The way the 2011 NFL season started with the aftermath of the lockout and shakiness that clouded the league most of the 2011 spring and summer I must admit this was a very exciting year in the NFL. Dan Marino’s passing record with broken. Two rookie quarterbacks made a immediate impact on they respective teams and locker rooms. A dream in Philly quickly became a Nightmare on broad street. Giants proved not Jets or Rex won’t be the biggest name in NYC. 49ers showed us with a little change the gold rush could return to bay area and one Broncos showed us miracles happen anywhere with just a bit of faith. Now that the regular season is over it’s time for win or go home as two teams try to punch a ticket to Indy for this years Super Bowl. Before we get to the big dance lets see my top 10 stars in the NFL from 10-1.
10.) Alex Smith: Dude doesn’t get the respect he should but after a flock of coaches and criticism he has lead his team to a 13-3 record and the 2nd seed in the NFC
9.) Andy Dalton: The red rocket stepped into Carson Palmer’s former position and lead his troops to battle every sunday knowing they could leave the game with a victory. Strong skills for a rookie QB
8.) Jason Pierre-Paul: 86 tackles 16.5 sacks on a Giants D that has Osi and Justin Tuck. The young guy of the pack led the Defense and was a force to deal with. He was huge helping NY win the NFC East. Double teams and triple teams were no match. Offensive lineman beware.
7.) Lesean McCoy: Over 1,300 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns for a Eagles Offense that isn’t knew for running the ball. Broke 3 Eagles records. Two were over 50 years old. Electric moves and speed out the back field. Could he become Barry Sanders 2.0?????
6.) Tim Tebow : Even with all the hype and criticism Tebow won 6 straight games earning his team a trip to the playoffs. Not bad or a guy who at one point was the 4 string QB. Clearly Tebow has become a fan favorite in Denver but is he Elway’s favorite?
5.)Cam Newton : Although his wins and losses dont prove it, Cam may have had the best year of any rookie player ever. Breaking Peyton Manning’s rookie passing records scoring rushing TD’s like never before at his position. With time watch out, he could become the Mike Jordan of the NFL.
4.)Tom Brady : Need I say more
3.) Aaron Rodgers: 15-1 as a starter with the highest QB rating ever in NFL history at 122.5. 25 touchdowns and only 6 picks. A great year coming off a super bowl run and looking to repeat. Brett Farve who?
2.)Drew Brees: 46 touchdowns, 5,476 passing yards and a 110.6 QB rating. Brees has put together an amazing year and is the new record holder from passing yards in a single season.
1.) Peyton Manning: Yes people Peyton Manning. For the last 12 years the Colts have been one of the most elite teams in sports not just the NFL. When Peyton is under center or in the shotgun great things just seem to happen. Having not missed the playoffs in the last 10 years the Colts had a horrible season with Manning on the injured list and now have the number one pick in the 2012 draft. Could “Luck” be in Indy’s future.
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