Broncos o-line gets some "expert" Pro Bowl love

[dbfan21]

Some props from Pete Prisco...Cutler, Marshall, O-line and Champ. Just thought I'd share. Enjoy!

AFC offense

Quarterback: Philip Rivers, Chargers. Backups: Jay Cutler, Broncos; Peyton Manning, Colts.

Just missed: Chad Pennington, Dolphins.

Comment: It was tough picking a starter, but Rivers gets it by having a higher passer rating and more touchdown passes.

Running back: Thomas Jones, Jets. Backups: Chris Johnson. Titans; Steve Slaton, Texans.

Just missed: Nobody.

Comment: It's a lean year for running backs in the AFC with Larry Johnson, LaDainian Tomlinson and Fred Taylor having down seasons. That's why there are two rookies among the three picks.

Fullback: Ahmard Hall, Titans.

Just missed: Le'Ron McClain, Ravens.

Comment: Hall is a bulldozer of a lead blocker. He mauls linebackers. It was a tough choice between Hall and McClain.


Andre Johnson: Any arguments? (Getty Images)
Wide receiver: Andre Johnson, Texans; Brandon Marshall, Broncos. Backups: Wes Welker, Patriots; Reggie Wayne, Colts.

Just missed: T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Bengals.

Comment: Johnson and Marshall were easy picks. After that, there was a big drop. Welker leads the league with 96 catches, but he has just one touchdown catch.

Tackle: Michael Roos (LT), Titans; Ryan Harris (RT), Broncos. Backups: Ryan Clady, LT (Broncos).

Just missed: Joe Thomas (LT), Browns; Jake Long (LT), Dolphins; Marcus McNeill (LT), Chargers; Eric Winston (RT), Texans; David Stewart (RT), Titans.

Comment: Roos finally gets the attention he deserved the past few seasons. Harris gets the right tackle spot, a weak position in the AFC. Clady, a rookie, edges out Thomas.

Guard: Logan Mankins (LG), Patriots; Chris Kuper (RG), Broncos. Backup: Alan Faneca (LG), Jets.

Just missed: Robert Gallery (LG), Raiders; Jake Scott (RG), Titans, Comment: Mankins is again playing at a high level. The right guard spot is a bad one in the AFC, so we'll go with Kuper from the Broncos' outstanding line.

Center: Nick Mangold, Jets. Backup: Samson Satele, Dolphins

Just missed: Kevin Mawae, Titans; Casey Wiegmann, Broncos.

Comment: The Jets have a center they can lean on for a long time. Satele is a power player in the middle of the Miami line, although he did struggle with Vince Wilfork in a game I saw live.

Tight end: Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs. Backup: Owen Daniels, Texans.

Just missed: Dallas Clark, Colts.

Comment: Gonzalez leads all tight ends with 78 catches in a bad offense and Daniels has 56 for the Texans.

Kicker: Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots.

Just missed: Kris Brown, Texans; Dan Carpenter, Dolphins.

Comment: Gostkowski missed three field goals all season and he's 10-for-12 from 40 and beyond.

AFC defense
Defensive end: Mario Williams (RE), Texans; Aaron Smith (LE), Steelers. Backup: Shaun Ellis (LE), Jets.

Just missed: Dwight Freeney (RE), Colts; Robert Mathis (LE), Colts.

Comment: This isn't a good position in the AFC. Williams is the best and Smith is a force against the run for the Steelers.

Defensive tackle: Albert Haynesworth, Titans. Kris Jenkins, Jets. Backup: Vince Wilfork, Patriots.

Just missed: Haloti Ngata, Ravens; Shaun Rogers, Browns; Domata Peko, Bengals.

Comment: This is a deep, deep position. The two just-missed players could easily have been picked. Haynesworth, Jenkins and Wilfork have all been forces this season.


James Harrison: A Steel wrecking ball. (Getty Images)
Outside linebacker: James Harrison, Steelers; Joey Porter, Dolphins. Backup: Keith Bulluck, Titans.

Just missed: LaMarr Woodley, Steelers.

Comment: Harrison will get consideration for Defensive Player of the Year, and Porter has rejuvenated his career. Bulluck gets overlooked way too often because he's not a sack machine like some others.

Inside linebacker: Ray Lewis, Ravens; D'Qwell Jackson, Browns. Backup: Kirk Morrison, Raiders.

Just missed: DeMeco Ryans, Texans; James Farrior, Steelers.

Comment: Anybody still convinced Lewis has lost a step? Jackson has been a tackling machine and gets lost playing in Cleveland.

Cornerback: Cortland Finnegan, Titans; Nnamdi Asomugha, Raiders. Backup: Darrelle Revis, Jets.

Just missed: Will Allen, Dolphins; Eric Wright, Browns.

Comment: The top three were easy picks. Asomugha doesn't get a lot of action, but that's because he's a great cover player. The injury to Denver's Champ Bailey will keep him off this list, even though he's the best corner when healthy.

Safety: Ed Reed (FS), Ravens; Troy Polamalu (SS), Steelers. Backup: Michael Griffin (SS), Titans.

Just missed: Chris Hope (FS), Titans; Yeremiah Bell (SS), Dolphins; Eric Weddle (FS), Chargers.

Comment: Reed and Polamalu are among the game's best playmakers. Polamalu bounced back from a so-so 2007 season to play at a high level again.

Punter: Shane Lechler, Raiders.

Just missed: Mike Scifres, Chargers; Sam Koch, Ravens.

Comment: Lechler leads the AFC in average (49.2) and his net average of 41.7 is in second in the conference.

Kick returner: Leon Washington, Jets.

Just missed: Leodis McKelvin, Bills.

Comment: Washington has five kick returns of 40 yards or more, including one for a touchdown.

Special teams: Montell Owens, Jaguars.

Just missed: Darrell Reid, Colts.

Comment: Owens scored two touchdowns on special teams and he's a quality cover player.



http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/11166295

[Atlas]

Wow that is some love. Denver's line has been outstanding and I'm sure the coaches and players have been paying attention.

[Prodigal19]

Lol @ rivers starting.

[Tombstone RJ]

Rivers?? wtf?

Why not throw LT in there too, 'cause he's LT... talk about a joke

[footstepsfrom#27]

I don't care for the way he impllies that Harris and Kuper are only there because of a lack of competition or quality at the position...check it out:

Comment: Roos finally gets the attention he deserved the past few seasons. Harris gets the right tackle spot, a weak position in the AFC. Clady, a rookie, edges out Thomas.

Guard: Logan Mankins (LG), Patriots; Chris Kuper (RG), Broncos. Backup: Alan Faneca (LG), Jets.

Just missed: Robert Gallery (LG), Raiders; Jake Scott (RG), Titans, Comment: Mankins is again playing at a high level. The right guard spot is a bad one in the AFC, so we'll go with Kuper from the Broncos' outstanding line.

It sounds like he's throwing us a bone only because there's nobody else who'se any good in the AFC. At least he mentioned Weigman though.

[Garcia Bronco]

I don't care for the way he impllies that Harris and Kuper are only there because of a lack of competition or quality at the position...check it out:

Comment: Roos finally gets the attention he deserved the past few seasons. Harris gets the right tackle spot, a weak position in the AFC. Clady, a rookie, edges out Thomas.

Guard: Logan Mankins (LG), Patriots; Chris Kuper (RG), Broncos. Backup: Alan Faneca (LG), Jets.

Just missed: Robert Gallery (LG), Raiders; Jake Scott (RG), Titans, Comment: Mankins is again playing at a high level. The right guard spot is a bad one in the AFC, so we'll go with Kuper from the Broncos' outstanding line.

It sounds like he's throwing us a bone only because there's nobody else who'se any good in the AFC. At least he mentioned Weigman though.


I agree

[Mediator12]

This is a very solid list with only a few head scratchers:


WR:I know the bengals suck, but TJ Houshmanzadeh deserves to be the fourth WR. NO one has showed up week to week better than him on a bad team (more consistent than Calvin Johnson in DET). I put him here ahead of Wayne and I really Like Wayne.

Center: Samson Satele was a stud as a rookie last year, but nowhere, and i mean Nowhere near as effective this year for the resurgent Dolphins. In fact, he looks like he has been in a sophomore slump for most of the year. Weigmann, even though I still detest him, has played at a much higher level and solidified one of the best OL's in football (TEN and CAR would be right there as well).

DE: Personally, the 3-4 DL really is problematic in selecting a 4-3 probowl team. 3-4 DE does not translate to 4-3 DE. Same thing with 3-4 OLB as 4-3 OLB. When the top Defenses and Players in the AFC are 3-4 like PIT, NE, and BAL occasionally it makes selections dubious at best IMHO. The positions really do not translate well as they are drastically different, but still the most deserving.

Surprisingly a weaker position in the AFC now that Allen went to the NFC. The undersized Robert Mathis has been extremely impressive this season even being hurt and missing a few games. Definitely a much better selection than Aaron Smith. Would also be OK with Haloti Ngata as a Selection as a 3-4 DE.

DT: Surprisingly the deepest position on the entire AFC roster. All 3 selections are more than Probowl worthy, and both Haynesworth and Jenkins have been Defensive player of the year candidates IMHO. That means more than 3 well deserving players might get left off. Shaun Rodgers has had a phenomenal year and I would actually put him above Wilfork. I would select Ngata as a DE if I could as well from above.

ILB: NO way James Farrior is not at least the Backup. Sure Lewis has played great, but Farrior has been just as good if not better. Especially over the overestimated D'qwell Jackson based on CLE's horrible defense giving a lot more opportuites for him.

[Atlas]

Rivers?? wtf?

Why not throw LT in there too, 'cause he's LT... talk about a joke

Well he is the highest rated QB with the most TDs in the conference.

[Irish Stout]

Eventually the world will come to recognize the quality in our O-line. Any idea whether or not this will be Weigman's last year?

[s0phr0syne]

This is a very solid list with only a few head scratchers:


...

Center: Samson Satele was a stud as a rookie last year, but nowhere, and i mean Nowhere near as effective this year for the resurgent Dolphins. In fact, he looks like he has been in a sophomore slump for most of the year. Weigmann, even though I still detest him, has played at a much higher level and solidified one of the best OL's in football (TEN and CAR would be right there as well).

...


Detest? For being a former Queef? Or is there some other stuff I don't know about?

[Kaylore]

Eventually the world will come to recognize the quality in our O-line. Any idea whether or not this will be Weigman's last year?

My suspicion is he's got one more in the tank. Especially if we get our defense figured out we could make a run.

I like this list. And I agree that I think they should let scouts and GM's have a vote and let the fans vote on one guy per team to receive "strong consideration".

[cutthemdown]

Rivers?? wtf?

Why not throw LT in there too, 'cause he's LT... talk about a joke

Rivers has played at a high level this yr. Look at his numbers they are very impressive.

[footstepsfrom#27]

Is there some reason Robert Gallery's name appears on this list? I admit I don't follow the Faid's fortunes in their O-line but this guy stunk like 3 day old vomit last time I paid any attention. Is he suddenly figuring it out or is this nonsense?

Ben Hamilton's the only guy that got no props....

[Kaylore]

So yeah, Kuper getting some love....Fancy that. Who could have possibly known this unlikely fifth round, division II guard would be this good? ;D

[Taco John]

Hahaha! Prisco an expert!

Good to start the morning off with a laugh... :)

[Mediator12]

Rivers?? wtf?

Why not throw LT in there too, 'cause he's LT... talk about a joke

As much as I think Rivers is overrated, he has been the best QB in the AFC this year. Cutler has had way too many inconsistent games to earn that title. Manning has been mortal and missed some throws he has always made inthe past. Brady is on IR. Favre has been a caretaker like Pennington was in NYJ.

The thing about Rivers is this, his winning games was in the Jake Mold. He was the QB on a superior overall team. Not the guy who won the games by himself. His team has been average this year, and he has struggled mightily to win close games without them being superior. Unfortunately, Jay has had to win games all by himself and has lost more than few as well.

[Mediator12]

Detest? For being a former Queef? Or is there some other stuff I don't know about?

No, he made a hit on a Browns safety way late after the whistle IN THE PREASON that blew out his Knee a few years ago. Guy never recovered and is out of the NFL. Dude has always been able to play, but that kind of crap in the preseason really rubs me the wrong way.

[2KBack]

Manuel is getting robbed

[Mediator12]

Manuel is getting robbed

Dude you forgot the obligatory sarcastic smilie :welcome:

[dbfan21]

Hahaha! Prisco an expert!

Good to start the morning off with a laugh... :)

I know...LOL That's why I put it in quotes.

[Kaylore]

Unfortunately, Jay has had to win games all by himself and has lost more than few as well.

Jay has won more than Rivers. In close games this year Jay has performed well. I think he leads the league in fourth quarter comebacks this season. Not sure where you think Jay has "lost more than a few" and Rivers hasn't. In fact Rivers sucks in the clutch.

[Popps]

I really hope Rivers makes it and Jay doesn't. I'd love love for Jay to have that fueling him all of next year. Think that might provide him a little bit of motivation?

Jay can make the Pro Bowl next year after he's league MVP and we win the SB. :)

[Man-Goblin]

I really hope Rivers makes it and Jay doesn't. I'd love love for Jay to have that fueling him all of next year. Think that might provide him a little bit of motivation?

Jay can make the Pro Bowl next year after he's league MVP and we win the SB. :)

How bout when they both make it and pass each other somewhere on the beach?

Do they settle everything in an ultra-competitive 'Top Gun' style volleyball match? Do they then commence consuming many, MANY mai tais and bury the hatchet?

Jay: "You can be my wing man, anytime."

Philip: "Bull****, you can be mine."

[2KBack]

Dude you forgot the obligatory sarcastic smilie :welcome:

I was serious :welcome:

[dbfan21]

How bout when they both make it and pass each other somewhere on the beach?

Do they settle everything in an ultra-competitive 'Top Gun' style volleyball match? Do they then commence consuming many, MANY mai tais and bury the hatchet?

Jay: "You can be my wing man, anytime."

Philip: "Bull****, you can be mine."

LOL at the Top Gun reference!

[Majik]

Eventually the world will come to recognize the quality in our O-line. Any idea whether or not this will be Weigman's last year?

The world will have to, besides Weigman this group is only going to get better with time, and they are already pretty damn good.

[TonyR]

LOL at the Top Gun reference!

The Top Gun reference was high quality, but let's hope he's watching it because his wife or girlfriend wants too! Not that there's anything wrong with it otherwise...

[TheChamp24]

I don't think Welker deserves to be in there. That is my biggest beef. Although, outside of Johnson, Marshall and Wayne, the other spot is kinda up in the air. I just don't like how Welker only has 1 TD all year.

[fdf]

So yeah, Kuper getting some love....Fancy that. Who could have possibly known this unlikely fifth round, division II guard would be this good? ;D

I was really excited when I saw Kuper's college highlight reels. He played mean. Really mean. And he played mean while on the move. There were plays when he lead the blocking for a runner and he was flinging DL and linebackers and safeties to the ground and never breaking stride. He was just destroying them. I know it was div 2. But he looked like da Man. A perfect fit for our OL.

[TheReverend]

This is a very solid list with only a few head scratchers:


WR:I know the bengals suck, but TJ Houshmanzadeh deserves to be the fourth WR. NO one has showed up week to week better than him on a bad team (more consistent than Calvin Johnson in DET). I put him here ahead of Wayne and I really Like Wayne.



I'm not sure how you really come to that conclusion aside from a first down stat. CJ has been targeted 20% LESS than Houshmanzadeh, but still has over double the touchdown production, nearly 200 total yards more, and a significantly higher YAC ave, which is the receiver's money maker.

Oh, and the Cutler/Rivers post you made is completely absurd, but that's already been covered.

[Greybeard]

I agree

I noticed that, too.

I don't know whether those are such "weak" positions in the AFC, but I don't
think it matters when one considers that Harris has had ½ sack and Kuper has
had none so far . . .

-----

[Tombstone RJ]

Rivers has played at a high level this yr. Look at his numbers they are very impressive.

And yet, his team is still sucks azz... hmm. Obviously the most important stat (wins and losses) doesn't really mean much.

[400HZ]

How bout when they both make it and pass each other somewhere on the beach?

Do they settle everything in an ultra-competitive 'Top Gun' style volleyball match? Do they then commence consuming many, MANY mai tais and bury the hatchet?

Jay: "You can be my wing man, anytime."

Philip: "Bull****, you can be mine."

Realistically I don't think Rivers has a chance when his team has only 5 wins, but he has been dominant statistically all year. I think between Peyton getting in, rightfully, and probably Favre getting in because of the media suckfest surrounding him, there's no room for a Rivers/Cutler homoerotic volleyball match in Hawaii. One more reason to hate Brett Favre, cuz that situation would be hilarious.

[BroncoMan4ever]

As much as I think Rivers is overrated, he has been the best QB in the AFC this year. Cutler has had way too many inconsistent games to earn that title. Manning has been mortal and missed some throws he has always made inthe past. Brady is on IR. Favre has been a caretaker like Pennington was in NYJ.

The thing about Rivers is this, his winning games was in the Jake Mold. He was the QB on a superior overall team. Not the guy who won the games by himself. His team has been average this year, and he has struggled mightily to win close games without them being superior. Unfortunately, Jay has had to win games all by himself and has lost more than few as well.

isn't this usually the moment a Chargers fan says something about all that counts is wins. because Jay has led a team down to their 8th string(?) RB, a terrible defense and a bunch of rookies to an 8-5 record, and just about to clinch the AFC West Division title. sorry but Cutler has put the team on his back and kicked ass at it, without a guy like LT who still even though he sucks this season still commands extra defenders in the box giving Rivers better passing options.

No QB has played better for their franchise than Jay has.

[BroncoDoug]

What is going to suck for Ryan Harris, is that they just vote for Tackles, not RT or LT...so the chance of a RT getting to the pro bowl is slim. But that said Harris should be there, he has been everything and more that we've asked for.