Let this post be your guidepost to determine what statistics I use to determine who should go to the Pro Bowl as well as my actual selections
Tim Tebow
Part One: Does Tim Tebow Deserve To Be A Pro Bowler?
The Statistics That I Use As A Basis For My Selections
Part Two: Offense, NFC
Part Three: Offense, AFC
Part Four: Special Teams
Part Five: Defense, NFC
Part Six: Defense, AFC
The Actual Players I Believe Deserve To Go To The Pro Bowl
Part Seven: Offense, NFC
Part Eight: Offense, AFC
Part Nine: Special Teams
Part Ten: Defense, NFC
Part Eleven: Defense, AFC
Showing posts with label Who Deserves To Be A Pro Bowler?. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Who Deserves To Be A Pro Bowler?. Show all posts
Part Eleven: AFC Defensive Players / Who Deserves To Be A Pro Bowler In 2011?
First of all, this list is based upon stats from Week One through Week Fifteen. Secondly, I am a firm believer in using statistics- especially advanced statistics such as DVOA, DYAR, and WPA. You can see the statistics to back up my selections here
DEFENSIVE ENDS
Starters: Andre Carter (NE), Elvis Dumervil (DEN)
Back Up: Jabaal Sheard (CLE)
Apologies to: No One
DEFENSIVE TACKLES
Starters: Geno Atkins (CIN), Haloti Ngata (BAL)
Back Up: Vince Wilfork (NE)
Apologies to: Tommy Kelly (OAK), Richard Seymour (OAK), Philip Taylor (CLE)
LINEBACKERS
Starters: Terrell Suggs (BAL), Von Miller (DEN), D'Qwell Jackson (CLE)
Back Ups: Tamba Hali (KC), Daryl Smith (JAX)
Apologies to: No One
SAFETIES
Starters: Eric Weddle (SD), Keenan Lewis (PIT)
Back Up: Troy Polamalu (PIT)
Apologies to: Ed Reed (BAL), Reggie Nelson (CIN)
CORNERBACKS
Starters: Darrelle Revis (NYJ), Joe Haden (CLE)
Back Up: Jonathan Joseph (HOU)
Apologies to: Brandon Flowers (KC)
DEFENSIVE ENDS
Starters: Andre Carter (NE), Elvis Dumervil (DEN)
Back Up: Jabaal Sheard (CLE)
Apologies to: No One
DEFENSIVE TACKLES
Starters: Geno Atkins (CIN), Haloti Ngata (BAL)
Back Up: Vince Wilfork (NE)
Apologies to: Tommy Kelly (OAK), Richard Seymour (OAK), Philip Taylor (CLE)
LINEBACKERS
Starters: Terrell Suggs (BAL), Von Miller (DEN), D'Qwell Jackson (CLE)
Back Ups: Tamba Hali (KC), Daryl Smith (JAX)
Apologies to: No One
SAFETIES
Starters: Eric Weddle (SD), Keenan Lewis (PIT)
Back Up: Troy Polamalu (PIT)
Apologies to: Ed Reed (BAL), Reggie Nelson (CIN)
CORNERBACKS
Starters: Darrelle Revis (NYJ), Joe Haden (CLE)
Back Up: Jonathan Joseph (HOU)
Apologies to: Brandon Flowers (KC)
Part Ten: NFC Defensive Players / Who Deserves To Be A Pro Bowler In 2011?
First of all, this list is based upon stats from Week One through Week Fifteen. Secondly, I am a firm believer in using statistics- especially advanced statistics such as DVOA, DYAR, and WPA. You can see the statistics to back up my selections here
DEFENSIVE ENDS
Starters: Jared Allen (MIN), Jason Pierre-Paul (NYG)
Back Up: Jason Babin (PHI)
Apologies to: Chris Clemons (SEA)
DEFENSIVE TACKLES
Starters: Darnell Dockett (ARI), Justin Smith (SF)
Back Up: Cullen Jenkins (PHI)
Apologies to: Ray McDonald (SF), Ndamukong Suh (DET)
Linebackers
Starters: DeMarcus Ware (DAL), Patrick Willis (SF), Aldon Smith (SF)
Back Ups: Ryan Kerrigan (WAS), NaVorro Bowman (SF), London Fletcher (WAS)
Apologies to: Lance Briggs (CHI), Brian Urlacher (CHI)
SAFETIES
Starters: Kam Chancellor (SEA), Earl Thomas (SEA)
Back Up: Dashon Goldson (SF)
Apologies to: Roman Harper (NO), Quintin Mikell (PHI)
CORNERBACKS
Starters: Carlos Rodgers (SF), Charles Woodson (GB)
Back Up: Brandon Browner (SEA)
Apologies to: Charles Tillman (CHI)
DEFENSIVE ENDS
Starters: Jared Allen (MIN), Jason Pierre-Paul (NYG)
Back Up: Jason Babin (PHI)
Apologies to: Chris Clemons (SEA)
DEFENSIVE TACKLES
Starters: Darnell Dockett (ARI), Justin Smith (SF)
Back Up: Cullen Jenkins (PHI)
Apologies to: Ray McDonald (SF), Ndamukong Suh (DET)
Linebackers
Starters: DeMarcus Ware (DAL), Patrick Willis (SF), Aldon Smith (SF)
Back Ups: Ryan Kerrigan (WAS), NaVorro Bowman (SF), London Fletcher (WAS)
Apologies to: Lance Briggs (CHI), Brian Urlacher (CHI)
SAFETIES
Starters: Kam Chancellor (SEA), Earl Thomas (SEA)
Back Up: Dashon Goldson (SF)
Apologies to: Roman Harper (NO), Quintin Mikell (PHI)
CORNERBACKS
Starters: Carlos Rodgers (SF), Charles Woodson (GB)
Back Up: Brandon Browner (SEA)
Apologies to: Charles Tillman (CHI)
Part Nine: Special Team Players / Who Deserves To Be A Pro Bowler In 2011?
First of all, this list is based upon stats from Week One through Week Fifteen. Secondly, I am a firm believer in using statistics- especially advanced statistics such as DVOA, DYAR, and WPA. You can see the statistics to back up my selections here
NFC KICK RETURNER
Patrick Peterson (ARI)
AFC KICK RETURNER
Joe McKnight (NYJ)
NFC KICKER
Connor Barth (TB)
AFC KICKER
Mike Nugent (CIN)
NFC PUNTER
Andy Lee (SF)
AFC PUNTER
Brandon Fields (MIA)
NFC KICK RETURNER
Patrick Peterson (ARI)
AFC KICK RETURNER
Joe McKnight (NYJ)
NFC KICKER
Connor Barth (TB)
AFC KICKER
Mike Nugent (CIN)
NFC PUNTER
Andy Lee (SF)
AFC PUNTER
Brandon Fields (MIA)
Part Eight: AFC Offensive Players / Who Deserves To Be A Pro Bowlers In 2011?
First of all, this list is based upon stats from Week One through Week Fifteen. Secondly, I am a firm believer in using statistics- especially advanced statistics such as DVOA, DYAR, and WPA. You can see the statistics to back up my selection here
QUARTERBACK
Starter: Tom Brady
Back Up #1: Ben Roethlisberger (PIT)
Named Back Up #2 But Can't Play Due To Injury: Matt Schaub (HOU)
Subjective Back Up #2: Andy Dalton (CIN)
Objective Back Up #2: Philip Rivers (SD)
You can read about my struggles to rank the second back up and I explore the possibility of making the last back up Tim Tebow here
Apologies to: No One
RUNNING BACK
Starter: Maurice Jones-Drew (JAX)
Should Be Named But Can't Play Due To Injury: Fred Jackson (BUF), Darren McFadden (OAK)
Actual Back Ups: Arian Foster (HOU), Ray Rice (BAL)
Apologies to: Ben Tate (HOU), Ryan Matthews (SD)
WIDE RECEIVER
Starters: Wes Welker (NE), Mike Wallace (PIT)
Back Ups: A.J. Green (CIN), Vincent Jackson (SD)
Apologies to: Brandon Marshall (MIA), Dwayne Bowe (KC), Anquan Boldin (BAL)
TIGHT END
Starter: Rob Gronkowski (NE)
Back Up: Antonio Gates (SD)
Apologies to: Aaron Hernandez (NE)
QUARTERBACK
Starter: Tom Brady
Back Up #1: Ben Roethlisberger (PIT)
Named Back Up #2 But Can't Play Due To Injury: Matt Schaub (HOU)
Subjective Back Up #2: Andy Dalton (CIN)
Objective Back Up #2: Philip Rivers (SD)
You can read about my struggles to rank the second back up and I explore the possibility of making the last back up Tim Tebow here
Apologies to: No One
RUNNING BACK
Starter: Maurice Jones-Drew (JAX)
Should Be Named But Can't Play Due To Injury: Fred Jackson (BUF), Darren McFadden (OAK)
Actual Back Ups: Arian Foster (HOU), Ray Rice (BAL)
Apologies to: Ben Tate (HOU), Ryan Matthews (SD)
WIDE RECEIVER
Starters: Wes Welker (NE), Mike Wallace (PIT)
Back Ups: A.J. Green (CIN), Vincent Jackson (SD)
Apologies to: Brandon Marshall (MIA), Dwayne Bowe (KC), Anquan Boldin (BAL)
TIGHT END
Starter: Rob Gronkowski (NE)
Back Up: Antonio Gates (SD)
Apologies to: Aaron Hernandez (NE)
Part Seven: NFC Offensive Players / Who Deserves To Be A Pro Bowler in 2011?
First of all, this list is based upon stats from Week One through Week Fifteen. Secondly, I am a firm believer in using statistics- especially advanced statistics such as DVOA, DYAR, and WPA. You can see the statistics to back up my selection here
QUARTERBACK
Starter: Aaron Rodgers (GB)
Back Up #1: Drew Brees (NO)
Subjective Back Up #2: Jay Cutler (CHI)
Objective Back Up #2: Tony Romo (DAL)
Apologies to: Matt Ryan (ATL), Matthew Stafford (DET), and Eli Manning (NYG)
RUNNING BACK
Starter: LeSean McCoy (PHI)
Should Be Named But Can't Play Due To Injury: Matt Forte (CHI), DeMarco Murray (DAL), Adrian Peterson (MIN)
Actual Back Ups: Marshawn Lynch (SEA), Frank Gore (SF)
Apologies to: Michael Turner (ATL), Jonathan Stewart (CAR)
WIDE RECEIVER
Starters: Calvin Johnson (DET), Jordy Nelson (GB)
Back Ups: Victor Cruz (NYG), Laurent Robinson (DAL)
Apologies to: Steve Smith (CAR), Roddy White (ATL), Hakeem Nicks (NYG), Greg Jennings (GB), Marques Colston (NO)
TIGHT END
Starter: Jimmy Graham (NO)
Back Up: Tony Gonzalez (ATL)
Apologies to: Jason Witten (DAL), Jermichael Finley (GB)
QUARTERBACK
Starter: Aaron Rodgers (GB)
Back Up #1: Drew Brees (NO)
Subjective Back Up #2: Jay Cutler (CHI)
Objective Back Up #2: Tony Romo (DAL)
Apologies to: Matt Ryan (ATL), Matthew Stafford (DET), and Eli Manning (NYG)
RUNNING BACK
Starter: LeSean McCoy (PHI)
Should Be Named But Can't Play Due To Injury: Matt Forte (CHI), DeMarco Murray (DAL), Adrian Peterson (MIN)
Actual Back Ups: Marshawn Lynch (SEA), Frank Gore (SF)
Apologies to: Michael Turner (ATL), Jonathan Stewart (CAR)
WIDE RECEIVER
Starters: Calvin Johnson (DET), Jordy Nelson (GB)
Back Ups: Victor Cruz (NYG), Laurent Robinson (DAL)
Apologies to: Steve Smith (CAR), Roddy White (ATL), Hakeem Nicks (NYG), Greg Jennings (GB), Marques Colston (NO)
TIGHT END
Starter: Jimmy Graham (NO)
Back Up: Tony Gonzalez (ATL)
Apologies to: Jason Witten (DAL), Jermichael Finley (GB)
Part Six: Stats Of AFC Defensive Players / Who Deserves To Be A Pro Bowler In 2011?
DEFENSIVE ENDS
Sacks
1) Andre Carter (NE)
2) Mark Anderson (NE)
2) Elvis Dumervil (DEN)
4) Jabaal Sheard (CLE)
4) Dwight Freeney (IND)
WPA
1) Andre Carter (NE)
2) Jabaal Sheard (CLE)
3) Elvis Dumervil (DEN)
4) Robert Mathis (IND)
5) Michael Johnson (CIN)
EPA
1) Andre Carter (NE)
2) Jabaal Sheard (CLE)
3) Jeremy Mincey (JAX)
4) J.J. Watt (HOU)
5) Robert Mathis (IND)
DEFENSIVE TACKLES
Sacks
1) Geno Atkins (CIN)
2) Tommy Kelley (OAK)
3) Richard Seymour (OAK)
3) Marcell Dareus (BUF)
3) Karl Klug (TEN)
WPA
1) Geno Atkins (CIN)
2) Haloti Ngata (BAL)
3) Vince Wilfork (NE)
4) Philip Taylor (CLE)
5) Antonio Garay (SD)
EPA
1) Geno Atkins (CIN)
2) Haloti Ngata (BAL)
3) Vince Wilfork (NE)
4) Sione Pouha (NYJ)
5) Philip Taylor (CLE)
LINEBACKERS
Sacks
1) Terrell Suggs (BAL)
1) Von Miller (DEN)
3) Tamba Hali (KC)
4) Connor Barwin (HOU)
4) Antwan Barnes (SD)
Tackles
1) D'Qwell Jackson (CLE)
2) Derrick Johnson (KC)
3) Karlos Dansby (MIA)
4) Nick Barnett (BUF)
5) Brian Cushing (HOU)
Tackles For Loss
1) Von Miller (DEN)
2) Terrell Suggs (BAL)
3) Kamerion Wimbley (OAK)
4) Cam Wake (MIA)
5) James Harrison (PIT)
5) D'Qwell Jackson (CLE)
5) Tamba Hali (KC)
5) Connor Barwin (HOU)
WPA
1) Terrell Suggs (BAL)
2) D'Qwell Jackson (CLE)
3) Von Miller (DEN)
4) Daryl Smith (JAX)
5) Nick Barnett (BUF)
EPA
1) Terrell Suggs (BAL)
2) D'Qwell Jackson (CLE)
3) Paul Posluszny (JAX)
4) Daryl Smith (JAX)
5) Pat Angerer (IND)
SAFETIES
Interceptions
1) Eric Weddle (7) (SD)
2) George Wilson (4) (BUF)
3) 6 tied with (3)
WPA
1) Keenan Lewis (PIT)
2) Eric Weddle (SD)
3) Troy Polamalu (PIT)
4) Reggie Nelson (CIN)
5) Michael Huff (OAK)
EPA
1) Keenan Lewis (PIT)
2) Troy Polamalu (PIT)
3) Eric Weddle (SD)
4) Reggie Nelson (CIN)
5) George Wilson (BUF)
CORNERBACKS
Interceptions
1) Kyle Arrington (NE)
2) Darrelle Revis (NYJ)
2) Jonathan Joseph (HOU)
2) Vontae Davis (MIA)
2) Brandon Flowers (KC)
2) Lardarius Webb (BAL)
DVOA Against Opponents #1 Wide Receiver
1) New York Jets
2) Kansas City Chiefs
3) Jacksonville Jaguars
4) Baltimore Ravens
5) Pittsburgh Steelers
DVOA Against Opponents #2 Wide Receiver
1) New York Jets
2) Houston Texans
3) Tennessee Titans
4) Pittsburgh Steelers
4) Baltimore Ravens
WPA
1) Darrelle Revis (NYJ)
2) Nate Clemens (CIN)
3) Andre Goodman (DEN)
4) Williams Gay (PIT)
5) Joe Haden (CLE)
EPA
1) Christain Finnegan (TEN)
2) Lardarius Webb (BAL)
3) Jason McCourty (TEN)
4) Darrelle Revis (NYJ)
5) Kyle Arrington (NE)
Sacks
1) Andre Carter (NE)
2) Mark Anderson (NE)
2) Elvis Dumervil (DEN)
4) Jabaal Sheard (CLE)
4) Dwight Freeney (IND)
WPA
1) Andre Carter (NE)
2) Jabaal Sheard (CLE)
3) Elvis Dumervil (DEN)
4) Robert Mathis (IND)
5) Michael Johnson (CIN)
EPA
1) Andre Carter (NE)
2) Jabaal Sheard (CLE)
3) Jeremy Mincey (JAX)
4) J.J. Watt (HOU)
5) Robert Mathis (IND)
DEFENSIVE TACKLES
Sacks
1) Geno Atkins (CIN)
2) Tommy Kelley (OAK)
3) Richard Seymour (OAK)
3) Marcell Dareus (BUF)
3) Karl Klug (TEN)
WPA
1) Geno Atkins (CIN)
2) Haloti Ngata (BAL)
3) Vince Wilfork (NE)
4) Philip Taylor (CLE)
5) Antonio Garay (SD)
EPA
1) Geno Atkins (CIN)
2) Haloti Ngata (BAL)
3) Vince Wilfork (NE)
4) Sione Pouha (NYJ)
5) Philip Taylor (CLE)
LINEBACKERS
Sacks
1) Terrell Suggs (BAL)
1) Von Miller (DEN)
3) Tamba Hali (KC)
4) Connor Barwin (HOU)
4) Antwan Barnes (SD)
Tackles
1) D'Qwell Jackson (CLE)
2) Derrick Johnson (KC)
3) Karlos Dansby (MIA)
4) Nick Barnett (BUF)
5) Brian Cushing (HOU)
Tackles For Loss
1) Von Miller (DEN)
2) Terrell Suggs (BAL)
3) Kamerion Wimbley (OAK)
4) Cam Wake (MIA)
5) James Harrison (PIT)
5) D'Qwell Jackson (CLE)
5) Tamba Hali (KC)
5) Connor Barwin (HOU)
WPA
1) Terrell Suggs (BAL)
2) D'Qwell Jackson (CLE)
3) Von Miller (DEN)
4) Daryl Smith (JAX)
5) Nick Barnett (BUF)
EPA
1) Terrell Suggs (BAL)
2) D'Qwell Jackson (CLE)
3) Paul Posluszny (JAX)
4) Daryl Smith (JAX)
5) Pat Angerer (IND)
SAFETIES
Interceptions
1) Eric Weddle (7) (SD)
2) George Wilson (4) (BUF)
3) 6 tied with (3)
WPA
1) Keenan Lewis (PIT)
2) Eric Weddle (SD)
3) Troy Polamalu (PIT)
4) Reggie Nelson (CIN)
5) Michael Huff (OAK)
EPA
1) Keenan Lewis (PIT)
2) Troy Polamalu (PIT)
3) Eric Weddle (SD)
4) Reggie Nelson (CIN)
5) George Wilson (BUF)
CORNERBACKS
Interceptions
1) Kyle Arrington (NE)
2) Darrelle Revis (NYJ)
2) Jonathan Joseph (HOU)
2) Vontae Davis (MIA)
2) Brandon Flowers (KC)
2) Lardarius Webb (BAL)
DVOA Against Opponents #1 Wide Receiver
1) New York Jets
2) Kansas City Chiefs
3) Jacksonville Jaguars
4) Baltimore Ravens
5) Pittsburgh Steelers
DVOA Against Opponents #2 Wide Receiver
1) New York Jets
2) Houston Texans
3) Tennessee Titans
4) Pittsburgh Steelers
4) Baltimore Ravens
WPA
1) Darrelle Revis (NYJ)
2) Nate Clemens (CIN)
3) Andre Goodman (DEN)
4) Williams Gay (PIT)
5) Joe Haden (CLE)
EPA
1) Christain Finnegan (TEN)
2) Lardarius Webb (BAL)
3) Jason McCourty (TEN)
4) Darrelle Revis (NYJ)
5) Kyle Arrington (NE)
Part Five: Stats Of NFC Defensive Players / Who Deserves To Be A Pro Bowler In 2011?
DEFENSIVE ENDS
Sacks
1) Jared Allen (MIN)
1) Jason Babin (PHI)
3) Jason Pierre-Paul (NYG)
4) Chris Long (STL)
5) Chris Clemons (SEA)
WPA
1) Jared Allen (MIN)
2) Jason Pierre-Paul (NYG)
3) Calais Campbell (ARI)
4) Chris Clemons (SEA)
5) Cliff Avril (DET)
EPA
1) Jared Allen (MIN)
2) Jason Pierre-Paul (NYG)
3) Jason Babin (PHI)
4) Julius Peppers (CHI)
5) Chris Clemons (SEA)
DEFENSIVE TACKLES
Sacks
1) Justin Smith (SF)
1) Henry Melton (CHI)
1) Cullen Jenkins (GB)
1) Ray McDonald (SF)
5) Amobi Okoye (CHI)
WPA
1) Darnell Dockett (ARI)
2) Justin Smith (SF)
3) Cullen Jenkins (PHI)
4) Ndamukong Suh (DET)
5) Ray McDonald (SF)
5) Jay Ratliff (DAL)
EPA
1) Darnell Dockett (ARI)
2) Justin Smith (SF)
3) Barry Cofield (WAS)
4) Cullen Jenkins (PHI)
5) Ray McDonald (SF)
LINEBACKERS
Sacks
1) DeMarcus Ware (DAL)
2) Aldon Smith (SF)
3) Brian Orakpo (WAS)
3) Ryan Kerrigan (WAS)
5) Ahmad Brooks (SF)
Total Tackles
1) NaVorro Bowman (SF)
2) James Laurinaitis (STL)
3) London Fletcher (WAS)
4) James Anderson (CAR)
5) Lance Briggs (CHI)
Tackles For Loss
1) DeMarcus Ware (DAL)
2) Sean Weatherspoon (ATL)
3) Daryl Washington (ARI)
4) Aldon Smith (SF)
4) Ahmad Brooks (SF)
4) NaVorro Bowman (SF)
WPA
1) Sean Lee (DAL)
2) DeAndre Levy (DET)
3) Michael Boley (NYG)
4) James Laurinairtis (STL)
4) Ryan Kerrigan (WAS)
EPA
1) Stephen Tulloch (DET)
2) Lance Briggs (CHI)
3) London Fletcher (WAS)
4) Ryan Kerrigan (WAS)
5) Brian Urlacher (CHI)
SAFETIES
Interceptions
1) Dashon Goldson (6) (SF)
2) Kam Chancellor (4) (SEA)
2) Thomas DeCoud (4) (ATL)
2) Charlie Peprah (4) (GB)
2) Kurt Coleman (4) (PHI)
WPA
1) Kam Chancellor (SEA)
2) Earl Thomas (SEA)
3) Dashon Goldson (SF)
4) Roman Harper (NO)
5) Quintin Mikell (STL)
EPA
1) Kam Chancellor (SEA)
2) Earl Thomas (SEA)
3) Roman Harper (NO)
4) Quintin Mikell (PHI)
5) Donte Whitner (SF)
CORNERBACKS
Interceptions
1) Charles Woodson (7) (GB)
2) Carlos Rogers (6) (SF)
2) Brandon Browner (6) (SEA)
4) Corey Webster (5) (NYG)
5) 5 tied with (4)
DVOA Against Opposing #1 Wide Outs
1) Detroit Lions
2) Seattle Seahawks
3) Chicago Bears
4) Philadelphia Eagles
5) San Francisco 49ers
DVOA Against Opposing #2 Wide Outs
1) Seattle Seahawks
2) San Francisco 49ers
3) Detroit Lions
4) Washington Redskins
5) Chicago Bears
WPA
1) Carlos Rogers (SF)
2) Brandon Browner (SEA)
3) Charles Woodson (GB)
4) Trumon Williams (GB)
5) Aquib Talib (TB)
EPA
1) Charles Woodson (GB)
2) Brandon Browner (SEA)
3) Carlos Rogers (SF)
4) Charles Tillman (CHI)
5) Eric Wright (DET)
Sacks
1) Jared Allen (MIN)
1) Jason Babin (PHI)
3) Jason Pierre-Paul (NYG)
4) Chris Long (STL)
5) Chris Clemons (SEA)
WPA
1) Jared Allen (MIN)
2) Jason Pierre-Paul (NYG)
3) Calais Campbell (ARI)
4) Chris Clemons (SEA)
5) Cliff Avril (DET)
EPA
1) Jared Allen (MIN)
2) Jason Pierre-Paul (NYG)
3) Jason Babin (PHI)
4) Julius Peppers (CHI)
5) Chris Clemons (SEA)
DEFENSIVE TACKLES
Sacks
1) Justin Smith (SF)
1) Henry Melton (CHI)
1) Cullen Jenkins (GB)
1) Ray McDonald (SF)
5) Amobi Okoye (CHI)
WPA
1) Darnell Dockett (ARI)
2) Justin Smith (SF)
3) Cullen Jenkins (PHI)
4) Ndamukong Suh (DET)
5) Ray McDonald (SF)
5) Jay Ratliff (DAL)
EPA
1) Darnell Dockett (ARI)
2) Justin Smith (SF)
3) Barry Cofield (WAS)
4) Cullen Jenkins (PHI)
5) Ray McDonald (SF)
LINEBACKERS
Sacks
1) DeMarcus Ware (DAL)
2) Aldon Smith (SF)
3) Brian Orakpo (WAS)
3) Ryan Kerrigan (WAS)
5) Ahmad Brooks (SF)
Total Tackles
1) NaVorro Bowman (SF)
2) James Laurinaitis (STL)
3) London Fletcher (WAS)
4) James Anderson (CAR)
5) Lance Briggs (CHI)
Tackles For Loss
1) DeMarcus Ware (DAL)
2) Sean Weatherspoon (ATL)
3) Daryl Washington (ARI)
4) Aldon Smith (SF)
4) Ahmad Brooks (SF)
4) NaVorro Bowman (SF)
WPA
1) Sean Lee (DAL)
2) DeAndre Levy (DET)
3) Michael Boley (NYG)
4) James Laurinairtis (STL)
4) Ryan Kerrigan (WAS)
EPA
1) Stephen Tulloch (DET)
2) Lance Briggs (CHI)
3) London Fletcher (WAS)
4) Ryan Kerrigan (WAS)
5) Brian Urlacher (CHI)
SAFETIES
Interceptions
1) Dashon Goldson (6) (SF)
2) Kam Chancellor (4) (SEA)
2) Thomas DeCoud (4) (ATL)
2) Charlie Peprah (4) (GB)
2) Kurt Coleman (4) (PHI)
WPA
1) Kam Chancellor (SEA)
2) Earl Thomas (SEA)
3) Dashon Goldson (SF)
4) Roman Harper (NO)
5) Quintin Mikell (STL)
EPA
1) Kam Chancellor (SEA)
2) Earl Thomas (SEA)
3) Roman Harper (NO)
4) Quintin Mikell (PHI)
5) Donte Whitner (SF)
CORNERBACKS
Interceptions
1) Charles Woodson (7) (GB)
2) Carlos Rogers (6) (SF)
2) Brandon Browner (6) (SEA)
4) Corey Webster (5) (NYG)
5) 5 tied with (4)
DVOA Against Opposing #1 Wide Outs
1) Detroit Lions
2) Seattle Seahawks
3) Chicago Bears
4) Philadelphia Eagles
5) San Francisco 49ers
DVOA Against Opposing #2 Wide Outs
1) Seattle Seahawks
2) San Francisco 49ers
3) Detroit Lions
4) Washington Redskins
5) Chicago Bears
WPA
1) Carlos Rogers (SF)
2) Brandon Browner (SEA)
3) Charles Woodson (GB)
4) Trumon Williams (GB)
5) Aquib Talib (TB)
EPA
1) Charles Woodson (GB)
2) Brandon Browner (SEA)
3) Carlos Rogers (SF)
4) Charles Tillman (CHI)
5) Eric Wright (DET)
Part Four: Special Teams / Who Deserves To Be A Pro Bowler In 2011?
NFC KICK RETURNER
Average Yards
1) Ted Ginn Jr. (SF)
2) Randall Cobb (GB)
3) Kealoha Pilares (CAR)
Touchdowns
1) Devin Hester (1) (CHI)
1) Ted Ginn Jr. (1) (SF)
1) Percy Harvin (1) (MIN)
1) Randall Cobb (1) (GB)
1) Kealoha Pilares (1) (CAR)
AFC KICK RETURNER
Average Yards
1) Joe McKnight (NYJ)
2) Antonio Brown (PIT)
3) Josh Cribbs (CIN)
Touchdowns
1) Joe McKnight (1) (NYJ)
1) Jacoby Ford (1) (OAK)
1) Tommie Campbell (1) (TEN)
NFC PUNT RETURNER
Average Yards
1) Devin Hester (CHI)
2) Patrick Peterson (ARI)
3) Tedd Ginn Jr (SF)
Touchdowns
1) Patrick Peterson (4) (ARI)
2) Devin Hester (2) (CHI)
3) Darren Sproles (1) (NO)
3) Ted Ginn Jr. (1) (SF)
3) Randall Cobb (1)(GB)
3) Nick Miller (1) (STL)
AFC PUNT RETURNER
Average Yards
1) Javier Arenas (KC)
2) Davone Bess (MIA)
3) Julian Edelman (NE)
3) Marc Mariani (TEN)
Touchdowns
1) Julian Edelman (1) (NE)
1) Eric Decker (1) (DEN)
1) Antonio Brown (1) (PIT)
1) Jacoby Jones (1) (OAK)
1) Lardarius Webb (1) (BAL)
1) Marc Mariani (1) (TEN)
1) Eddie Royal (1) (DEN)
1) Brandon Tate (1) (CIN)
NFC FIELD GOAL KICKERS
Kicking Percentage
1) Connor Barth (TB)
2) Matt Bryant (ATL)
3) Robbie Gould (CHI)
50+ Field Goals
1) Robbie Gould (6-6) (CHI)
2) David Akers (6-7) (SF)
3) Jason Hanson (4-6) (DET)
40-49 Field Goals
1) Connor Barth (11-12) (TB)
2) Dan Bailey (10-12) (DAL)
3) Olindo Mare (7-8) (CAR)
AFC FIELD GOAL KICKERS
Field Goal Percentage
1) Mike Nigent (CIN)
2) Josh Scobee (JAX)
3) Sebastian Janikowski (OAK)
50+ Field Goals
1) Phil Dawson (7-8) (CLE)
2) Sebastian Janikowski (6-8) (OAK)
3) Josh Scobee (5-6) (JAX)
40-49 Field Goals
1) Mike Nugent (11-12) (CIN)
2) Sebastian Janikowski (9-10) (OAK)
3) Rob Bironas (8-9) (TEN)
NFC PUNTERS
Gross Punting Average
1) Andy Lee (SF)
2) Thomas Morstead (NO)
3) John Ryan (SEA)
Net Punting Average
1) Andy Lee (SF)
2) Thomas Morstead (NO)
3) Steve Weatherford (NYG)
Punts Within Opponents 20
1) Jon Ryan (SEA)
2) Donnie Jones (STL)
3) Andy Lee (SF)
3) Sav Rocca (WAS)
3) Matt Bosher (ATL)
AFC PUNTERS
Gross Punting Average
1) Shane Lechler (OAK)
2) Brandon Fields (MIA)
3) Brian Moorman (BUF)
Net Punting Average
1) Britton Colquitt (DEN)
2) Brandon Fields (MIA)
3) Shane Lechler (OAK)
Punts Within Opponents 20
1) Brandon Fields (MIA)
2) Brad Maynard (CLE)
2) Britton Colquitt (DEN)
Average Yards
1) Ted Ginn Jr. (SF)
2) Randall Cobb (GB)
3) Kealoha Pilares (CAR)
Touchdowns
1) Devin Hester (1) (CHI)
1) Ted Ginn Jr. (1) (SF)
1) Percy Harvin (1) (MIN)
1) Randall Cobb (1) (GB)
1) Kealoha Pilares (1) (CAR)
AFC KICK RETURNER
Average Yards
1) Joe McKnight (NYJ)
2) Antonio Brown (PIT)
3) Josh Cribbs (CIN)
Touchdowns
1) Joe McKnight (1) (NYJ)
1) Jacoby Ford (1) (OAK)
1) Tommie Campbell (1) (TEN)
NFC PUNT RETURNER
Average Yards
1) Devin Hester (CHI)
2) Patrick Peterson (ARI)
3) Tedd Ginn Jr (SF)
Touchdowns
1) Patrick Peterson (4) (ARI)
2) Devin Hester (2) (CHI)
3) Darren Sproles (1) (NO)
3) Ted Ginn Jr. (1) (SF)
3) Randall Cobb (1)(GB)
3) Nick Miller (1) (STL)
AFC PUNT RETURNER
Average Yards
1) Javier Arenas (KC)
2) Davone Bess (MIA)
3) Julian Edelman (NE)
3) Marc Mariani (TEN)
Touchdowns
1) Julian Edelman (1) (NE)
1) Eric Decker (1) (DEN)
1) Antonio Brown (1) (PIT)
1) Jacoby Jones (1) (OAK)
1) Lardarius Webb (1) (BAL)
1) Marc Mariani (1) (TEN)
1) Eddie Royal (1) (DEN)
1) Brandon Tate (1) (CIN)
NFC FIELD GOAL KICKERS
Kicking Percentage
1) Connor Barth (TB)
2) Matt Bryant (ATL)
3) Robbie Gould (CHI)
50+ Field Goals
1) Robbie Gould (6-6) (CHI)
2) David Akers (6-7) (SF)
3) Jason Hanson (4-6) (DET)
40-49 Field Goals
1) Connor Barth (11-12) (TB)
2) Dan Bailey (10-12) (DAL)
3) Olindo Mare (7-8) (CAR)
AFC FIELD GOAL KICKERS
Field Goal Percentage
1) Mike Nigent (CIN)
2) Josh Scobee (JAX)
3) Sebastian Janikowski (OAK)
50+ Field Goals
1) Phil Dawson (7-8) (CLE)
2) Sebastian Janikowski (6-8) (OAK)
3) Josh Scobee (5-6) (JAX)
40-49 Field Goals
1) Mike Nugent (11-12) (CIN)
2) Sebastian Janikowski (9-10) (OAK)
3) Rob Bironas (8-9) (TEN)
NFC PUNTERS
Gross Punting Average
1) Andy Lee (SF)
2) Thomas Morstead (NO)
3) John Ryan (SEA)
Net Punting Average
1) Andy Lee (SF)
2) Thomas Morstead (NO)
3) Steve Weatherford (NYG)
Punts Within Opponents 20
1) Jon Ryan (SEA)
2) Donnie Jones (STL)
3) Andy Lee (SF)
3) Sav Rocca (WAS)
3) Matt Bosher (ATL)
AFC PUNTERS
Gross Punting Average
1) Shane Lechler (OAK)
2) Brandon Fields (MIA)
3) Brian Moorman (BUF)
Net Punting Average
1) Britton Colquitt (DEN)
2) Brandon Fields (MIA)
3) Shane Lechler (OAK)
Punts Within Opponents 20
1) Brandon Fields (MIA)
2) Brad Maynard (CLE)
2) Britton Colquitt (DEN)
Part Three: Stats Of AFC Offensive Players / Who Deserves To Be A Pro Bowler in 2011?
EDITOR'S NOTE: If you do not understand DVOA or DYAR click here. Essentially DYAR is total value throughout the year and DYAR is value per play.
QUARTERBACK
QBR
1) Tom Brady (NE)
2) Matt Schaub (HOU)
3) Ben Roethlisberger (PIT)
Completion Percentage
1) Tom Brady (NE)
2) Ben Roethlisberger (PIT)
3) Philip Rivers (SD)
Yards Per Attempt
1) Tom Brady (NE)
2) Matt Schaub (HOU)
3) Ben Roethlisberger (PIT)
Passing Touchdowns
1) Tom Brady (NE)
2) Philip Rivers (SD)
2) Mark Sanchez (NYJ)
Interceptions
1) Ryan Fitzpatrick (BUF)
2) Philip Rivers (SD)
3) Ben Roethlisberger (PIT)
WPA
1) Tom Brady (NE)
2) Ben Roethlisberger (PIT)
3) Joe Flacco (BAL)
DYAR
1) Tom Brady (NE)
2) Ben Roethlisberger (PIT)
3) Philip Rivers (SD)
DVOA
1) Tom Brady (NE)
2) Matt Schuab (HOU)
3) Jason Campbell (OAK)
RUNNING BACKS
Rushing Yards
1) Maurice Jones-Drew (JAX)
2) Ray Rice (BAL)
3) Arian Foster (HOU)
Rushing Yards Per Attempt
1) Ben Tate (HOU)
2) Fred Jackson (BUF)
3) Darren McFadden (OAK)
Rushing Touchdowns
1) Ray Rice (BAL)
2) Arian Foster (HOU)
2) BenJarvis Green-Ellis (NE)
WPA
1) Ryan Matthews (SD)
2) Fred Jackson (BUF)
3) Darren McFadden (OAK)
DYAR
1) Maurice Jones-Drew (JAX)
2) Ben Tate (HOU)
3) Fred Jackson (BUF)
DVOA
1) Donald Brown (IND)
2) Ben Tate (HOU)
3) Fred Jackson (BUF)
WIDE RECEIVERS
Receiving Yards
1) Wes Welker (NE)
2) Mike Wallace (PIT)
3) Vincent Jackson (SD)
4) Brandon Marshall (MIA)
5) A.J. Green (CIN)
Receiving Touchdowns
1) Wes Welker (NE)
2) Mike Wallace (PIT)
2) Vincent Jackson (SD)
2) Santonio Holmes (NYJ)
2) Plaxico Burress (NYJ)
2) Eric Decker (DEN)
Receptions
1) Wes Welker (NE)
2) Brandon Marshall (MIA)
3) Dwayne Bowe (KC)
4) Stevie Johnson (BUF)
5) Mike Wallace (PIT)
WPA
1) Wes Welker (NE)
2) A.J. Green (CIN)
3) Anquan Boldin (BAL)
4) Torrey Smith (BAL)
5) Antonio Brown (PIT)
DYAR
1) Wes Welker (NE)
2) Mike Wallace (PIT)
3) A.J. Green (CIN)
4) Vincent Jackson (SD)
5) Malcolm Floyd (SD)
DVOA
1) Malcolm Floyd (SD)
2) Mike Wallace (PIT)
3) A.J. Green (CIN)
4) Wes Welker (NE)
5) Brian Hartline (MIA)
TIGHT ENDS
Receiving Yards
1) Rob Gronkowski (NE)
2) Aaron Hernandez (NE)
3) Dustin Keller (NYJ)
Receiving Touchdowns
1) Rob Gronkowski (NE)
2) Aaron Hernandez (NE)
2) Antonio Gates (SD)
2) Scott Chandler (BUF)
2) Joel Dressen (HOU)
Receptions
1) Rob Gronkowski (NE)
2) Aaron Hernandez (NE)
3) Antonio Gates (SD)
WPA
1) Rob Gronkowski (NE)
2) Owen Daniels (HOU)
3) Antonio Gates (SD)
DYAR
1) Rob Gronkowski (NE)
2) Antonio Gates (SD)
3) Owen Daniels (HOU)
DVOA
1) Joel Dressen (HOU)
2) Rob Gronkowski (NE)
3) Kevin Boss (OAK)
I will not be doing adjusted line yards or any measurement of how offensive linemen are measured. Not only am I too apathetic but I just think we as fans can not accurately measure individual offensive lineman still.
QUARTERBACK
QBR
1) Tom Brady (NE)
2) Matt Schaub (HOU)
3) Ben Roethlisberger (PIT)
Completion Percentage
1) Tom Brady (NE)
2) Ben Roethlisberger (PIT)
3) Philip Rivers (SD)
Yards Per Attempt
1) Tom Brady (NE)
2) Matt Schaub (HOU)
3) Ben Roethlisberger (PIT)
Passing Touchdowns
1) Tom Brady (NE)
2) Philip Rivers (SD)
2) Mark Sanchez (NYJ)
Interceptions
1) Ryan Fitzpatrick (BUF)
2) Philip Rivers (SD)
3) Ben Roethlisberger (PIT)
WPA
1) Tom Brady (NE)
2) Ben Roethlisberger (PIT)
3) Joe Flacco (BAL)
DYAR
1) Tom Brady (NE)
2) Ben Roethlisberger (PIT)
3) Philip Rivers (SD)
DVOA
1) Tom Brady (NE)
2) Matt Schuab (HOU)
3) Jason Campbell (OAK)
RUNNING BACKS
Rushing Yards
1) Maurice Jones-Drew (JAX)
2) Ray Rice (BAL)
3) Arian Foster (HOU)
Rushing Yards Per Attempt
1) Ben Tate (HOU)
2) Fred Jackson (BUF)
3) Darren McFadden (OAK)
Rushing Touchdowns
1) Ray Rice (BAL)
2) Arian Foster (HOU)
2) BenJarvis Green-Ellis (NE)
WPA
1) Ryan Matthews (SD)
2) Fred Jackson (BUF)
3) Darren McFadden (OAK)
DYAR
1) Maurice Jones-Drew (JAX)
2) Ben Tate (HOU)
3) Fred Jackson (BUF)
DVOA
1) Donald Brown (IND)
2) Ben Tate (HOU)
3) Fred Jackson (BUF)
WIDE RECEIVERS
Receiving Yards
1) Wes Welker (NE)
2) Mike Wallace (PIT)
3) Vincent Jackson (SD)
4) Brandon Marshall (MIA)
5) A.J. Green (CIN)
Receiving Touchdowns
1) Wes Welker (NE)
2) Mike Wallace (PIT)
2) Vincent Jackson (SD)
2) Santonio Holmes (NYJ)
2) Plaxico Burress (NYJ)
2) Eric Decker (DEN)
Receptions
1) Wes Welker (NE)
2) Brandon Marshall (MIA)
3) Dwayne Bowe (KC)
4) Stevie Johnson (BUF)
5) Mike Wallace (PIT)
WPA
1) Wes Welker (NE)
2) A.J. Green (CIN)
3) Anquan Boldin (BAL)
4) Torrey Smith (BAL)
5) Antonio Brown (PIT)
DYAR
1) Wes Welker (NE)
2) Mike Wallace (PIT)
3) A.J. Green (CIN)
4) Vincent Jackson (SD)
5) Malcolm Floyd (SD)
DVOA
1) Malcolm Floyd (SD)
2) Mike Wallace (PIT)
3) A.J. Green (CIN)
4) Wes Welker (NE)
5) Brian Hartline (MIA)
TIGHT ENDS
Receiving Yards
1) Rob Gronkowski (NE)
2) Aaron Hernandez (NE)
3) Dustin Keller (NYJ)
Receiving Touchdowns
1) Rob Gronkowski (NE)
2) Aaron Hernandez (NE)
2) Antonio Gates (SD)
2) Scott Chandler (BUF)
2) Joel Dressen (HOU)
Receptions
1) Rob Gronkowski (NE)
2) Aaron Hernandez (NE)
3) Antonio Gates (SD)
WPA
1) Rob Gronkowski (NE)
2) Owen Daniels (HOU)
3) Antonio Gates (SD)
DYAR
1) Rob Gronkowski (NE)
2) Antonio Gates (SD)
3) Owen Daniels (HOU)
DVOA
1) Joel Dressen (HOU)
2) Rob Gronkowski (NE)
3) Kevin Boss (OAK)
I will not be doing adjusted line yards or any measurement of how offensive linemen are measured. Not only am I too apathetic but I just think we as fans can not accurately measure individual offensive lineman still.
Part Two: Stats Of NFC Offensive Players / Who Deserves To Be A Pro Bowler in 2011?
EDITOR'S NOTE: If you do not understand DVOA or DYAR click here. Essentially DYAR is total value throughout the year and DYAR is value per play.
QUARTERBACK
QBR
1) Aaron Rodgers (GB)
2) Drew Brees (NO)
3) Tony Romo (DAL)
Completion Percentage
1) Drew Brees (NO)
2) Aaron Rodgers (GB)
3) Tony Romo (DAL)
Yards Per Attempt
1) Aaron Rodgers (GB)
2) Eli Manning (NYG)
3) Drew Brees (NO)
Passing Touchdowns
1) Aaron Rodgers (GB)
2) Drew Brees (NO)
3) Matthew Stafford (DET)
Interceptions
1) Rex Grossman (WAS)
1) Josh Freeman (TB)
3) Cam Newton (CAR)
4) Eli Manning (NYG)
5) Matthew Stafford (DET)
WPA
1) Aaron Rodgers (GB)
2) Drew Brees (NO)
3) Tony Romo (DAL)
DYAR
1) Drew Brees (NO)
2) Aaron Rodgers (GB)
3) Tony Romo (DAL)
DVOA
1) Aaron Rodgers (GB)
2) Drew Brees (NO)
3) Tony Romo (DAL)
RUNNING BACKS
Rushing Yards
1) LeSean McCoy (PHI)
2) Michael Turner (ATL)
3) Frank Gore (SF)
Rushing Yards Per Attempt
1) DeMarco Murray (DAL)
2) DeAngello Williams (CAR)
3) Pierre Thomas (NO)
Rushing Touchdowns
1) LeSean McCoy (PHI)
2) Adrian Peterson (MIN)
2) Marshawn Lynch (SEA)
WPA
1) Jonathan Stewart (CAR)
2) LaRod Stephens-Howling (ARI)
3) DeMarco Murray (DAL)
DYAR
1) LeSean McCoy (PHI)
2) DeMarco Murray (DAL)
3) Adrian Peterson (MIN)
DVOA
1) LeSean McCoy (PHI)
2) DeMarco Murray (DAL)
3) Jonathan Stewart (CAR)
WIDE RECEIVERS
Receiving Yards
1) Calvin Johnson (DET)
2) Steve Smith (CAR)
3) Victor Cruz (NYG)
4) Larry Fitzgerald (ARI)
5) Roddy White (ATL)
Receiving Touchdowns
1) Calvin Johnson (DET)
2) Jordy Nelson (GB)
3) Greg Jennings (GB)
3) Laurent Robinson (DAL)
3) Dez Bryant (DAL)
Receptions
1) Roddy White (ATL)
2) Calvin Johnson (DET)
3) Victor Cruz (NYG)
4) Steve Smith (CAR)
4) Percy Harvin (MIN)
WPA
1) Calvin Johnson (DET)
2) Hakeem Nicks (NYG)
3) Victor Cruz (NYG)
4) Larry Fitzgerald (ARI)
5) Jordy Nelson (GB)
DYAR
1) Calvin Johnson (DET)
2) Jordy Nelson (GB)
3) Victor Cruz (NYG)
4) Marques Colston (NO)
5) Laurent Robinson (DAL)
DVOA
1) Jordy Nelson (GB)
2) Laurent Robinson (DAL)
3) Marques Colston (NO)
4) Victor Crus (NYG)
5) Robert Meachum (NO)
TIGHT ENDS
Receiving Yards
1) Jimmy Graham (NO)
2) Jason Witten (DAL)
3) Tony Gonzalez (ATL)
Touchdowns
1) Jimmy Graham (NO)
2) Tony Gonzalez (ATL)
3) Jermichael Finley (GB)
Receptions
1) Jimmy Graham (NO)
2) Tony Gonzalez (ATL)
3) Jason Witten (DAL)
DYAR
1) Jimmy Graham (NO)
2) Tony Gonzalez (ATL)
3) Jake Ballard (NYG)
DVOA
1) Jake Ballard (NYG)
2) Jimmy Graham (NO)
3) Tony Gonzalez (ATL)
I will not be doing adjusted line yards or any measurement of how offensive linemen are measured. Not only am I too apathetic but I just think we as fans can not accurately measure individual offensive lineman still.
QUARTERBACK
QBR
1) Aaron Rodgers (GB)
2) Drew Brees (NO)
3) Tony Romo (DAL)
Completion Percentage
1) Drew Brees (NO)
2) Aaron Rodgers (GB)
3) Tony Romo (DAL)
Yards Per Attempt
1) Aaron Rodgers (GB)
2) Eli Manning (NYG)
3) Drew Brees (NO)
Passing Touchdowns
1) Aaron Rodgers (GB)
2) Drew Brees (NO)
3) Matthew Stafford (DET)
Interceptions
1) Rex Grossman (WAS)
1) Josh Freeman (TB)
3) Cam Newton (CAR)
4) Eli Manning (NYG)
5) Matthew Stafford (DET)
WPA
1) Aaron Rodgers (GB)
2) Drew Brees (NO)
3) Tony Romo (DAL)
DYAR
1) Drew Brees (NO)
2) Aaron Rodgers (GB)
3) Tony Romo (DAL)
DVOA
1) Aaron Rodgers (GB)
2) Drew Brees (NO)
3) Tony Romo (DAL)
RUNNING BACKS
Rushing Yards
1) LeSean McCoy (PHI)
2) Michael Turner (ATL)
3) Frank Gore (SF)
Rushing Yards Per Attempt
1) DeMarco Murray (DAL)
2) DeAngello Williams (CAR)
3) Pierre Thomas (NO)
Rushing Touchdowns
1) LeSean McCoy (PHI)
2) Adrian Peterson (MIN)
2) Marshawn Lynch (SEA)
WPA
1) Jonathan Stewart (CAR)
2) LaRod Stephens-Howling (ARI)
3) DeMarco Murray (DAL)
DYAR
1) LeSean McCoy (PHI)
2) DeMarco Murray (DAL)
3) Adrian Peterson (MIN)
DVOA
1) LeSean McCoy (PHI)
2) DeMarco Murray (DAL)
3) Jonathan Stewart (CAR)
WIDE RECEIVERS
Receiving Yards
1) Calvin Johnson (DET)
2) Steve Smith (CAR)
3) Victor Cruz (NYG)
4) Larry Fitzgerald (ARI)
5) Roddy White (ATL)
Receiving Touchdowns
1) Calvin Johnson (DET)
2) Jordy Nelson (GB)
3) Greg Jennings (GB)
3) Laurent Robinson (DAL)
3) Dez Bryant (DAL)
Receptions
1) Roddy White (ATL)
2) Calvin Johnson (DET)
3) Victor Cruz (NYG)
4) Steve Smith (CAR)
4) Percy Harvin (MIN)
WPA
1) Calvin Johnson (DET)
2) Hakeem Nicks (NYG)
3) Victor Cruz (NYG)
4) Larry Fitzgerald (ARI)
5) Jordy Nelson (GB)
DYAR
1) Calvin Johnson (DET)
2) Jordy Nelson (GB)
3) Victor Cruz (NYG)
4) Marques Colston (NO)
5) Laurent Robinson (DAL)
DVOA
1) Jordy Nelson (GB)
2) Laurent Robinson (DAL)
3) Marques Colston (NO)
4) Victor Crus (NYG)
5) Robert Meachum (NO)
TIGHT ENDS
Receiving Yards
1) Jimmy Graham (NO)
2) Jason Witten (DAL)
3) Tony Gonzalez (ATL)
Touchdowns
1) Jimmy Graham (NO)
2) Tony Gonzalez (ATL)
3) Jermichael Finley (GB)
Receptions
1) Jimmy Graham (NO)
2) Tony Gonzalez (ATL)
3) Jason Witten (DAL)
DYAR
1) Jimmy Graham (NO)
2) Tony Gonzalez (ATL)
3) Jake Ballard (NYG)
DVOA
1) Jake Ballard (NYG)
2) Jimmy Graham (NO)
3) Tony Gonzalez (ATL)
I will not be doing adjusted line yards or any measurement of how offensive linemen are measured. Not only am I too apathetic but I just think we as fans can not accurately measure individual offensive lineman still.
Part One- Does Tim Tebow Deserve To Be A Pro Bowler? / Who Deserves To Be A Pro Bowler In 2011 Series
Mostly my annual "Who Deserves To Be A Pro Bowler?" series will be dedicated to the league as a whole and not individual players. However, 1) It's Tim Tebow, how can you NOT talk about him and 2) It's an interesting debate.
Let me start off by saying that I am not a fan of Tim Tebow. I believe Von Miller means more to the Denver Broncos than Tim Tebow does. I believe Tebow gets extremely lucky (see: Marion Barber messing up TWICE, Norv Turner's poor play calling, and Miami's terrible defensive decisions during two point conversions), I think you actually need to be a passer to be a successful quarterback in the NFL, and I just personally dislike the hype surrounding him. I will make an argument for Tim Tebow not because I believe that he's a "closer" and he alone "just wins games" but if he does deserve to go it is because there is no one else better.
First, we have to deal with this notion that being selected to the Pro Bowl is not just about the honor of being selected, but that you actually have to play in the game. In recent years up to seven different quarterbacks have been selected to go to play in Hawaii because of injuries and back outs. This really helps out Tebow.
Here's a list of the eligible quarterbacks (sans Tebow) in the AFC (sorted by division):
- Tom Brady
- Mark Sanchez
- Matt Moore
- Chad Henne
- Ryan Fitzpatrick
- Ben Roethlisberger
- Joe Flacco
- Colt McCoy
- Andy Dalton
- Philip Rivers
- Matt Cassel
- Kyle Orton
- Jason Campbell
- Carson Palmer
- Dan Orlovsky
- Curtis Painter
- Matt Hasselbeck
- Matt Schaub
- T.J. Yates
- Blaine Gabbert
Henne, Campbell, Schaub, and Cassel are out because they're injured. McCoy, Gabbert, Painter, and Orlovsky are out because they're just terrible. Even though Orton just beat Green Bay and I think he's a good quarterback, he's out for obvious reasons. T.J. Yates has played in too few games so he's out.
Also, Peyton Manning, the perennial AFC Pro Bowler is out.
To me, there are only two obvious names out of that list that deserve to be Pro Bowlers: Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger. But ask yourself, do you think Big Ben will actually play in the Pro Bowl? I believe his team will either be in the Superbowl so he won't play or his season long ass-kicking opposing defenses have given him will catch up with him. I just think realistically Roethlisberger will not play in the Pro Bowl one way or another so I think he's out.
I think the Patriots will be one and done in the playoffs and I think Tom Brady will play in Hawaii. That leaves two open slots for either Tebow or any of these quarterbacks:
- Mark Sanchez
- Matt Moore
- Ryan Fitzpatrick
- Joe Flacco
- Andy Dalton
- Philip Rivers
- Carson Palmer
- Matt Hasselbeck
This list is a list full of pretty bad quarterbacks. Mark Sanchez is not a good quarterback and I personally don't ever want to see him earn a Pro Bowl birth. Joe Flacco and Philip Rivers are having the worst seasons of their career. Ryan Fitzpatrick leads the NFL in interceptions and has been terrible since Week 5. Carson Palmer has helped the Raiders stay in playoff contention but he's been atrocious in about half the games he's played this season.
I know you can make the arguments for Rivers and Palmer because statistically they are having better years than Tebow as well as the rest of those quarterbacks but I can not scream from a mountaintop that they deserve to be Pro Bowlers over Tebow. I understand Philip Rivers' "worst" season might still be better than Tebow but I can not in good conscience advocate Rivers be a Pro Bowler after a terrible year like he's having and with all the turnovers he's had. Palmer may get yards but he also has 9 touchdown to 13 interceptions, the Raiders have lost their past three games (and have allowed Denver to overtake them in the division), has two games with a passer rating under 43 (and one of them was not one of his first weeks playing), and he has another three games with a passer rating under 80. For these reasons I believe Palmer and Rivers are out as well.
I think realistically the vote comes down to Tebow versus Matt Moore, Matt Hasselbeck, and Andy Dalton. Hasselbeck and Dalton are on winning teams who have been competitive and the Dolphins have been winning once Moore became the starter.
Matt Hasselbeck has actually been sneaky good this year. While he ranks 19th in the league in passer rating (behind Tebow), he ranks 7th in QBR and 13th in both DYAR and DVOA (all ahead of Tebow). QBR actually takes into account 4th quarter comebacks and rushing totals and yet still Hasselbeck destroys Tebow in QBR.
Andy Dalton is actually in a very similar situation to Tebow. He's a youngster who is extremely benefited by his great defense. Dalton actually has it tougher though because he's forced to play the Steelers and Ravens twice a year (and by the way, Dalton has looked good in those match ups). However, Dalton has a terrible QBR (ranked 23rd in the league) and a bad passer rating (ranked 18th in the league) but he is ranked 11th in DVOA and DYAR. Dalton also has a pretty bad TD/INT ratio (18/13). I personally would take Dalton over Tebow but I think it's actually a close call.
Matt Moore ranks 11th in QBR, 12th in passer rating, and has won 5 out of his past 7 games (although he did lose to Tebow in Miami. Just saying). But he's also Matt Moore and he plays in Miami and he probably will not get any respect from either fan voters or from his fellow players. He's also 22nd in DYAR and 25th in DVOA.
In terms of "which quarterback would have rather have had on your team in 2011" I think you can make the case for Tebow over Matt Moore, Matt Hasselbeck, and Andy Dalton. I think you can make a legitimate case for Tebow over any of the quarterbacks we mentioned after we made our initial cut.
Does Tim Tebow deserve to be a Pro Bowler? I don't know. He's a terrible passer but he does help the Broncos win games. If we criticize Tony Romo for not being clutch shouldn't we give Tebow SOME respect for not playing terrible once the 4th quarter starts? Should we not give Tebow any credit because opposing teams are too stupid to play a real defense as opposed to the prevent defense in the 4th quarter? I don't have a good answer. But I will say this: Tim Tebow WILL be a Pro Bowler this year. Either the fans will vote him in, his peers will vote him in, or so many other people will back out that inevitably the job will go to him.
Let me start off by saying that I am not a fan of Tim Tebow. I believe Von Miller means more to the Denver Broncos than Tim Tebow does. I believe Tebow gets extremely lucky (see: Marion Barber messing up TWICE, Norv Turner's poor play calling, and Miami's terrible defensive decisions during two point conversions), I think you actually need to be a passer to be a successful quarterback in the NFL, and I just personally dislike the hype surrounding him. I will make an argument for Tim Tebow not because I believe that he's a "closer" and he alone "just wins games" but if he does deserve to go it is because there is no one else better.
First, we have to deal with this notion that being selected to the Pro Bowl is not just about the honor of being selected, but that you actually have to play in the game. In recent years up to seven different quarterbacks have been selected to go to play in Hawaii because of injuries and back outs. This really helps out Tebow.
Here's a list of the eligible quarterbacks (sans Tebow) in the AFC (sorted by division):
- Tom Brady
- Mark Sanchez
- Matt Moore
- Chad Henne
- Ryan Fitzpatrick
- Ben Roethlisberger
- Joe Flacco
- Colt McCoy
- Andy Dalton
- Philip Rivers
- Matt Cassel
- Kyle Orton
- Jason Campbell
- Carson Palmer
- Dan Orlovsky
- Curtis Painter
- Matt Hasselbeck
- Matt Schaub
- T.J. Yates
- Blaine Gabbert
Henne, Campbell, Schaub, and Cassel are out because they're injured. McCoy, Gabbert, Painter, and Orlovsky are out because they're just terrible. Even though Orton just beat Green Bay and I think he's a good quarterback, he's out for obvious reasons. T.J. Yates has played in too few games so he's out.
Also, Peyton Manning, the perennial AFC Pro Bowler is out.
To me, there are only two obvious names out of that list that deserve to be Pro Bowlers: Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger. But ask yourself, do you think Big Ben will actually play in the Pro Bowl? I believe his team will either be in the Superbowl so he won't play or his season long ass-kicking opposing defenses have given him will catch up with him. I just think realistically Roethlisberger will not play in the Pro Bowl one way or another so I think he's out.
I think the Patriots will be one and done in the playoffs and I think Tom Brady will play in Hawaii. That leaves two open slots for either Tebow or any of these quarterbacks:
- Mark Sanchez
- Matt Moore
- Ryan Fitzpatrick
- Joe Flacco
- Andy Dalton
- Philip Rivers
- Carson Palmer
- Matt Hasselbeck
This list is a list full of pretty bad quarterbacks. Mark Sanchez is not a good quarterback and I personally don't ever want to see him earn a Pro Bowl birth. Joe Flacco and Philip Rivers are having the worst seasons of their career. Ryan Fitzpatrick leads the NFL in interceptions and has been terrible since Week 5. Carson Palmer has helped the Raiders stay in playoff contention but he's been atrocious in about half the games he's played this season.
I know you can make the arguments for Rivers and Palmer because statistically they are having better years than Tebow as well as the rest of those quarterbacks but I can not scream from a mountaintop that they deserve to be Pro Bowlers over Tebow. I understand Philip Rivers' "worst" season might still be better than Tebow but I can not in good conscience advocate Rivers be a Pro Bowler after a terrible year like he's having and with all the turnovers he's had. Palmer may get yards but he also has 9 touchdown to 13 interceptions, the Raiders have lost their past three games (and have allowed Denver to overtake them in the division), has two games with a passer rating under 43 (and one of them was not one of his first weeks playing), and he has another three games with a passer rating under 80. For these reasons I believe Palmer and Rivers are out as well.
I think realistically the vote comes down to Tebow versus Matt Moore, Matt Hasselbeck, and Andy Dalton. Hasselbeck and Dalton are on winning teams who have been competitive and the Dolphins have been winning once Moore became the starter.
Matt Hasselbeck has actually been sneaky good this year. While he ranks 19th in the league in passer rating (behind Tebow), he ranks 7th in QBR and 13th in both DYAR and DVOA (all ahead of Tebow). QBR actually takes into account 4th quarter comebacks and rushing totals and yet still Hasselbeck destroys Tebow in QBR.
Andy Dalton is actually in a very similar situation to Tebow. He's a youngster who is extremely benefited by his great defense. Dalton actually has it tougher though because he's forced to play the Steelers and Ravens twice a year (and by the way, Dalton has looked good in those match ups). However, Dalton has a terrible QBR (ranked 23rd in the league) and a bad passer rating (ranked 18th in the league) but he is ranked 11th in DVOA and DYAR. Dalton also has a pretty bad TD/INT ratio (18/13). I personally would take Dalton over Tebow but I think it's actually a close call.
Matt Moore ranks 11th in QBR, 12th in passer rating, and has won 5 out of his past 7 games (although he did lose to Tebow in Miami. Just saying). But he's also Matt Moore and he plays in Miami and he probably will not get any respect from either fan voters or from his fellow players. He's also 22nd in DYAR and 25th in DVOA.
In terms of "which quarterback would have rather have had on your team in 2011" I think you can make the case for Tebow over Matt Moore, Matt Hasselbeck, and Andy Dalton. I think you can make a legitimate case for Tebow over any of the quarterbacks we mentioned after we made our initial cut.
Does Tim Tebow deserve to be a Pro Bowler? I don't know. He's a terrible passer but he does help the Broncos win games. If we criticize Tony Romo for not being clutch shouldn't we give Tebow SOME respect for not playing terrible once the 4th quarter starts? Should we not give Tebow any credit because opposing teams are too stupid to play a real defense as opposed to the prevent defense in the 4th quarter? I don't have a good answer. But I will say this: Tim Tebow WILL be a Pro Bowler this year. Either the fans will vote him in, his peers will vote him in, or so many other people will back out that inevitably the job will go to him.
Who Deserves To Be A Pro Bowler? Part X: Actual Players, AFC, Defense
Before you comment or bitch or anything, please read my introduction to this series here and the stats in which I am basing my opinions upon can be found here
Defensive End
Starters: Mario Williams (HOU), Jason Babin (TEN)
Bench: Dave Ball (TEN)
Apologies to: Robert Mathis (IND), Dwight Freeney (IND)
When I compiled my stats and when NFL players vote, Mario Williams was second in the AFC in sacks and first in WPA. He also currently leads the AFC in hurries. I think he's fallen off since Week 13 but that's after when NFL players vote for the Pro Bowl and I think him not being on the roster is a tragedy. Dave Ball was also top 3 in both WPA and Sacks. I'm also glad the AFC only took three defensive ends because I honestly don't know which Colts DE is better, but the slight slight slight edge I gave to Freeney.
Defensive Tackle
Starters: Haloti Ngata (BAL), Kyle Williams (BUF)
Bench: Richard Seymour (OAK)
I haven't been watching as much Pats football this year as I've liked to so I don't know if Vince Wilfork is having a bad year or not but I think Williams, based upon individual numbers, is having a really good year.
Linebackers
Starters: Cam Wake (MIA), Jarrod Mayo (NE), James Harrison (PIT)
Bench: Lawrence Timmons (PIT), Ray Lewis (BAL)
Apologies to: Terrell Suggs (BAL)
Without even intending to, I agree with the actual Pro Bowl selections for the most part. I have no problem taking Suggs ahead of Timmons but pretty good job guys. For once.
Safeties
Starters: Troy Polamalu (PIT), Ed Reed (BAL)
Bench: Michael Griffin (TEN)
I still don't know how to accurately determine Pro Bowl safeties. It's possible Brandon Meriweather (NE) is better than Griffin.
Cornerbacks
Starters: Devin McCourtey (NE), Antoine Cason (SD)
Bench: Joe Haden (CLE)
I think this year Nnamandi and Revis are getting in on pure reputation. Last year, you could look at what great #1 wide outs like Andre Johnson and Randy Moss did against the Jets (poorly) and that was shown when the Jets were the best team at stopping teams #1 wide outs in terms of DVOA according to Football Outsiders. This year, the San Diego Chargers have the best defense and are the best at stopping other teams #1 wide outs. Cason is second in the AFC in interceptions so I'm just assuming he's better than Quentin Jammer. But I've only seen like two Chargers games this year so I don't know.
Joe Haden is tied for the AFC lead in interceptions but I originally dismissed it as the DeAngelo Hall effect- a bad corner/ defense that gets thrown on often is eventually going to get SOME opportunities for interceptions. But Haden is also 2nd in the AFC in WPA and is 7th in the AFC in EPA (right behind Cason).
Total Number of Selections According To Me:
- Baltimore Ravens (6)
- Buffalo Bills (2)
- Cincinnati Bengals (1)
- Cleveland Browns (1)
- Houston Texans (4)
- Indianapolis Colts (0)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (0)
- Houston Texans (5)
- Kansas City Chiefs (5)
- Miami Dolphins (1)
- New England Patriots (5)
- New York Jets (3)
- Oakland Raiders (2)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (4)
- San Diego Chargers (3)
- Tennessee Titans (4)
Seeing as how a bad Houston Texans team has five Pro Bowlers and a good New York Jets team only has 3, I may take away Center Chris Evan's selection and give it to Nick Mangold who leads the best offensive line in football. That way each team will at least have four. But honestly, the Texans have some great pieces in place and even some great pieces like Mario Williams, Brian Cushing and former Bears great Mark Anderson on that horrific defense, so it doesn't surprise me, that when praising individual talent, the Texans excel.
I am happy to report that the Colts inherently got no selections. I great argument can be made that either Mathis or Freeney deserves to be ahead of Dave Ball. But even still, that's only one selection. The Colts really are an overrated team and I hope they get bounced in the first round of the playoffs by the Ravens.
The Chiefs are the only team to have a Pro Bowler (or one I think should be a Pro Bowler) from the quarterback, running back, and wide receiver position from either league. The Falcons, Patriots, Eagles, and Packers came close.
Defensive End
Starters: Mario Williams (HOU), Jason Babin (TEN)
Bench: Dave Ball (TEN)
Apologies to: Robert Mathis (IND), Dwight Freeney (IND)
When I compiled my stats and when NFL players vote, Mario Williams was second in the AFC in sacks and first in WPA. He also currently leads the AFC in hurries. I think he's fallen off since Week 13 but that's after when NFL players vote for the Pro Bowl and I think him not being on the roster is a tragedy. Dave Ball was also top 3 in both WPA and Sacks. I'm also glad the AFC only took three defensive ends because I honestly don't know which Colts DE is better, but the slight slight slight edge I gave to Freeney.
Defensive Tackle
Starters: Haloti Ngata (BAL), Kyle Williams (BUF)
Bench: Richard Seymour (OAK)
I haven't been watching as much Pats football this year as I've liked to so I don't know if Vince Wilfork is having a bad year or not but I think Williams, based upon individual numbers, is having a really good year.
Linebackers
Starters: Cam Wake (MIA), Jarrod Mayo (NE), James Harrison (PIT)
Bench: Lawrence Timmons (PIT), Ray Lewis (BAL)
Apologies to: Terrell Suggs (BAL)
Without even intending to, I agree with the actual Pro Bowl selections for the most part. I have no problem taking Suggs ahead of Timmons but pretty good job guys. For once.
Safeties
Starters: Troy Polamalu (PIT), Ed Reed (BAL)
Bench: Michael Griffin (TEN)
I still don't know how to accurately determine Pro Bowl safeties. It's possible Brandon Meriweather (NE) is better than Griffin.
Cornerbacks
Starters: Devin McCourtey (NE), Antoine Cason (SD)
Bench: Joe Haden (CLE)
I think this year Nnamandi and Revis are getting in on pure reputation. Last year, you could look at what great #1 wide outs like Andre Johnson and Randy Moss did against the Jets (poorly) and that was shown when the Jets were the best team at stopping teams #1 wide outs in terms of DVOA according to Football Outsiders. This year, the San Diego Chargers have the best defense and are the best at stopping other teams #1 wide outs. Cason is second in the AFC in interceptions so I'm just assuming he's better than Quentin Jammer. But I've only seen like two Chargers games this year so I don't know.
Joe Haden is tied for the AFC lead in interceptions but I originally dismissed it as the DeAngelo Hall effect- a bad corner/ defense that gets thrown on often is eventually going to get SOME opportunities for interceptions. But Haden is also 2nd in the AFC in WPA and is 7th in the AFC in EPA (right behind Cason).
Total Number of Selections According To Me:
- Baltimore Ravens (6)
- Buffalo Bills (2)
- Cincinnati Bengals (1)
- Cleveland Browns (1)
- Houston Texans (4)
- Indianapolis Colts (0)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (0)
- Houston Texans (5)
- Kansas City Chiefs (5)
- Miami Dolphins (1)
- New England Patriots (5)
- New York Jets (3)
- Oakland Raiders (2)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (4)
- San Diego Chargers (3)
- Tennessee Titans (4)
Seeing as how a bad Houston Texans team has five Pro Bowlers and a good New York Jets team only has 3, I may take away Center Chris Evan's selection and give it to Nick Mangold who leads the best offensive line in football. That way each team will at least have four. But honestly, the Texans have some great pieces in place and even some great pieces like Mario Williams, Brian Cushing and former Bears great Mark Anderson on that horrific defense, so it doesn't surprise me, that when praising individual talent, the Texans excel.
I am happy to report that the Colts inherently got no selections. I great argument can be made that either Mathis or Freeney deserves to be ahead of Dave Ball. But even still, that's only one selection. The Colts really are an overrated team and I hope they get bounced in the first round of the playoffs by the Ravens.
The Chiefs are the only team to have a Pro Bowler (or one I think should be a Pro Bowler) from the quarterback, running back, and wide receiver position from either league. The Falcons, Patriots, Eagles, and Packers came close.
Who Deserves To Be A Pro Bowler? Part IX: Actual Players, NFC, Defense
Before you comment or bitch or anything, please read my introduction to this series here and the stats in which I am basing my opinions upon can be found here.
Defensive End
Starters: Julius Peppers (CHI), Justin Tuck (NYG)
Bench: Chris Clemons (SEA)
Apologies to: Kyle Vanden Bosch (DET), Osi Umenyiora (NYG), John Abraham (ATL)
In the NFC, the leaders right now according to FO in hurries is: Chris Long (STL), DeMarcus Ware (DAL), Charles Johnson (CAR), Julius Peppers, and then Chris Clemons. Besides Ware who's a linebacker, only Peppers and Clemons are top 4 in the NFC in either sacks or WPA as well so that's why I say they go to the Pro Bowl and Justin Tuck is the only guy who's both top 4 in WPA and sacks.
Defensive Tackle
Starters: Nddamukong Suh (DET), Justin Smith (SF)
Bench: Darnell Docket (ARI)
Donkey Kong Suh has nine sacks. As a defensive tackle. That's just amazing. To put that in perspective, in Albert Haynesworth's best year, he only had 8.5 sacks. And he was in the league for 7 years before he did that. Smith was named the alternate and i think he deserves to start. Especially over the overrated Jay Ratliff (DAL) who only went because he plays in Dallas. I chose Docket as the alternate because he leads the league in WPA.
Linebackers
Starters: DeMarcus Ware (DAL), Brian Urlacher (CHI), Clay Matthews (GB)
Bench: Chad Greenway (MIN), Patrick Willis (SF)
Apologies to: Brian Orakpo (WAS)
I think I need no justification for my starters, just watch them play and they do everything they're asked to do and then some. Chad Greenway leads the NFC in tackles and is second in the NFC in tackles for loss (according to when I compiled my stats). The only difference between my selections and the Pro Bowl selections is that I took Greenway over Lance Briggs (CHI). As much as I love my Bears, Briggs had a pretty bad second half of the season and did not deserve to go.
Safeties
Starters: Earl Thomas (SEA), LaRon Landry (WAS)
Bench: Kerry Rhodes (ARI)
If you can give me a definite, clear cut way how to judge safeties and disagree with my selections, please let me know and I'll be glad to change my results. Otherwise I will base my selections upon interceptions and WPA.
Cornerbacks
Starters: Asante Samuel (PHI), Aquib Talib (TAM)
Bench: Charles Woodson (GB)
Total Number of Selections According To Me:
- Arizona Cardinals (4)
- Atlanta Falcons (4)
- Carolina Panthers (0)
- Chicago Bears (4)
- Dallas Cowboys (3)
- Detroit Lions (2)
- Green Bay Packers (5)
- Minnesota Vikings (3)
- New Orleans Saints (2)
- New York Giants (3)
- Philadelphia Eagles (3)
- San Fransisco 49ers (4)
- Seattle Seahawks (2)
- St. Louis Rams (1)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1)
- Washington Redskins (1)
Defensive End
Starters: Julius Peppers (CHI), Justin Tuck (NYG)
Bench: Chris Clemons (SEA)
Apologies to: Kyle Vanden Bosch (DET), Osi Umenyiora (NYG), John Abraham (ATL)
In the NFC, the leaders right now according to FO in hurries is: Chris Long (STL), DeMarcus Ware (DAL), Charles Johnson (CAR), Julius Peppers, and then Chris Clemons. Besides Ware who's a linebacker, only Peppers and Clemons are top 4 in the NFC in either sacks or WPA as well so that's why I say they go to the Pro Bowl and Justin Tuck is the only guy who's both top 4 in WPA and sacks.
Defensive Tackle
Starters: Nddamukong Suh (DET), Justin Smith (SF)
Bench: Darnell Docket (ARI)
Donkey Kong Suh has nine sacks. As a defensive tackle. That's just amazing. To put that in perspective, in Albert Haynesworth's best year, he only had 8.5 sacks. And he was in the league for 7 years before he did that. Smith was named the alternate and i think he deserves to start. Especially over the overrated Jay Ratliff (DAL) who only went because he plays in Dallas. I chose Docket as the alternate because he leads the league in WPA.
Linebackers
Starters: DeMarcus Ware (DAL), Brian Urlacher (CHI), Clay Matthews (GB)
Bench: Chad Greenway (MIN), Patrick Willis (SF)
Apologies to: Brian Orakpo (WAS)
I think I need no justification for my starters, just watch them play and they do everything they're asked to do and then some. Chad Greenway leads the NFC in tackles and is second in the NFC in tackles for loss (according to when I compiled my stats). The only difference between my selections and the Pro Bowl selections is that I took Greenway over Lance Briggs (CHI). As much as I love my Bears, Briggs had a pretty bad second half of the season and did not deserve to go.
Safeties
Starters: Earl Thomas (SEA), LaRon Landry (WAS)
Bench: Kerry Rhodes (ARI)
If you can give me a definite, clear cut way how to judge safeties and disagree with my selections, please let me know and I'll be glad to change my results. Otherwise I will base my selections upon interceptions and WPA.
Cornerbacks
Starters: Asante Samuel (PHI), Aquib Talib (TAM)
Bench: Charles Woodson (GB)
Total Number of Selections According To Me:
- Arizona Cardinals (4)
- Atlanta Falcons (4)
- Carolina Panthers (0)
- Chicago Bears (4)
- Dallas Cowboys (3)
- Detroit Lions (2)
- Green Bay Packers (5)
- Minnesota Vikings (3)
- New Orleans Saints (2)
- New York Giants (3)
- Philadelphia Eagles (3)
- San Fransisco 49ers (4)
- Seattle Seahawks (2)
- St. Louis Rams (1)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1)
- Washington Redskins (1)
Who Deserves To Be A Pro Bowler? Part VIII: Actual Players, AFC, Offense
Before you comment or bitch or anything, please read my introduction to this series here and the stats in which I am basing my opinions upon can be found here
Quarterback
Starter: Tom Brady (NE)
Bench: Philip Rivers (SD), Matt Cassel (KC)
Apologies to: Kyle Orton (DEN)
For some reason I thought Rivers has never been selected to a Pro Bowl and I was going to go off on a rant about that. But he's been selected to two before this year. The biggest travesty of the AFC is selecting Peyton Manning over Matt Cassel. Manning is guaranteed to go to the Hall of Fame, has four MVPs, and been to 10 Pro Bowls. When he has a bad year or a fringe year, god forbid we let someone deserving in instead of him.
Running Back
Starter: Arian Foster (HOU)
Bench: Jamaal Charles (KC), BenJarvis Green-Ellis (NE)
Apologies to: Darren McFadden (OAK), Peyton Hillis (CLE), Maurice Jones-Drew (JAX)
The third spot for the AFC running back position was so hard for me. Foster and Chalres were locks for me, but choosing one out of the three "apologies to" and The Law Firm was tough and all four deserve to go and I have no problems with any of them. But considering the numbers and touchdowns BJGE has put up with less games and carries than the others and how awesome he does according to Football Outsiders, I chose him.
Wide Receiver
Starter: Brandon Lloyd (DEN), Dwayne Bowe (KC)
Bench: Mike Wallace (PIT), Terrell Owens (CIN)
Apologies to: Reggie Wayne (IND), Andre Johnson (HOU)
Johnson and Wayne got in this year because their reputation put them over the edge. Lloyd and Bowe are the AFC reserves and the only reason they're not starting is because they haven't done it for the past few years. I think Bowe, Wallace, and Lloyd are clear cut Pro Bowlers (Wallace is 2nd in DYAR and 1st in DVOA) and I chose T.O. over Wayne and Andre mainly because of his QB.
Tight End
Starter: Antonio Gates (SD)
Bench: Todd Heap (BAL)
Apologies to: Mercedes Lewis (JAX), Rob Gronkowski (NE)
Gronk doesn't get on the field/ go out to catch all that often because of the Pats many "weapons" so he doesn't get many looks, but when he does he does awesome things with it. Again, another situation where the bench spot is close and I have no problem (especially because the NFL also selects guys to play in the game) to take Lewis over Heap.
Center
Starter: Chris Evans (HOU)
Bench: Dan Koppen (NE)
Apologies to: Nick Mangold (NYJ)
The Jets probably have the best offensive line in football so I have no problem selecting Mangold to start because he's the leader of the line, even though he was an "inferior" blocker than both Koppen and Evans this year. But I have no idea why Pittsburgh's center Maurkice Pouncey was chosen. Not only was he a pretty bad blocker this year (Pittsbugh's center is 22nd in blocking) but the Steelers have a horrible offensive line (according to both FO and Steelers fans. Seriously, watch ONE Steelers game and you can see how bad they are at blocking). So Pouncey's selection, especially over a well respected and former Pro Bowler and the leader of NFL's second best offensive line Dan Koppen seems odd to me.
Left Guard
Starter: Andy Levitre (BUF)
Bench: Wade Smith (HOU)
Left Tackle
Starter: Branden Albert (KC)
Bench: D'Brickashaw Ferguson (NYJ)
Right Guard
Starter: Marshal Yanda (BAL)
Bench: Brandon Moore (NYJ)
Right Tackle
Starter: Ryan O'Callaghan (KC)
Bench: Chris Chester (BAL)
Like in the NFC, it seems to me players get selected mainly upon their names and not upon talent. And seriously, if another team's running back of a safety or something is voting for offensive lineman, they should stop. I believe in both Presidential elections and for All-Star games, if you're not knowledgeable about what you're voting for, don't vote. Unfortunately, that doesn't happen.
Kicker
Starter: Rob Bironas (TEN)
Punter
Starter: Shane Lechler (OAK)
Kick Returner
Starter: Brad Smith (NYJ)
Apologies to: Marc Mariani (TEN)
It seems to be the NFL took the best punt returner in both leagues as they took Hester and Mariani but I choose the better kick off returner in Smith. Both good choices though.
Quarterback
Starter: Tom Brady (NE)
Bench: Philip Rivers (SD), Matt Cassel (KC)
Apologies to: Kyle Orton (DEN)
For some reason I thought Rivers has never been selected to a Pro Bowl and I was going to go off on a rant about that. But he's been selected to two before this year. The biggest travesty of the AFC is selecting Peyton Manning over Matt Cassel. Manning is guaranteed to go to the Hall of Fame, has four MVPs, and been to 10 Pro Bowls. When he has a bad year or a fringe year, god forbid we let someone deserving in instead of him.
Running Back
Starter: Arian Foster (HOU)
Bench: Jamaal Charles (KC), BenJarvis Green-Ellis (NE)
Apologies to: Darren McFadden (OAK), Peyton Hillis (CLE), Maurice Jones-Drew (JAX)
The third spot for the AFC running back position was so hard for me. Foster and Chalres were locks for me, but choosing one out of the three "apologies to" and The Law Firm was tough and all four deserve to go and I have no problems with any of them. But considering the numbers and touchdowns BJGE has put up with less games and carries than the others and how awesome he does according to Football Outsiders, I chose him.
Wide Receiver
Starter: Brandon Lloyd (DEN), Dwayne Bowe (KC)
Bench: Mike Wallace (PIT), Terrell Owens (CIN)
Apologies to: Reggie Wayne (IND), Andre Johnson (HOU)
Johnson and Wayne got in this year because their reputation put them over the edge. Lloyd and Bowe are the AFC reserves and the only reason they're not starting is because they haven't done it for the past few years. I think Bowe, Wallace, and Lloyd are clear cut Pro Bowlers (Wallace is 2nd in DYAR and 1st in DVOA) and I chose T.O. over Wayne and Andre mainly because of his QB.
Tight End
Starter: Antonio Gates (SD)
Bench: Todd Heap (BAL)
Apologies to: Mercedes Lewis (JAX), Rob Gronkowski (NE)
Gronk doesn't get on the field/ go out to catch all that often because of the Pats many "weapons" so he doesn't get many looks, but when he does he does awesome things with it. Again, another situation where the bench spot is close and I have no problem (especially because the NFL also selects guys to play in the game) to take Lewis over Heap.
Center
Starter: Chris Evans (HOU)
Bench: Dan Koppen (NE)
Apologies to: Nick Mangold (NYJ)
The Jets probably have the best offensive line in football so I have no problem selecting Mangold to start because he's the leader of the line, even though he was an "inferior" blocker than both Koppen and Evans this year. But I have no idea why Pittsburgh's center Maurkice Pouncey was chosen. Not only was he a pretty bad blocker this year (Pittsbugh's center is 22nd in blocking) but the Steelers have a horrible offensive line (according to both FO and Steelers fans. Seriously, watch ONE Steelers game and you can see how bad they are at blocking). So Pouncey's selection, especially over a well respected and former Pro Bowler and the leader of NFL's second best offensive line Dan Koppen seems odd to me.
Left Guard
Starter: Andy Levitre (BUF)
Bench: Wade Smith (HOU)
Left Tackle
Starter: Branden Albert (KC)
Bench: D'Brickashaw Ferguson (NYJ)
Right Guard
Starter: Marshal Yanda (BAL)
Bench: Brandon Moore (NYJ)
Right Tackle
Starter: Ryan O'Callaghan (KC)
Bench: Chris Chester (BAL)
Like in the NFC, it seems to me players get selected mainly upon their names and not upon talent. And seriously, if another team's running back of a safety or something is voting for offensive lineman, they should stop. I believe in both Presidential elections and for All-Star games, if you're not knowledgeable about what you're voting for, don't vote. Unfortunately, that doesn't happen.
Kicker
Starter: Rob Bironas (TEN)
Punter
Starter: Shane Lechler (OAK)
Kick Returner
Starter: Brad Smith (NYJ)
Apologies to: Marc Mariani (TEN)
It seems to be the NFL took the best punt returner in both leagues as they took Hester and Mariani but I choose the better kick off returner in Smith. Both good choices though.
Who Deserves To Be A Pro Bowler? Part VII: Actual Players, NFC, Offense
Before you comment or bitch or anything, please read my introduction to this series here and the stats in which I am basing my opinions upon can be found here
Quarterback
Starter: Michael Vick (PHI)
Bench: Aaron Rodgers (GB), Drew Brees (NO)
Apologies to: Matt Ryan (ATL)
As good of a year as Matt Ryan is having and all the intangibles and all that crap, he is nowhere close to the level or talent or skill of Aaron Rodgers. Although I have no problem taking Matt Ryan, I would take him ahead of the interception prone Drew Brees. Aaron Rodgers has been selected to a Pro Bowl before and is well respected in the league so I find it extremely surprising that he didn't get selected.
Running Back
Starter: LeSean McCoy (PHI)
Bench: Adrian Peterson (MIN), Michael Turner (ATL)
St. Louis' Steven Jackson was selected over McCoy and this I'm sure was done based upon pure reputation. I understand that as good as Sam Bradford is he's not an elite quarterback yet and the Rams have a shitty offensive line and that Jackson is a great talent still, but he's done great things with a worse line and worse QB and selecting him over McCoy is a great injustice to a guy who plays in a position that doesn't have a long shelf life and needs every year to be recognized.
Wide Receiver
Starters: Roddy White (ATL), Calvin Johnson (DET)
Bench: Greg Jennings (GB), Larry Fitzgerald (ARI)
Apologies to: Hakeem Nicks (NYG), DeSean Jackson (PHI), Marques Colston (NO)
You can read here about how I feel towards Larry Fitzgerald. DeSean Jackson was selected as the 4th NFC wide out and I think that's a great pick. I don't think Fitzgerald not being sent to Hawaii is as egregious as Rodgers or McCoy but I don't think Fitzgerald should be punished for his awful quarterback. My next choice after him would be Nicks, then Jackson, then Colston.
Tight End
Starter: Jason Witten (DAL)
Bench: Vernon Davis (SF)
Apologies to: Tony Gonzalez (ATL)
Again, another close one between Gonzalez and Davis and Gonzalez got selected over Davis but if I had my way, with essentially all things equal, I'll give more credit to the guy with the crappier quarterback.
Center
Starter: Jonathan Goodwin (NO)
Bench: Shaun O'Hara (NYG)
Left Guard
Starter: Mike Iupati (SF)
Bench: Justin Blalock (ATL)
Left Tackle
Starter: Levi Brown (ARI)
Bench: Frank Omiyale (CHI)
Right Guard
Starter: Harvey Dahl (ATL)
Bench: Chad Clifton (GB)
Right Tackle
Starter: Jason Smith (STL)
Bench: Kareen McKenzie (NYG)
My offensive line data is based upon DVOA and DYAR from Football Outsiders so I think there's an inherent flaw in my analysis to begin with, but I think it's interesting how little actual Pro Bowlers selected are on this list. I think that's because the players are selected based upon reputation and not based upon talent
Kicker
Starter: Ryan Longwell (MIN)
Punter
Starter: Mat McBriar (DAL)
Kick Returner
Starter: Devin Hester (CHI)
Quarterback
Starter: Michael Vick (PHI)
Bench: Aaron Rodgers (GB), Drew Brees (NO)
Apologies to: Matt Ryan (ATL)
As good of a year as Matt Ryan is having and all the intangibles and all that crap, he is nowhere close to the level or talent or skill of Aaron Rodgers. Although I have no problem taking Matt Ryan, I would take him ahead of the interception prone Drew Brees. Aaron Rodgers has been selected to a Pro Bowl before and is well respected in the league so I find it extremely surprising that he didn't get selected.
Running Back
Starter: LeSean McCoy (PHI)
Bench: Adrian Peterson (MIN), Michael Turner (ATL)
St. Louis' Steven Jackson was selected over McCoy and this I'm sure was done based upon pure reputation. I understand that as good as Sam Bradford is he's not an elite quarterback yet and the Rams have a shitty offensive line and that Jackson is a great talent still, but he's done great things with a worse line and worse QB and selecting him over McCoy is a great injustice to a guy who plays in a position that doesn't have a long shelf life and needs every year to be recognized.
Wide Receiver
Starters: Roddy White (ATL), Calvin Johnson (DET)
Bench: Greg Jennings (GB), Larry Fitzgerald (ARI)
Apologies to: Hakeem Nicks (NYG), DeSean Jackson (PHI), Marques Colston (NO)
You can read here about how I feel towards Larry Fitzgerald. DeSean Jackson was selected as the 4th NFC wide out and I think that's a great pick. I don't think Fitzgerald not being sent to Hawaii is as egregious as Rodgers or McCoy but I don't think Fitzgerald should be punished for his awful quarterback. My next choice after him would be Nicks, then Jackson, then Colston.
Tight End
Starter: Jason Witten (DAL)
Bench: Vernon Davis (SF)
Apologies to: Tony Gonzalez (ATL)
Again, another close one between Gonzalez and Davis and Gonzalez got selected over Davis but if I had my way, with essentially all things equal, I'll give more credit to the guy with the crappier quarterback.
Center
Starter: Jonathan Goodwin (NO)
Bench: Shaun O'Hara (NYG)
Left Guard
Starter: Mike Iupati (SF)
Bench: Justin Blalock (ATL)
Left Tackle
Starter: Levi Brown (ARI)
Bench: Frank Omiyale (CHI)
Right Guard
Starter: Harvey Dahl (ATL)
Bench: Chad Clifton (GB)
Right Tackle
Starter: Jason Smith (STL)
Bench: Kareen McKenzie (NYG)
My offensive line data is based upon DVOA and DYAR from Football Outsiders so I think there's an inherent flaw in my analysis to begin with, but I think it's interesting how little actual Pro Bowlers selected are on this list. I think that's because the players are selected based upon reputation and not based upon talent
Kicker
Starter: Ryan Longwell (MIN)
Punter
Starter: Mat McBriar (DAL)
Kick Returner
Starter: Devin Hester (CHI)
Who Deserves To Be A Pro Bowler? Part VI: Before We Begin
I will do my best in the upcoming week to write a post each day about which players actually deserved to go to the Pro Bowl. Now that the official Pro Bowl selections have been released, every website seems to talk about who deserved to go and who didn't. This site is no exception. I feel strongly about Pro Bowl selections and any All-Star selections need to be correct. I feel this way because it's these selections that determine who goes into the Hall of Fame. For certain positions, like running back and quarterback, one can just look at their career numbers to see if they are Hall of Fame worthy. But for many positions in football, like offensive lineman and safeties, all we really have to go on is reputation and Pro Bowl selections.
So based upon my five previous posts where I just listed the different statistical numbers of every position, I will now tell you loyal readers who deserves to be a Pro Bowler and who does not.
You can read Part I, NFC Offense here
You can read Part II, AFC Offense here
You can read Part III about Larry Fitzgerald here
You can read Part IV, NFC defense here
You can read Part V, AFC defense here
Now for most positions, there is no one statistic that says if they are good or not. I posted a handful of important statistics and I will use my best, objective judgment to synthesize those statistics to give me the best players at each particular position. On the other hand, there are some positions, like offensive lineman and safeties, where I only have one statistic to go off of. It's also these positions that normally I would defer to coaches and NFL players on who they think is the best.
Unfortunately, these players and people know as much about these positions as the average fan does. Many people in the NFL vote solely on reputation and not on the talent and how well they performed in the previous year. I call it the Derek Jeter effect. Last year Derek Jeter won the Gold Glove for SS despite being one of the worst defenders at his position. This is because he gets voted on because everyone at their mother knows who Derek Jeter is.
The best suggestion I've heard to remedy this problem is to have certain positions vote solely on other certain positions. For example, only offensive lineman should be allowed to vote for defensive lineman, only linebackers should be allowed to vote for tight ends, only wide receivers should be allowed to vote for cornerbacks, and if you've never be on the field for kicks, you should not be allowed to vote for special teamers.
But going back to certain positions, like safety, I don't think there will ever be a good statistic to measure that position. Part of being a great safety is solely being in position on the field. Many times, as a safety, you just need to be over the top to deter a quarterback not to throw on your side of the field. And how can you objectively measure a quarterback's decision making by him choosing not to throw a ball?
For offensive lineman, I use Football Outsiders DVOA and DYAR stats for how they measure lineman. However, FO does not rate by specific player, they rank by how well the team blocks. So all I know is say the Jets center is the best blocking center as opposed to FO telling me how good Nick Mangold is. This causes great havoc. Often times players change position (say like crappy Chris Williams moving from tackle to guard) so while Bills LG (hypothetically) is the #1 blocker, that might consist of say two or three players. Injuries could also be a cause of this. This is the biggest criticisms I got on my Michael Oher post. My research indicated that he played in one positions but as Baltimore Ravens fan *politely* told me, he actually ended up playing most of his time in a different position.
Now there are certain players like Aaron Rodgers and LeSean McCoy that their absence from the Pro Bowl has been a glaring and overt travesty. Then there are certain players where I think the actual Pro Bowl selection and my Pro Bowl selection are close. I think a great argument can be made for both players but I personally choose the non-actual selection. I will do my best to try and distinguish between the travesty selections and the "It-Could-Go-Either-Way" selections.
And now that I have all these disclaimers, soon we will begin with the actual selections!
So based upon my five previous posts where I just listed the different statistical numbers of every position, I will now tell you loyal readers who deserves to be a Pro Bowler and who does not.
You can read Part I, NFC Offense here
You can read Part II, AFC Offense here
You can read Part III about Larry Fitzgerald here
You can read Part IV, NFC defense here
You can read Part V, AFC defense here
Now for most positions, there is no one statistic that says if they are good or not. I posted a handful of important statistics and I will use my best, objective judgment to synthesize those statistics to give me the best players at each particular position. On the other hand, there are some positions, like offensive lineman and safeties, where I only have one statistic to go off of. It's also these positions that normally I would defer to coaches and NFL players on who they think is the best.
Unfortunately, these players and people know as much about these positions as the average fan does. Many people in the NFL vote solely on reputation and not on the talent and how well they performed in the previous year. I call it the Derek Jeter effect. Last year Derek Jeter won the Gold Glove for SS despite being one of the worst defenders at his position. This is because he gets voted on because everyone at their mother knows who Derek Jeter is.
The best suggestion I've heard to remedy this problem is to have certain positions vote solely on other certain positions. For example, only offensive lineman should be allowed to vote for defensive lineman, only linebackers should be allowed to vote for tight ends, only wide receivers should be allowed to vote for cornerbacks, and if you've never be on the field for kicks, you should not be allowed to vote for special teamers.
But going back to certain positions, like safety, I don't think there will ever be a good statistic to measure that position. Part of being a great safety is solely being in position on the field. Many times, as a safety, you just need to be over the top to deter a quarterback not to throw on your side of the field. And how can you objectively measure a quarterback's decision making by him choosing not to throw a ball?
For offensive lineman, I use Football Outsiders DVOA and DYAR stats for how they measure lineman. However, FO does not rate by specific player, they rank by how well the team blocks. So all I know is say the Jets center is the best blocking center as opposed to FO telling me how good Nick Mangold is. This causes great havoc. Often times players change position (say like crappy Chris Williams moving from tackle to guard) so while Bills LG (hypothetically) is the #1 blocker, that might consist of say two or three players. Injuries could also be a cause of this. This is the biggest criticisms I got on my Michael Oher post. My research indicated that he played in one positions but as Baltimore Ravens fan *politely* told me, he actually ended up playing most of his time in a different position.
Now there are certain players like Aaron Rodgers and LeSean McCoy that their absence from the Pro Bowl has been a glaring and overt travesty. Then there are certain players where I think the actual Pro Bowl selection and my Pro Bowl selection are close. I think a great argument can be made for both players but I personally choose the non-actual selection. I will do my best to try and distinguish between the travesty selections and the "It-Could-Go-Either-Way" selections.
And now that I have all these disclaimers, soon we will begin with the actual selections!
Who Deserves To Be A Pro Bowler? Part V: AFC, Defense
You can read my NFC version here
DEFENSIVE END
Sacks
1) Jason Babin (TEN)
2) Mario Williams (HOU)
3) Robert Mathis (IND)
4) Dave Ball (TEN)
WPA
1) Mario Williams (HOU)
2) Dave Ball (TEN)
3) Jason Babin (TEN)
4) Dwan Edwards (BUF)
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
Sacks
1) Haloti Ngata (BAL)
1) Tommy Kelly (OAK)
3) Kyle Williams (BUF)
3) Richard Seymour (OAK)
WPA
1) Kyle Williams (BUF)
2) Haloti Ngata (BAL)
3) Sione Pouha (NYJ)
4) Richard Seymour (OAK)
LINEBACKERS
Sacks
1) Cam Wake (MIA)
2) Tamba Hali (KC)
3) Terrell Suggs (BAL)
4) James Harrison (PIT)
4) Shaun Phillips (SD)
Tackles
1) Jerrod Mayo (NE)
2) Stephen Tulloch (TEN)
3) Ray Lewis (BAL)
4) Paul Posluszny (BUF)
Tackles For Loss
1) Cam Wake (MIA)
2) Terrell Suggs (BAL)
3) Shaun Phillips (SD)
4) James Harrison (PIT)
WPA
1) Lawrence Timmons (PIT)
2) Lamaar Woodley (PIT)
3) Cam Wake (MIA)
4) James Harrison (PIT)
SAFETIES
Interceptions
1) Troy Polamalu (PIT)
2) Ed Reed (BAL)
2) Michael Griffin (TEN)
3) James Sanders (NE)
3) Eric Berry (KC)
3) Brandon Meriweather (NE)
WPA
1) Troy Polamalu (PIT)
2) Michael Huff (OAK)
3) Michael Griffin (TEN)
4) Tyvon Branch (OAK)
CORNERBACKS
Interceptions
1) Devin McCourty (NE)
2) Joe Haden (CLE)
3) Antonie Cason (SD)
3) Leon Hall (CIN)
DVOA Against Opposing #1 WR
1) San Diego Chargers
2) Indianapolis Colts
3) Pittsburgh Steelers
4) Kansas City Chiefs
DVOA Against Opposing #2 WR
1) Pittsburgh Steelers
2) San Diego Chargers
3) Indianapolis Colts
4) Tennessee Titans
WPA
1) William Gay (PIT)
2) Joe Haden (CLE)
3) Antonio Cromartie (NYJ)
4) Sheldon Brown (CLE)
DEFENSIVE END
Sacks
1) Jason Babin (TEN)
2) Mario Williams (HOU)
3) Robert Mathis (IND)
4) Dave Ball (TEN)
WPA
1) Mario Williams (HOU)
2) Dave Ball (TEN)
3) Jason Babin (TEN)
4) Dwan Edwards (BUF)
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
Sacks
1) Haloti Ngata (BAL)
1) Tommy Kelly (OAK)
3) Kyle Williams (BUF)
3) Richard Seymour (OAK)
WPA
1) Kyle Williams (BUF)
2) Haloti Ngata (BAL)
3) Sione Pouha (NYJ)
4) Richard Seymour (OAK)
LINEBACKERS
Sacks
1) Cam Wake (MIA)
2) Tamba Hali (KC)
3) Terrell Suggs (BAL)
4) James Harrison (PIT)
4) Shaun Phillips (SD)
Tackles
1) Jerrod Mayo (NE)
2) Stephen Tulloch (TEN)
3) Ray Lewis (BAL)
4) Paul Posluszny (BUF)
Tackles For Loss
1) Cam Wake (MIA)
2) Terrell Suggs (BAL)
3) Shaun Phillips (SD)
4) James Harrison (PIT)
WPA
1) Lawrence Timmons (PIT)
2) Lamaar Woodley (PIT)
3) Cam Wake (MIA)
4) James Harrison (PIT)
SAFETIES
Interceptions
1) Troy Polamalu (PIT)
2) Ed Reed (BAL)
2) Michael Griffin (TEN)
3) James Sanders (NE)
3) Eric Berry (KC)
3) Brandon Meriweather (NE)
WPA
1) Troy Polamalu (PIT)
2) Michael Huff (OAK)
3) Michael Griffin (TEN)
4) Tyvon Branch (OAK)
CORNERBACKS
Interceptions
1) Devin McCourty (NE)
2) Joe Haden (CLE)
3) Antonie Cason (SD)
3) Leon Hall (CIN)
DVOA Against Opposing #1 WR
1) San Diego Chargers
2) Indianapolis Colts
3) Pittsburgh Steelers
4) Kansas City Chiefs
DVOA Against Opposing #2 WR
1) Pittsburgh Steelers
2) San Diego Chargers
3) Indianapolis Colts
4) Tennessee Titans
WPA
1) William Gay (PIT)
2) Joe Haden (CLE)
3) Antonio Cromartie (NYJ)
4) Sheldon Brown (CLE)
Who Deserves To Be A Pro Bowler? Part IV: NFC, Defense
So it's six in the morning, I have been up for twenty straight hours, and yet I'm sitting alone in my apartment watching music videos on Vh1. What I think is the most surprising thing about that opening statement is that music videos still exist. Who knew. Anyways, since Advanced NFL is actually up and running and I'm bored out of my mind, here's my continuing series of who deserves to be a pro bowler- stats edition.
Note: These stats are only through the first 13 games- which is perfect so they can match the offensive stats I did a few weeks back. Plus, pro bowl voting is only through like the first 12 weeks anyway.
DEFENSIVE END
Sacks
1) Osi Umenyiora (NYG)
1) John Abraham (ATL)
3) Chris Clemons (SEA)
4) Justin Tuck (NYG)
WPA
1) Kyle Vanden Bosch (DET)
2) Justin Tuck (NYG)
3) Jared Allen (MIN)
4) Julius Peppers (CHI)
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
Sacks
1) Ndamukong Suh (DET)
2) Justin Smith (SF)
3) Sedrick Ellis (NO)
3) Barry Cofield (NYG)
3) Fred Robbins (STL)
WPA
1) Darnell Dockett (ARI)
2) Justin Smith (SF)
3) Ndamukong Suh (DET)
4) Corey Williams (DET)
LINEBACKERS
Sacks
1) Clay Matthews (GB)
2) DeMarcus Ware (DAL)
3) Brian Orakpo (WAS)
4) Patrick Willis (SF)
4) Joey Porter (ARI)
4) Travis LaBoy (SF)
Tackles
1) Chad Greenway (MIN)
2) James Anderson (CAR)
3) Patrick Willis (SF)
4) Curtis Lofton (ATL)
Tackles For Loss
1) Clay Matthews (GB)
2) Chad Greenway (MIN)
3) DeMarcus Ware (DAL)
4) Brian Urlacher (CHI)
WPA
1) Geno Hayes (TB)
2) Brian Urlacher (CHI)
3) Paris Lennon (ARI)
4) Curtis Lofton (ATL)
SAFETIES
Interceptions
1) Earl Thomas (SEA)
2) Charles Godfrey (CAR)
3) Kerry Rhodes (ARI)
4) William Moore (ATL)
WPA
1) LaRon Landry (WAS)
2) Kerry Rhodes (ARI)
3) Quintin Mikell (PHI)
4) Deon Grant (NYG)
CORNERBACKS
Interceptions
1) Asante Samuel (PHI)
2) DeAngelo Hall (WAS)
3) Aquib Talib (TB)
4) Alfonso Smith (DET)
4) Terrell Thomas (NYG)
4) Tramon Williams (GB)
DVOA Against Opposing #1 WR
1) New York Giants
2) Tampa Bay Bucs
3) Carolina Panthers
4) St. Louis Rams
DVOA Against Opposing #2 WR
1) Carolina Panthers
2) Philadelphia Eagles
3) Green Bay Packers
4) Detroit Lions
WPA
1) DeAngelo Hall (WAS)
2) Charles Woodson (GB)
3) Tramon Williams (GB)
4) Philip Buchanon (WAS)
5) D.J. Moore (CHI)
Note: These stats are only through the first 13 games- which is perfect so they can match the offensive stats I did a few weeks back. Plus, pro bowl voting is only through like the first 12 weeks anyway.
DEFENSIVE END
Sacks
1) Osi Umenyiora (NYG)
1) John Abraham (ATL)
3) Chris Clemons (SEA)
4) Justin Tuck (NYG)
WPA
1) Kyle Vanden Bosch (DET)
2) Justin Tuck (NYG)
3) Jared Allen (MIN)
4) Julius Peppers (CHI)
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
Sacks
1) Ndamukong Suh (DET)
2) Justin Smith (SF)
3) Sedrick Ellis (NO)
3) Barry Cofield (NYG)
3) Fred Robbins (STL)
WPA
1) Darnell Dockett (ARI)
2) Justin Smith (SF)
3) Ndamukong Suh (DET)
4) Corey Williams (DET)
LINEBACKERS
Sacks
1) Clay Matthews (GB)
2) DeMarcus Ware (DAL)
3) Brian Orakpo (WAS)
4) Patrick Willis (SF)
4) Joey Porter (ARI)
4) Travis LaBoy (SF)
Tackles
1) Chad Greenway (MIN)
2) James Anderson (CAR)
3) Patrick Willis (SF)
4) Curtis Lofton (ATL)
Tackles For Loss
1) Clay Matthews (GB)
2) Chad Greenway (MIN)
3) DeMarcus Ware (DAL)
4) Brian Urlacher (CHI)
WPA
1) Geno Hayes (TB)
2) Brian Urlacher (CHI)
3) Paris Lennon (ARI)
4) Curtis Lofton (ATL)
SAFETIES
Interceptions
1) Earl Thomas (SEA)
2) Charles Godfrey (CAR)
3) Kerry Rhodes (ARI)
4) William Moore (ATL)
WPA
1) LaRon Landry (WAS)
2) Kerry Rhodes (ARI)
3) Quintin Mikell (PHI)
4) Deon Grant (NYG)
CORNERBACKS
Interceptions
1) Asante Samuel (PHI)
2) DeAngelo Hall (WAS)
3) Aquib Talib (TB)
4) Alfonso Smith (DET)
4) Terrell Thomas (NYG)
4) Tramon Williams (GB)
DVOA Against Opposing #1 WR
1) New York Giants
2) Tampa Bay Bucs
3) Carolina Panthers
4) St. Louis Rams
DVOA Against Opposing #2 WR
1) Carolina Panthers
2) Philadelphia Eagles
3) Green Bay Packers
4) Detroit Lions
WPA
1) DeAngelo Hall (WAS)
2) Charles Woodson (GB)
3) Tramon Williams (GB)
4) Philip Buchanon (WAS)
5) D.J. Moore (CHI)
Who Deserves To Be A Pro Bowler? Part II: AFC, Offense
You can read my Part I about the NFC offensive players here. No more foreplay or introductions, right on to the statistics!
QUARTERBACK
Passer Rating
1) Tom Brady
2) Philip Rivers
3) Matt Cassel
DYAR
1) Tom Brady
2) Kyle Orton
3) Philip Rivers
DVOA
1) Tom Brady
2) Philip Rivers
3) Kyle Orton
WAR
1) Joe Flacco
2) Tom Brady
3) David Garrard
RUNNING BACKS
Yards Per Carry
1) Jamaal Charles
2) Arian Foster
3) Run DMC
Rushing Yards
1) Arian Foster
2) Jamaal Charles
3) Mo Jo
Rushing Touchdowns
1) Arian Foster
2) Peyton Hillis
3) Rashard Mendenhall, Mike Tolbert, Chris Johnson, BenJarvis Green-Ellis
DYAR
1) Arian Forster
2) Jamaal Charles
3) BJGE (The Law Firm- sorry The Guy DME Accosted)
DVOA
1) Jamaal Charles
2) Arian Foster
3) BJGE
WPA
1) Maurice Jones-Drew
2) Arian Foster
3) Peyton Hillis
WIDE RECEIVERS
Receiving Yards
1) Brandon Lloyd
2) Reggie Wayne
3) Andre Johnson
4) T.O.
Receptions
1) Reggie Wayne
2) T.O.
2) Andre Johnson
4) Wes Welker
Receiving Touchdowns
1) Dwayne Bowe
2) Brandon Lloyd
2) Steve Johnson
2) Terrel Owens
DYAR
1) Brandon Lloyd
2) Mike Wallace
3) Dwayne Bowe
4) Steve Johnson
DVOA
1) Mike Wallace
2) Kenny Britt*
3) Patrick Crayton
4) Brandon Lloyd
5) Austin Collie*
6) Kevin Walter
WPA
1) Santonio Holmes
2) Anquan Boldin
3) Mike Thomas
4) Andre Johnson
TIGHT ENDS
Receiving Yards
1) Antonio Gates
2) Todd Heap
3) Dustin Keller
Receptions
1) Antonio Gates
2) Jermaine Gresham
3) Benjamin Watson
Receiving Touchdowns
1) Antonio Gates
2) Mercedes Lewis
3) Rob Gronkowski
DYAR
1) Antonio Gates
2) Rob Gronkowski
3) Todd Heap
DVOA
1) Antonio Gates
2) Rob Gronkowski
3) Evan Moore
WPA
1) Todd Heap
2) Antonio Gates
3) Aaron Hernandez
Adjusted Line Yards (ALY; How FO ranks offensive lineman)
CENTER
1) Houston
2) New England
3) New York (A)
LEFT TACKLE
1) Buffalo
2) Houston
3) Indianapolis
LEFT END
1) Kansas City
2) New York (A)
3) Tennessee
RIGHT TACKLE
1) Baltimore
2) New York (A)
3) New England
RIGHT END
1) Kansas City
2) Baltimore
3) New England
Some final thoughts
- As mentioned in the NFC post, the AFC by far dominates the NFC. It was a lot easier to do this one (especially looking at the Football Outsider stats which you can not sort via NFC and AFC)
- When you look at FO's advanced stats page, there is an advertisement of a chick with the biggest tits I have ever seen. Awesomeness.
- I was surprised in how well Rob Gronkowski was doing in many categories. Maybe because I picked up Aaron Hernandez in the beginning of the year and trusted in blind faith he's do well. Plus, I pretty much stopped doing afternoon Box Score Tonight's and the Pats tend to play in the afternoon games or later. Maybe.
- Based upon a brief looking at statistical categories, I think a big reason the Kansas City Chiefs are doing do well is because they have an awesome offensive line. Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones are great talents so you add a great offensive line around them (mainly true for any running back; Cheifs ranked 2nd in the NFL in run blocking) and they'll succeed. Plus, we've seen in the past what Matt Cassel has been able to do with a shit ton of time in the pocket (KC ranks 8th in the NFL in pass blocking) and a stud wide out. FYI- Bowe is number one in the AFC with 14 touchdowns. Five more than second place.
- As a Patriots fan, I'm so glad to see no Peyton Manning on this list and to only see two Indy "names"
- I don't care what the statistics say, Philip Rivers is the #1 QB in the AFC and the MVP of the league. No way any QB puts up even THIS good stats with Patrick Creyton and Seyi Ajirotutu
* injured
QUARTERBACK
Passer Rating
1) Tom Brady
2) Philip Rivers
3) Matt Cassel
DYAR
1) Tom Brady
2) Kyle Orton
3) Philip Rivers
DVOA
1) Tom Brady
2) Philip Rivers
3) Kyle Orton
WAR
1) Joe Flacco
2) Tom Brady
3) David Garrard
RUNNING BACKS
Yards Per Carry
1) Jamaal Charles
2) Arian Foster
3) Run DMC
Rushing Yards
1) Arian Foster
2) Jamaal Charles
3) Mo Jo
Rushing Touchdowns
1) Arian Foster
2) Peyton Hillis
3) Rashard Mendenhall, Mike Tolbert, Chris Johnson, BenJarvis Green-Ellis
DYAR
1) Arian Forster
2) Jamaal Charles
3) BJGE (The Law Firm- sorry The Guy DME Accosted)
DVOA
1) Jamaal Charles
2) Arian Foster
3) BJGE
WPA
1) Maurice Jones-Drew
2) Arian Foster
3) Peyton Hillis
WIDE RECEIVERS
Receiving Yards
1) Brandon Lloyd
2) Reggie Wayne
3) Andre Johnson
4) T.O.
Receptions
1) Reggie Wayne
2) T.O.
2) Andre Johnson
4) Wes Welker
Receiving Touchdowns
1) Dwayne Bowe
2) Brandon Lloyd
2) Steve Johnson
2) Terrel Owens
DYAR
1) Brandon Lloyd
2) Mike Wallace
3) Dwayne Bowe
4) Steve Johnson
DVOA
1) Mike Wallace
2) Kenny Britt*
3) Patrick Crayton
4) Brandon Lloyd
5) Austin Collie*
6) Kevin Walter
WPA
1) Santonio Holmes
2) Anquan Boldin
3) Mike Thomas
4) Andre Johnson
TIGHT ENDS
Receiving Yards
1) Antonio Gates
2) Todd Heap
3) Dustin Keller
Receptions
1) Antonio Gates
2) Jermaine Gresham
3) Benjamin Watson
Receiving Touchdowns
1) Antonio Gates
2) Mercedes Lewis
3) Rob Gronkowski
DYAR
1) Antonio Gates
2) Rob Gronkowski
3) Todd Heap
DVOA
1) Antonio Gates
2) Rob Gronkowski
3) Evan Moore
WPA
1) Todd Heap
2) Antonio Gates
3) Aaron Hernandez
Adjusted Line Yards (ALY; How FO ranks offensive lineman)
CENTER
1) Houston
2) New England
3) New York (A)
LEFT TACKLE
1) Buffalo
2) Houston
3) Indianapolis
LEFT END
1) Kansas City
2) New York (A)
3) Tennessee
RIGHT TACKLE
1) Baltimore
2) New York (A)
3) New England
RIGHT END
1) Kansas City
2) Baltimore
3) New England
Some final thoughts
- As mentioned in the NFC post, the AFC by far dominates the NFC. It was a lot easier to do this one (especially looking at the Football Outsider stats which you can not sort via NFC and AFC)
- When you look at FO's advanced stats page, there is an advertisement of a chick with the biggest tits I have ever seen. Awesomeness.
- I was surprised in how well Rob Gronkowski was doing in many categories. Maybe because I picked up Aaron Hernandez in the beginning of the year and trusted in blind faith he's do well. Plus, I pretty much stopped doing afternoon Box Score Tonight's and the Pats tend to play in the afternoon games or later. Maybe.
- Based upon a brief looking at statistical categories, I think a big reason the Kansas City Chiefs are doing do well is because they have an awesome offensive line. Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones are great talents so you add a great offensive line around them (mainly true for any running back; Cheifs ranked 2nd in the NFL in run blocking) and they'll succeed. Plus, we've seen in the past what Matt Cassel has been able to do with a shit ton of time in the pocket (KC ranks 8th in the NFL in pass blocking) and a stud wide out. FYI- Bowe is number one in the AFC with 14 touchdowns. Five more than second place.
- As a Patriots fan, I'm so glad to see no Peyton Manning on this list and to only see two Indy "names"
- I don't care what the statistics say, Philip Rivers is the #1 QB in the AFC and the MVP of the league. No way any QB puts up even THIS good stats with Patrick Creyton and Seyi Ajirotutu
* injured
