, but I think both Sanders and Woodson were better. And, while this is certainly subjective, what evidence there is supports my position.

1. I'll give you #12. Who makes the All NFL selections? When comparing great players this is irrelevant imo.3. Bringing the SN Top 100 football players into this discussion is ridiculous.*4. You failed to refute any of my points why Green is a better CB than Deon and Woodson.Also, btw, after the 75th AT was announced, Woodson decided to show how worthy he was of making the team by becoming a complete matchhead the next season. I'm talking Terrell Buckleyesque matchhead.

 

[Tau837]

I'm sorry, but Sammy Baugh isn't going anywhere. He's generally recognized as one of the top 10 greatest NFL players of all-time, by the experts.Rod Woodson being on this list is an abomination. He was a great player, but Champ Bailey has already passed him at CB, imo.The fact that Darrell Green isn't on this list is an atrocity. Since I'm only 32, I didn't get to see all those CB's on the list play, and thus I can't comment on them, but Green is clearly the greatest CB of the modern era. Think about this -- Darrell Green covered the opposing team's #1 WR man-to-man every game he played until the last couple years of his career. It didn't matter if the Redskins were playing San Francisco or Dallas, Green covered Rice and Irvin man-to-man with absolutely no help. Washington's defense was basically built around him.For all of the hype Deon Sanders gets, he covered the opposing team's #2 receiver for at least half of his career. Why? Because he wasn't as good as Green. I know Sanders has more int's and returns for td's, but he also got burned deep a hell of a lot more than Green, while generally covering worse receivers. And there's the fact that Sanders is probably the worst tackler that played on defense in the last 20 years. I don't care what position you play, if you can't tackle, you don't belong on any alltime great nfl defensive team.

With respect to your CB comments, here are a few facts:1. Defensive Player of the Year selections: Sanders 1, Woodson 1, Green 0.2. All NFL selections: Sanders 7 (6 as CB, 1 as KR), Woodson 6 (4 as CB, 1 as S, 1 as KR), Green 3.3. Rank on Sporting News Top 100 football players list (created in 1999): Sanders #37, Green #81, Woodson #87.IMO you are off base in your comments about both Sanders and Woodson. I think Green should be a first ballot HOFer, but I think both Sanders and Woodson were better. And, while this is certainly subjective, what evidence there is supports my position.

1. I'll give you #12. Who makes the All NFL selections? When comparing great players this is irrelevant imo.3. Bringing the SN Top 100 football players into this discussion is ridiculous.*4. You failed to refute any of my points why Green is a better CB than Deon and Woodson.Also, btw, after the 75th AT was announced, Woodson decided to show how worthy he was of making the team by becoming a complete matchhead the next season. I'm talking Terrell Buckleyesque matchhead.

Failed to refute your points? What is there to refute? You just posted a bunch of opinion. There is no factual basis to your post. I disagree with pretty much everything you wrote.Green was a better tackler than Deion. Deion was better at pass coverage than Green. For a CB, pass coverage >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> tackling. Thus, Deion was a better CB than Green. Woodson was better than Green across the board.I think this is a generally accepted view among those who would be considered to be respected football minds/authorities. I cited SN only as a source that supports my position. You cited no sources to back your position. And to say that a 2 to 1 ratio of All NFL selections is irrelevant in comparing players is laughable.

 

[Tau837]

I'm sorry, but Sammy Baugh isn't going anywhere. He's generally recognized as one of the top 10 greatest NFL players of all-time, by the experts.Rod Woodson being on this list is an abomination. He was a great player, but Champ Bailey has already passed him at CB, imo.The fact that Darrell Green isn't on this list is an atrocity. Since I'm only 32, I didn't get to see all those CB's on the list play, and thus I can't comment on them, but Green is clearly the greatest CB of the modern era. Think about this -- Darrell Green covered the opposing team's #1 WR man-to-man every game he played until the last couple years of his career. It didn't matter if the Redskins were playing San Francisco or Dallas, Green covered Rice and Irvin man-to-man with absolutely no help. Washington's defense was basically built around him.

coverring means little, shutting down means something and he didn't often do that. I don't know that he was ever the top CB in the league. Fun guy to read about and interesting person, played a long time and....lots of positives I just don't think he was the best. I don't really understand how Rod Woodson is debatable considerring how he was excellent at S and CB, all pro many times....I don't get it.

Of course Deon shut down most of the #2 wr's he covered. But what he couldn't do is consistently cover the game's best wr's. There's a reason Deon covered Taylor and Harper in the playoffs instead of Rice and Irvin -- it's because he got absolutely torched in the past when matching up against those guys one on one. When Deon played for Atlanta and Glanville was the coach, I remember one game where he tried to cover Jerry Rice man-to-man and gave up like 3 or 4 td's.Green was a better CB. Of course he could shut down any #2 wr if that's who the coaches matched him up against, but he was ALWAYS on the other team's best wr, no exceptions, and he shut down most of them except for the greatest. And more importantly, he could hold his own against in man-to-man coverage against guys like Rice and Irvin.I will give you this -- Deon is the greatest #2 CB of all time.

You have this completely backwards. Deion was a game changing defensive player. For much of his career, he covered one side of the field and allowed the defensive help to go elsewhere. If he didn't cover Irvin or Rice in a given game, it was because their teams chose not to line them up on Deion's side, not because Deion or his coaches didn't choose to have him cover those guys.

 

[MarshallRob]

I'm sorry, but Sammy Baugh isn't going anywhere. He's generally recognized as one of the top 10 greatest NFL players of all-time, by the experts.

Rod Woodson being on this list is an abomination. He was a great player, but Champ Bailey has already passed him at CB, imo.

The fact that Darrell Green isn't on this list is an atrocity. Since I'm only 32, I didn't get to see all those CB's on the list play, and thus I can't comment on them, but Green is clearly the greatest CB of the modern era.

Think about this -- Darrell Green covered the opposing team's #1 WR man-to-man every game he played until the last couple years of his career. It didn't matter if the Redskins were playing San Francisco or Dallas, Green covered Rice and Irvin man-to-man with absolutely no help. Washington's defense was basically built around him.

coverring means little, shutting down means something and he didn't often do that. I don't know that he was ever the top CB in the league. Fun guy to read about and interesting person, played a long time and....lots of positives I just don't think he was the best. I don't really understand how Rod Woodson is debatable considerring how he was excellent at S and CB, all pro many times....I don't get it.

Of course Deon shut down most of the #2 wr's he covered. But what he couldn't do is consistently cover the game's best wr's. There's a reason Deon covered Taylor and Harper in the playoffs instead of Rice and Irvin -- it's because he got absolutely torched in the past when matching up against those guys one on one. When Deon played for Atlanta and Glanville was the coach, I remember one game where he tried to cover Jerry Rice man-to-man and gave up like 3 or 4 td's.

Green was a better CB. Of course he could shut down any #2 wr if that's who the coaches matched him up against, but he was ALWAYS on the other team's best wr, no exceptions, and he shut down most of them except for the greatest. And more importantly, he could hold his own against in man-to-man coverage against guys like Rice and Irvin.

I will give you this -- Deon is the greatest #2 CB of all time.

You have this completely backwards. Deion was a game changing defensive player. For much of his career, he covered one side of the field and allowed the defensive help to go elsewhere. If he didn't cover Irvin or Rice in a given game, it was because their teams chose not to line them up on Deion's side, not because Deion or his coaches didn't choose to have him cover those guys.

Great point. Here's an example from a 1995 regular season game:

-- Offensive coordinator Marc Trestman, who has taken more heat than he has deserved, used Rice imaginatively. Trestman devised an offensive game plan that often lined Rice up in the slot instead of his usual spot outside, and put him in position to work against a linebacker or safety instead of Deion Sanders.

Rice made all five of his catches against players who won't earn in their entire careers the $13 million bonus Sanders received just for signing with Dallas. Trestman figured the Cowboys would stick with their normal defense instead of putting Sanders on Rice all the time, and he was right. And you thought one of the reasons Deion was getting all that money was to cover Rice.

``You wouldn't understand,'' said Dallas coach Barry Switzer. ``It'd take too long to show you. We couldn't have (Sanders) on Rice because of the coverages we were playing. It would mess everything up.'' Oh, and that 81-yard touchdown pass on the second play of the game -- when Rice was covered by linebacker Darrin Smith -- that didn't mess anything up?

``You start to move Jerry around, and it screws up their whole defense,'' said Grbac.

 

[Bri]

When Deon played for Atlanta and Glanville was the coach, I remember one game where he tried to cover Jerry Rice man-to-man and gave up like 3 or 4 td's.

You're just making stuff up now and it's a shame. Rice broke 15 or 16000 against the Redskins and it was a wonderful press conference where Darrell Green praised Rice over and over and then Rice talked how he used to study Art Monk all he could and praised Monk....a total shmooze fest that most Skins fans "ate up". Apparently you missed it.As far as whether Deion or Green coverred Rice, they both did at times it wasn't anywhere near as one sided as you make it out to be.

http://espn.go.com/endofcentury/s/other/bestrivalries.html

10. Jerry Rice vs. Deion Sanders

Before Rice's injury, this was a duel of all-time greats.

Now Rice had 5 TDs against Atlanta once so maybe that's what you're referring to. Mister Rice burned 100s of NFL CBs including Darrell Green. You look for that press conference and hear Darrell speak himself then let me know