Mac talks NFL » Favourite Four

Favourite Four: Linebackers #3 – London Fletcher

Andrew — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:53:05 +0000

OK, so this is not a surprise. As a Redskin fan we’re practically forced to shout up London’s name whenever we talk about great linebackers. Mainly, it has to be said, as he seems to be continuously overlooked for recognition… as his nine Pro-Bowl Alternates show.

Why do we think that? There are many reasons…

Having played in a Division III college team, despite being named Linebacker Of The Year and setting a school record for tackles Fletcher was an undrafted free agent and was picked up by the Rams. He then won the starting MLB spot at camp and has not looked back. When the Redskins left the field at the end of the 2009 season, London Fletcher was completing his 184th straight game – a streak that covers his entire career and doesn’t look like stopping anytime soon, even as he enters his 12th season.

But there’s more than simply turning up… you have to go back to the 2003 season before London is not in the top 6 for tackles made. The last 6 years he ranks 2nd, 6th, 6th, 3rd, 3rd and 5th. That is the model of consistency, and of a player at the top of his game.

When he looks back, he can remember that he’s always been The Man in the D. He has the respect of his teammates, peers and fans even if he does fly under the radar at times. If all else fails, he can look back on his approach to the game as a Ram, Bill and now ‘Skin as well as his Super Bowl ring and take pride in all these things.

Previous Favourite Linebackers
Ray Lewis
Joey Porter

Favourite Four: Linebackers #2 – Ray Lewis

Graham — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:09:33 +0000

Since it’s too painful for Andrew to continue with his Redskin’s Review articles anymore, let us continue with our Favourite Four series, we are currently looking at Linebackers. It’s been a while, and many pages are now without images as we checked licensing on all content a while ago, but if you want to remind yourself. Check the Favourite Four category, where we’ve previously looked at defensive linemen, defensive backs, running backs and now linebackers.

We reiterate that these are some of our favourite players. We can’t vouch that these will be the best players in absolute terms, have the biggest fantasy football upside or even be any good (though they might be)… but they’re players that we like to watch.

Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens is the next on our list.

While we had a run of selecting younger players for our running back positions, it seems to be the older more experienced guys who are getting the nod at Linebacker.

Ray Lewis has been at the Baltimore Ravens since 1996. To put that into perspective No.1 draft pick Matthew Stafford was only 8 years old when Ray played his first NFL game. Experience like this is worth its weight in gold and Lewis is an essential part of the Ravens line up.

Lewis is a Super Bowl winner and ten time Pro Bowl pick. Oh, and he made the cover of the 2005 version of our favourite game ‘Madden NFL‘. There is nothing left for him to prove, but he still plays like there is.

Yet again he remains an interesting player to watch this season.

Image Credit: nflravens.

Favourite Four: Linebackers #1 – Joey Porter

Graham — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:44:52 +0000

Continuing with our Favourite Four series, we move back to the defence to take a look at the linebackers

Joey Porter of the Miami Dolphins is the first on our list.

It is very doubtful that Joey Porter would have made the list before the beginning of last season, but his amazing turnaround is the reason why he makes it on to my list for 2009.

A Super Bowl winner and four time Pro Bowl selection Porter is now coming to the twilight of his career. He was a third round draft pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1999 staying with them until 2007 when he joined the Miami Dolphins.

I have been thinking of ways to describe him, but I will simply say he was an animal last year! Miami’s turnaround required every player to give their best, and Porter certainly gave it everything he had turning 2007’s 5.5 sacks into an incredible 17.5 in 2008. A season like that is hard to top, but he has proved to everyone that he can do it and will take that forward this year.

I am really looking forward to seeing him play again this season. More of the animal please Joey, but on the field only.

Image Credit: paul.mcrae@rogers.com

Favourite Four: Running Backs #4 – LenDale White

Graham — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 16:05:56 +0000

Continuing with our Favourite Four series, currently on running backs, we look at the last player on our list at this position.

LenDale White of the Tennessee Titans gets the nod this time.

White is just outright one of my favourite players. There is just something about him. He has amazing skill, power and speed, but looking at him sometimes you wonder where it all comes from.

White puts a linebacker on his head... like you do.

There has been questions over his weight, fitness and conditioning on many occasions, not least before his draft selection when the only part of the workout he did was the bench press. This season though he looks set to silence the doubters having shed over 20lbs and worked very hard on the off-season. 20lbs should give him the ideal mix, think an agile tank. The kind of guy who could run around you or straight over the top of you with equal ease.

White picked up 15 TDs last season and the longest run at 80 yards in week 7 against the Chiefs. You can catch that classic 80 yard run here.

With LenDale at his new fighting weight, and Chris Johnson set to be League MVP it’ll be exciting to watch whoever is coming out of the backfield for the Titans.

Previous Favourite Running Backs
Steve Slaton
Ronnie Brown
DeAngelo Williams

We do realise that our four RBs are young guys. That’s not deliberate, they’re just the guys that we currently enjoy. But it’s not just a young mans’ game. Hopefully this is shown in some of out other Favourites.

Favourite Four: Running Backs #3 – DeAngelo Williams

Andrew — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 12:43:48 +0000

Continuing with our Favourite Four series, currently on running backs, we look at the third player on our list.

DeAngelo Williams of the Carolina Panthers gets the call this week.

Williams holds a host of college records, including the most all-purpose yards in NCAA history and was strongly thought of heading into the 2006 draft. However, in a class that held Reggie Bush, LenDale White and Joseph Addai (among others) he fell to 27th in the first round where he was snapped up by the Panthers.

Williams escapes Ronde Barber

The Panthers had DeShaun Foster in place, so Williams was able to find his NFL-footing backing up the incumbent. In early 2008, Foster was released and Williams won the starting position against that year’s pick Jonathan Stewart. From there, he grew and grew.

In 2008, his carries almost doubled from 2007 and his yards per carry rose from an already impressive 5.0 to 5.5 yards per carry. He finished out the season with over 1,500 yards and 18 touchdowns. More than that, he established a formidable partnership with Stewart, who also put up over 800 yards and 10 TDs. This was the running back duo of last season, and they’ll be looking to build on that in the 2009 NFL Season.

I’d been keeping an eye on him all season, interested to see how he’d cope not just as the starter but with a highly rated rookie behind him. He didn’t disappoint at all, and as the season went on he got better and better. In week 15, he blasted through the Broncos line for a 56 yard sprint for a touchdown. He started off heading left, then came back and was gone. The speed was amazing for that time of the season.

But his most impressive stat of all: no fumbles in 2008. In fact, in over 500 carries in his NFL career so far he’s only fumbled twice, and lost the ball once. That’s the stuff of dreams for a coach.

I fancy the Panthers this year to win the NFC South, and Williams will be a big part of that. If he’s healthy, then he’ll beat Foster’s mark to become the all-time Panthers rushing leader. There are a number of factors in which games I’ll watch each week, but the Panthers’ running game in general, and DeAngelo Williams in particular, makes me want to watch them.

Previous Favourite Running Backs
Steve Slaton
Ronnie Brown

Favourite Four: Running Backs #2 – Ronnie Brown

Graham — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:43:19 +0000

We continue our looks at our favourite running backs.

We can’t vouch that these will be the best players in absolute terms, have the biggest fantasy football upside or even be any good (though they might be)… but they’re players that we like to watch.

Today we look at Ronnie Brown of the Miami Dolphins.

It takes more than a Raider to stop Ronnie...

Ronnie Brown ended up being my player of the season, and I really think he is poised to do it again this season. Maybe I am biased here, but even non Miami fans must appreciate that he had an outstanding year?

Brown was a first round draft pick for the Miami Dolphins in 2005 and has remained with the team since. His involvement in last seasons wildcat formation plays must have got him more TV minutes than ever last season, and I am betting brought him many new fans.

He has put his injury troubles behind him and reports that he is fitter than ever. Expect a great season from Ronnie Brown.

Previous Favourite Running Backs:
Steve Slaton

Favourite Four: Running Backs #1 – Steve Slaton

Andrew — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:42:46 +0000

Taking a rest from the defense (though we’ll be back to look at linebackers soon) we move to the offensive side of play. We’ll start with the running backs.

First up is Steve Slaton of the Houston Texans.

Steve Slaton pretty much broke every record whilst at West Virginia, and made the decision to enter the NFL draft early – missing his senior year at college to do so. He then fell deep in the third round of the 2008 draft before being signed up by the Texans.

Steve Slaton cuts against the Lions.

Settling into his first season, it was only his second game when he got his first TD and 100 yard game and from there he didn’t look back. There were a couple of quiet games, and his coach handled him well to keep him fresh, but he was a force to be reckoned with running out of the backfield with the ball or to catch. His 71 yard TD run against divisional rivals the Colts stands out, he cut through the line and stiff-armed Melvin Bullitt on his way. Though as with so many games last year, it ended in defeat for the Texans.

By any standards this was a great year. He ended the season with over 1,200 rushing yards – 6th best in the NFL and the best rookie – and over 1,500 yards from scrimmage. He can consider himself very unlucky not to have been at the Pro Bowl.

But the main thing that stands out for him is how he comes across in interviews. This is a grounded young man: he’s thoughtful and respectful and knows what to say. I don’t use “young man” carelessly either. He won’t be 24 until the post-season of 2009, and is probably hoping to be involved in the post-season, rather than at home resting with his family.

Going into 2009 there is some expectation now. He’s bulked up a few pound to improve areas of his game and the team will look to use him across the board to open up the offense. Last season, he improved as the season went on and there’s no reason he can’t continue that into 2009.

So I wish him all the best for this coming season. I’ve said elsewhere that the Texans are a team that you really want to do well, and I’m hoping Steve Slaton is a part of that.

Favourite Four: Defensive Backs #4 – DeAngelo Hall

Graham — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:46:19 +0000

Continuing our look at our favourite defensive backs, we take a look at the last player in our list.

We can’t vouch that these will be the best players in absolute terms, have the biggest fantasy upside or even be any good (though they might be)… but they’re players that we like to watch.

This time we look at DeAngelo Hall.

DeAngelo Hall will be looking to settle into his new long term deal with the Washington Redskins this season after a promising spell there towards the end of last season.

Hall covers ground against the Cowboys last year.

2008 was an odd, but profitable year from him. It saw him start with the Atlanta Falcons, get traded to the Oakland Raiders and finally move on to the Redskins. I can’t help feeling that the Raiders loss was the Redskins gain here, and it was not just the Redskins who came out of it well, Hall walked away with a cool $8m for 8 games. Not bad work if you can get it!

As with all my picks I like a bit of controversy in players, but I feel that this year he would do well to concentrate on his football and show just how good he can be in Washington. Word out of the Redskins’ training camp is that he’s there in body and mind, is contributing well but also listening to coaches and wanting to learn. He’s said that he’s happy playing again now and that’s a major factor.

If he can keep that spirit up, and play like we know he can, then the Redskins fans should be happy too.

Previous favourite defensive backs:
Will Allen
Shawn Springs
Troy Polamalu

Favourite Four: Defensive Backs #3 – Troy Polamalu

Graham — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 07:48:24 +0000

Continuing our look at our favourite defensive backs, we take a look at the third player in our list.

We can’t vouch that these will be the best players in absolute terms, have the biggest fantasy upside or even be any good (though they might be)… but they’re players that we like to watch.

This time we look at Pittsburgh Steelers Safety Troy Polamalu.

28 year old Polamalu will be looking to build on fantastic performances last season, which were topped off by a 5th Pro Bowl selection. He also posted some very impressive stats with 7 sacks and 432 tackles.

Polamalu has been a permanent fixture in Pittsburgh after being selected in the 1st round of the 2003 draft. He was sure to get noticed too after giving it his all at USC which started with him playing both the safety and linebacker positions.

I don’t know if the hair helps him stand out, but he always seems like one of the hardest working players out there, and also the one I would least liked to be takled by!

Lets see him in action…

He has become a Father now too, and as we all know when you become a Dad, you become even more scary (oh and also become better at fixing things). I am looking forward to seeing what kind of an impact he has this year.

Interesting fact: Troy Polamalu has made the cover of Madden 2010. Look out for the review here on Mac Talks NFL.

Previous favourite defensive backs:
Will Allen
Shawn Springs

Favourite Four: Defensive Backs #2 – Shawn Springs

Andrew — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 09:51:14 +0000

Continuing our look at our favourite defensive backs, we take a look at the second player in our list.

We can’t vouch that these will be the best players in absolute terms, have the biggest fantasy upside or even be any good (though they might be)… but they’re players that we like to watch.

From Miami, we move to Massachusetts with Shawn Springs.

The one time - probably - that he's got away

Yes, another player who’s spent many years in burgunday and gold. You’re gonna have to get used to that from me I’m afraid.

Springs was a college standout at corner, and was selected 3rd in the 1997 Draft by the Seahawks. Orlanda Pace and the tragic Darrell Russell were picked ahead of him. (Mac favourite Renaldo Wynn was also from this year’s draft) This year that was pretty strong draft class overall.

He enjoyed a good few years in Seattle, including his Pro-Bowl sophomore season. He joined the Washington Redskins as a free agent in 2004.

Even if he wasn’t an exciting corner to watch, and even if he wasn’t a Redskin alumni and therefore worthy of my attention anyway, there’s one great additional reason to watch Springs: He keeps Terrell Owens in his pocket. Over the years, at every matchup, it’s been a real battle between these guys. Whilst Owens has had his moments – the infamous ‘Sharpie’ TD celebration was against Springs, among others – but playing man-to-man, he has done as well as every other corner out there. And as things have turned out it’s something you’ll be able to enjoy twice this season too, injuries permitting.

Upon hearing Owens had signed for his new division rivals the Bufallo Bills, he text his old adversary the message “Stop following me around”. TO should have responded “Now you know how I feel!”… he may have done for all I know.

Shawn Springs deflects away from Bryant Johnson

Springs is 34 now, and suffered with injuries last year: missing 7 games with nagging injuries. That’s not the first time he’s missed a large portion of a season, even as a ‘Skin. But with a three year deal in his pocket, and a coach who can get the best of the older players you’d have to think he’s got at least one more good year in him.

Previous favourite defensive backs:
Will Allen