clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

The "Screw Pete Prisco's" NFL Top 50: Players 21-30

These are players (listed in alphabetical order) in bracket 21-30:

Willie Anderson: Anderson is the anchor of Cincinnati's outstanding offensive line, which is the best in pro football today. While the superb LT Levi Jones protects QB Carson Palmer's bind side, Anderson dominates the other side, and is often the one leading the way for RBs Rudi Johnson and Chris Perry. Anderson would dominate if he played guard or tackle, utilizing his strength and quick feet.

Tiki Barber: Many questioned his ability to play RB on every down. They said he was a Dave Meggett-type; a third down back. Where are those naysayers now? Probably running things in Detroit. Barber had an MVP-like year last season. He is extremely good at eluding tacklers and hitting a hole with authority. He has good speed, quickness, and can catch the ball well out of the backfield. He is the Giants' main offensive weapon, and he seems to get better each and every year he plays.

Brett Favre: The gunslinger is a little older and a little grayer, but that doesn't mean he isn't dangerous. Dork pundits and loser wannabes will often criticize "Lord Favre" for his celebrity status. For some reason, these idiots don't understand that Favre is one of the best QBs of his generation. Has he thrown a lot of INTs? Yes, and so did Joe Namath. Heck, Namath is in the Hall of Fame and he threw more INTs than TDs in his career. Favre has won three league MVPs, a Super Bowl, and countless division titles in his career. He has nothing to proof to anyone, and at age 36 he is still a dominant QB. He has a cannon arm, and can throw very accurately from the pocket. His quick feet and strong pocket presence allow him to avoid rushers and make plays. The NFL is a better league with Favre in it, and it's good he decided to return in 2006.

Tony Gonzalez: He remains an explosive TE, even though he is getting up there in age. Still, Gonzalez demands a team place a corner or safety on him in order to help with the linebacker responsible to run with him. Gonzalez is still quick and fast enough to make big plays down the middle of the field. He still remains Kansas City's go-to receiver. He is also a good blocker in KC's newly found run-oriented attack. When he retires, Gonzalez is a sure Hall of Famer.

John Henderson/ Marcus Stroud: Stroud and Henderson anchor a stout defensive unit in Jacksonville. Many give them credit for making the defense so good. So, I'm ranking them together as one unit. Both players are similar. They are outstanding against the run, and are strong enough to bull through interior linemen to get to the QB. These two men are THE reason Jacksonville wins.

Chad Johnson: I worry for Chad. It seems his career can go one of two ways. The first is the way of greatness. Chad works hard, studies film, and practices like a demon. He studies Marvin Harrison and tries to mold his game into a similar style. He runs greats routes, and has a knack for getting open during crucial times. The other way he could go is the way of turdness. Fighting coaches and teammates at halftime of a playoff game is not good, no matter how the team tries to spin it. His antics and his hollow guarantees have grown tiresome. Hopefully, Chad will soon realize that it is not what you say but what you do that defines you.

(And speaking of turds)

Terrell Owens: The always controversial Owens is an amazing talent. He uses his size well, and shields his body from contact once he catches the ball. He runs very good routes, and snatches the ball out of the air no matter where it's thrown. He is especially tough along the goal line. Owens would be in the top 10 bracket if not for his attitude. Time and time again, teams have had to discipline Owens, whose attitude is "me first" and often contrary to the team concept. He also has a way of dividing locker rooms. As a receiver, he is amazing. However, there's more to playing receiver than simply catching the ball.

Orlando Pace: Pace might go down as one of the best LTs ever. No matter who is throwing the ball for the Rams, Pace keeps their jersey clean. Pace is a big man, but don't let his 325 pounds fool you. He is very quick and agile for someone his size. His technique is almost flawless, and he moves his feet very well. He can bull through defenders on running plays, and he can move with the best of speed rushers. He provides fits for rushers like Freeney, who can't seem to find a way around him. Pace has dominated for 10 years, and might do so for 10 more. He is a truly special talent, and he is often underappreciated.

Steve Smith: Despite knee surgery a few years ago, Smith came back this past season and played dominating football. He was able to work through double teams and still get his hands on the football. Smith has always been a very good WR, but this past year he stepped into the realm of "difference maker." Without him, Carolina would not have made the playoffs, let alone the NFC Championship game.  

Brian Urlacher: With his speed and playmaking ability, you had to know Urlacher would thrive in Lovie Smith's Cover 2 defense in Chicago. Urlacher has it all: size, speed, strength, and quickness. He can cover well, and tackle like a demon. He also has a knack for prying the ball lose and getting turnovers. Urlacher would thrive in almost any defensive scheme, but the Cover 2 fits him well now. He is the foundation of Chicago's defense.