Welcome back to Niners Nation and the continuance of my 2011 NFL all-pro selection. Having covered offense and special teams players, this article will feature players on the defensive side of the ball. As I mentioned in part 1, this is an unorthodox format particular to no defensive scheme; the players have been chosen based on overall performance and value.
Without further adieu...
DE:
Jared Allen, Minnesota Vikings
Justin Smith, San Francisco 49ers
Jason Pierre-Paul, New York Giants
Haloti Ngata, Baltimore Ravens
DT:
Cullen Jenkins, Philadelphia Eagles
ROLB:
Terrell Suggs, Baltimore Ravens
ILB:
NaVorro Bowman, San Francisco 49ers
Patrick Willis, San Francisco 49ers
LOLB:
Clay Matthews, Green Bay Packers
Ahmad Brooks, San Francisco 49ers
CB:
Charles Woodson, Green Bay Packers
Carlos Rogers, San Francisco 49ers
Kyle Arrington, New England Patriots
Brandon Flowers, Kansas City Chiefs
FS:
Ed Reed, Baltimore Ravens
Eric Weddle, San Diego Chargers
SS:
Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers
Like the Offensive Edition, this list of players is based on performance and personal preference but this group is indisputably talented. I have a few non-49er "must-haves" in there with Matthews, Woodson, Flowers and the trio from Baltimore. And the 49ers selected, I believe have earned their spot this year.
I want to mention guys like Justin Smith and Ahmad Brooks who are likely to be overlooked in the Pro Bowl ballot by many. These guys are not going to hand you eye-popping statistics but if you watch them play, they are valuable commodities to have come gametime. And in big-time situations when your defense needs to make a play, both of these guys have come through this year and they both deserve the recognition.
I also took into consideration how players carry themselves and was somewhat bias in the selection process. Based on statistics and performance, DeMarcus Ware should run away with any vote, but not mine. You'll notice not one Dallas Cowboy was selected; not a Miles Austin, a Jason Witten, a Tony Romo, a Jay Ratliff -- none. I hope they're equally as passionate over at Blogging The Boys.
This defense would be unique and potentially flawless; it has leadership, experience, hardhitting, speed, instincts, strength and playmaking ability. It could be argued that other players should be listed here. If you have one in mind, feel free to list him and present an arguement.
Follow me on Twitter: @DeSimone80
There are 28 Comments. Load Now.
Shortcuts to mastering the comment thread. Use wisely.
C - Next Comment
X - Mark as Read
R - Reply
Z - Mark Read & Next
Shift + C - Previous
Shift + A - Mark All Read
Comment Settings
Live comment alert: Hide it!
Comments for this post are closed.