Who are your Top 5 players on Offense and Defense in the NFL?
 

Heres another thread to pass time until Training Camp starts. Who do you think are the top 5 players on offense and defense in the NFL? Hopefully with so many different choices we can get some good discussion in this thread.

Ill kick it off......

[U]Offense[/U]
1. Peyton Manning/QB/Colts
2. Kurt Warner/QB/Cardinals
3. Tom Brady/QB/Patriots
4. Drew Brees/QB/Saints
5. Andre Johnson/WR/Texans

My top 5 is QB heavy. Rounding out my top 5 though is Andre Johnson. I know some people would say hey if you are gonna pick a WR to throw in a top 5 for offense why not Fitz or Calvin? They are both good choices but I really think Andre Johnson still doesnt get the respect he should in Houston. I believe this year he will help lead the Texans on a playoff run.

[U]Defense[/U]
1. DeMarcus Ware/OLB/Cowboys
2. James Harrison/OLB/Steelers
3. Albert Haynesworth/DT/Redskins
4. Mario Williams/DE/Texans
5. Ed Reed/S/Ravens

There was alot of possible choices on defense and I narrowed them down to these 5 players. Ed Reed beat out Troy Polamalu for the last spot on these rankings.

So those are my rankings. How about yours?

Re: Who are your Top 5 players on Offense and Defense in the NFL?
 

[quote=Brian Orakpo;558990]Heres another thread to pass time until Training Camp starts. Who do you think are the top 5 players on offense and defense in the NFL? Hopefully with so many different choices we can get some good discussion in this thread.

Ill kick it off......

[U]Offense[/U]
1. Peyton Manning/QB/Colts
2. Kurt Warner/QB/Cardinals
3. Tom Brady/QB/Patriots
4. Drew Brees/QB/Saints
5. Andre Johnson/WR/Texans

My top 5 is QB heavy. Rounding out my top 5 though is Andre Johnson. I know some people would say hey if you are gonna pick a WR to throw in a top 5 for offense why not Fitz or Calvin? They are both good choices but I really think Andre Johnson still doesnt get the respect he should in Houston. I believe this year he will help lead the Texans on a playoff run.

[U]Defense[/U]
1. DeMarcus Ware/OLB/Cowboys
2. James Harrison/OLB/Steelers
3. Albert Haynesworth/DT/Redskins
4. Mario Williams/DE/Texans
5. Ed Reed/S/Ravens

There was alot of possible choices on defense and I narrowed them down to these 5 players. Ed Reed beat out Troy Polamalu for the last spot on these rankings.

So those are my rankings. How about yours?[/quote]
Fitzgerald is better than Johnson and Adrian Peterson has got to be in the discussion.
Kurt Warner?
Patrick Willis is a monster
Jared Allen

Re: Who are your Top 5 players on Offense and Defense in the NFL?
 

Offense:

1) Peyton
2) Brady
3) Larry Fitzgerald
4) Steve Hutchinson
5) Adrian Peterson

Defense:

1) Albert Haynesworth
2) Nnamdi Asomugha
3) Troy Polamalu
4) Demarcus Ware
5) Kevin Williams

Re: Who are your Top 5 players on Offense and Defense in the NFL?
 

Offense
1. Drew Brees/QB/Saints - led the league in O despite not havin a ground game or great WR's,reason i gave him #1
2. Kurt Warner/QB/Cardinals
3. Tom Brady/QB/Patriots
4. Adrian Peterson/RB/Vikings
5. Larry Fitzgerald/WR/Cardinals
Defense
1. DeMarcus Ware/OLB/Cowboys
2. Ed Reed/S/Ravens
3. Albert Haynesworth/DT/Redskins
4. Joey Porter/OLB/Dolphins
5. Nnamdi Asomugha/CB/Raiders

Re: Who are your Top 5 players on Offense and Defense in the NFL?
 

Offense:
1) Sammy Baugh
2) John Riggins
3) Art Monk
4) The Hogs
5) Clint Didier

Defense:
1) Darrell Green
2) Sean Taylor
3) Charles Mann
4) Sammy Baugh
5) Dexter Manley

Re: Who are your Top 5 players on Offense and Defense in the NFL?
 

Offense:

1) Peyton Manning
2) Drew Brees
3) Randy Moss
4) Tom Brady
5) Larry Fitzgerald

There would probably a lot of lineman in 6-10, but I can't squeeze any into my top 5. I guess my No. 6 would be Jordan Gross or someone of the like.

Defense:

1) Nnamdi Asomugha
2) Albert Haynesworth
3) Justin Tuck
4) Terrell Suggs
5) Mario Williams/Darrelle Revis/James Harrison

Couldn't pick just one. Polamalu and Ed Reed would both be in the top ten.

Re: Who are your Top 5 players on Offense and Defense in the NFL?
 

[quote=pick-ups;558992]Fitzgerald is better than Johnson and Adrian Peterson has got to be in the discussion.
Kurt Warner?
Patrick Willis is a monster
Jared Allen[/quote]

I group Fitz, Andre, and Calvin all in the same boat. Peterson would be another choice at 5 for my rankings but I just like all the things Andre Johnson can do on the field.

I dont get why you would question Kurt Warner. Hes playing great in Arizona.

I agree Patrick Willis is a monster. He was one of several players I considered on defense. Jared Allen is a top defensive end but I couldnt put him in my top 5.

Re: Who are your Top 5 players on Offense and Defense in the NFL?
 

[quote=Brian Orakpo;559007]
I dont get why you would question Kurt Warner. Hes playing great in Arizona. [/quote]
....because you put him ahead of Tom Brady?

Re: Who are your Top 5 players on Offense and Defense in the NFL?
 

[U]Offense[/U]
1. Peyton Manning/QB/Colts
2. Tom Brady/QB/Patriots
3. Drew Brees/QB/Saints
4. Fitzgerald
5. Andre Johnson/WR/Texans


[U]Defense[/U]
1. Ed Reed
2. Mario Williams
3. Patrick Willis
4. Julius Peppers
5. Ade Jimoh Or Asomugha ;)

Re: Who are your Top 5 players on Offense and Defense in the NFL?
 

1.) Philip Rivers
2.) Adrian Peterson
3.) Larry Fitzgerald
4.) Antonio Gates
5.) Plaxico Burress



Defense

1.) Shawne Merriman
2.) Ed Reed
3.) Nnamdi Asomugha
4.) Ray Lewis
5.) Jamal Williams

Re: Who are your Top 5 players on Offense and Defense in the NFL?
 

[quote=DBUCHANON101;559002]Offense
1. Drew Brees/QB/Saints - [B]led the league in O despite not havin a ground game or great WR's,reason i gave him #1[/B]
2. Kurt Warner/QB/Cardinals
3. Tom Brady/QB/Patriots
4. Adrian Peterson/RB/Vikings
5. Larry Fitzgerald/WR/Cardinals[/quote]

While Drew Brees is a great QB and definitely among the top 5 over the past few years, I don't know how you can rank him #1 just because of this factor (your repeated argument of him not having a ground game or great WRs). Interestingly enough, you have Tom Brady at #3 and I would argue that his 2006 season would put him above Brees in "performing under adversity"

In 2006 Brady had whatever was left of Corey Dillon as his running game, and two nobodies by the name of Reche Caldwell and Doug Gabriel as his wideouts (I believe he threw more to his tight ends). Yet Brady's numbers were 319/516, 61.8% compl, 3529yds, 24td, 12ints; taking his team to the playoffs.

While not taking anything away from Brees, in 2008 he did have a good line that protected him (giving up only 13 sacks). His receivers are not pro bowlers, but I wouldn't call them terrible (Colston: 47c/760yds/5td in 11 games; Moore: 79c/928yds/10tds; Henderson: 32c/793yds/3tds)

While you are correct in pointing out that the Saints had no running game (ranked at the bottom of the league in yards and ypg), I would say that having a defense ranked at the bottom of the league in yards and points allowed, caused greater adversity towards Brees.

Re: Who are your Top 5 players on Offense and Defense in the NFL?
 

offense:

QB/PEYTON
RB/PORTIS
WR/FITZ (MOSS)
TE/COOLEY
K/VANDERJACK(COLTS#4)

DEFENSE

DT/HAYNESWORTH
S/REED
?/MARIO WILLIAMS
DT/UMEMYIORA(WHEN HEALTHY)
DB/D.HALL

Re: Who are your Top 5 players on Offense and Defense in the NFL?
 

I did it based on a few variables.
Brady has been away for a yr and we dont know how he will come back, if he comes back the way he left then yes, he is towards the top.
I didnt have Peyton because this will be his 1st yr without OC Moore and Harrison is gone so we dont really know how the drop off will be. if any.
Warner had a great yr but he also has one of the best young wr corps in the league.I still have him towards the top but i had to give the nod to Brees who has made the Saints respectable.

Re: Who are your Top 5 players on Offense and Defense in the NFL?
 

And Brees doesnt have a Moss,Wayne or Fitzgerald to throw to. so i took that into consideration also.his wr's arent terrible but he also doesnt have a gamebreaker like those listed.

Re: Who are your Top 5 players on Offense and Defense in the NFL?
 

Offense
1. Brady
2. Manning
3. Brees
4. Fitzgerald
5. Peterson

Defense

1. Ware
2. Haynesworth
3. Troy Pa
4. Ed Reed
5. Asomugha

Re: Who are your Top 5 players on Offense and Defense in the NFL?
 

Rivers is a Beast but not an elite QB just yet. Also when healthy L.T or Westbrook are up there!

Re: Who are your Top 5 players on Offense and Defense in the NFL?
 

True but Westbrook is gettin up there in age. lots of miles on those tires.same for LT.

Re: Who are your Top 5 players on Offense and Defense in the NFL?
 

[quote=DBUCHANON101;559033]I did it based on a few variables.
Brady has been away for a yr and we dont know how he will come back, if he comes back the way he left then yes, he is towards the top.
I didnt have Peyton because this will be his 1st yr without OC Moore and Harrison is gone so we dont really know how the drop off will be. if any.
Warner had a great yr but he also has one of the best young wr corps in the league.I still have him towards the top but i had to give the nod to Brees who has made the Saints respectable.[/quote]

Good point about Brady, although I get the sense that when ppl made their list they are considering the past couple of years and not just last year. I would also put Brees with Warner and Peyton as good QBs with teams that don't have much of a defense. I think if the Saints defense improves (along with their running game), they should be a contender.

[quote=DBUCHANON101;559034]And Brees doesnt have a Moss,Wayne or Fitzgerald to throw to. so i took that into consideration also.his wr's arent terrible but he also doesnt have a gamebreaker like those listed.[/quote]

I think you should give Colston some credit though, he has had back to back 1000 yd seasons in his first two years, and put up some good numbers last year even though he played 11 games.

PS: A quick tip, use the "quote" button so we know who you are replying to.

Re: Who are your Top 5 players on Offense and Defense in the NFL?
 

Offense ( in no particular order)
1. L Tomilson
2. T. Brady
3. A. Peterson
4. A. Johnson
5. Fitzgerald

Defense
1. Ed Reed
2. A. Haynesworth
3. T. Polamalu
4. B. Sanders
5. D. Ware

Special Teams
1. D. Hester

Re: Who are your Top 5 players on Offense and Defense in the NFL?
 

I thought about 'who would I pay money to see' to come up with my list.

Offense:
1. A. Peterson
2. P. Manning
3. L. Fitzgerald
4. A. Johnson
5. M. Turner

Defense:
1. N. Asimough (Butchered his name. CB from the Raiders.)
2. M. Williams (DE from the Texans)
3. J. Peppers (DE Carolina)
4. D. Dockett
5. P. Willis

Special Teams:
J. Cribbs

Re: Who are your Top 5 players on Offense and Defense in the NFL?
 

OFFENSE:
Adrian Peterson
Drew Brees
Peyton Manning
Tom Brady
Terrell Owens

DEFENSE:
Albert Haynesworth
Nnamdi Asomugha
Demarcus Ware
Mario Williams
Troy Polamalu

SPECIAL TEAMS:
Adam Vinaeteri

Re: Who are your Top 5 players on Offense and Defense in the NFL?
 

I agree with the "Who would I pay to see" aspect.

Offense
Chad Ochocinco (On a good day)
Drew Brees
Larry Fitzgerrald
Tom Brady
Randy Moss

Defense
Ed Reed
Shawne Merriman
Julius Peppers
Patrick Willis
Asante Samuel

Re: Who are your Top 5 players on Offense and Defense in the NFL?
 

[quote=steveo395;559023]....because you put him ahead of Tom Brady?[/quote]

Bradys injury last season dropped him to 3 on my list. Warner has played great in Arizona with really no running game and somehow got the Cards to the Super Bowl. If Brady comesback and puts up numbers anywhere close to 2007 he will move up ahead of Warner.

I would of put Brees ahead of Brady also but he makes mistakes that costs his team at times. His numbers are great though with a injury prone offense. I can understand someone putting Brees anywhere from 1-4 on their list.

[quote=Daseal;559127]
Defense:
1. N. Asimough (Butchered his name. CB from the Raiders.)
2. M. Williams (DE from the Texans)
3. J. Peppers (DE Carolina)
4. D. Dockett
5. P. Willis
[/quote]

You would rank Darnell Dockett ahead of Albert Haynesworth?

Re: Who are your Top 5 players on Offense and Defense in the NFL?
 

[quote=Angry;559154]I agree with the "Who would I pay to see" aspect.

Offense
Chad Ochocinco (On a good day)
Drew Brees
Larry Fitzgerrald
Tom Brady
Randy Moss
[/quote]

You would pay to see Ocho Cinco? I wouldnt pay a dime to see Ocho the way he played last year. He didnt have many good days.

Re: Who are your Top 5 players on Offense and Defense in the NFL?
 

[quote=Brian Orakpo;559176]You would pay to see Ocho Cinco? I wouldnt pay a dime to see Ocho the way he played last year. He didnt have many good days.[/quote]

Maybe not last year, but to each his own.

Re: Who are your Top 5 players on Offense and Defense in the NFL?
 

offense-
A. Peterson,
P. Manning,
T. Brady,
D. Brees,
T. Owens
hon. mention - ladainian tomlinson (its pretty crazy, since peterson showed up, lt has kind of lost a step)

defense-
T. Polamalu,
A. Haynesworth,
N. Asomugha,
P. Willis,
M. Williams
hon. mention - ed reed (put polamalu ahead of him b/c 43 has 2 sb rings)

Special teams-
A. Vinataeri

Re: Who are your Top 5 players on Offense and Defense in the NFL?
 

Tom Brady
Peyton Manning
Phillip Rivers
Donovan McNabb
Drew Brees
Honoable Mention: Adrian Peterson

Defense:

Haloti Ngata
Shawne Merriman
Andre Ware
Ed Reed
Patrick Willis

Re: Who are your Top 5 players on Offense and Defense in the NFL?
 

1 Brady
2 Brees
3 Mcnabb
4 Manning
5 Portis- he brings more than just rushing , blocking, receiving, and mental toughness, plus before the offensive line breakdown he was leading the league in rushing last year .

Defense

1 Albert Haynesworth
2 Ed Reed
3 Nnamdi Asomugha
4 James Harrison
5 Dwight Freeney - I saw him end games with sacks to win 2 games at the end of the season , even though Peyton got the credit..

Re: Who are your Top 5 players on Offense and Defense in the NFL?
 

1. Manning
2. Brady
3. Fitzgerald
4. Peterson
5. Moss

1. Haynesworth
2. Peppers
3. Reed
4. Ware
5. Asomugha

Re: Who are your Top 5 players on Offense and Defense in the NFL?
 

Offense:

1) Manning
2) Brady
3) Brees
4) Fitzgerald
5) Peterson

Defense:

1) Reed
2) Ware
3) Haynesworth
4) Polamalu
5) Asomugha

Re: Who are your Top 5 players on Offense and Defense in the NFL?
 

Offense
1) Drew Brees
2) Peyton Manning
3) Steve Hutchinson (Shaun Alexander and the Seahawks haven't been the same after he went to Minnesota and all of a sudden Adrian Peterson does really well)
4) Anquan Boldin (Does Fitz make Boldin or does Boldin make Fitz? Broke his face but still put up better numbers than Fitz per game, Fitz is younger but I'll take Boldin for one season)
5) Brandon Jacobs (rare combination of size and speed, he's a first down back and he averages 5 ypc)

Defense
1) Troy Polamalu (flies around the field making plays, makes interceptions and hits hard)
2) Albert Haynesworth (great stats for a DT and makes everybody better)
3) Nnamdi Asomugha (terrible team but he shuts people down)
4) DeMarcus Ware (double/triple teamed but still makes plays)
5) James Harrison (defensive player of the year, but I think some of it is because he gets favorable match-ups due to a lot of talent around him)

A few comments
It's tough to tell how much the players around people make them what they are so it's anybody's guess.
Ed Reed can't tackle anymore. It's not as evident because the front 7 doesn't let much by them. He's basically a wide receiver playing safety and he profits because the defense treats his interceptions like punt returns and practices those situations.
Adrian Peterson is somewhat a product of his line. Chester Taylor also puts up very solid numbers whenever he plays. The same argument can be said for Jacobs so I would put either of them there at 5. Jacobs is unique for his power and Peterson is unique for his open field athleticism and both the lines allow them to get going to use their power or agility.