Yardbarker: Bob Sanders

Sunday analysis ... Why the 49ers were more fun to watch when they got blown out in the 1st quarter

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:09:24 -0500

Without further ado, the games ... Philadelphia vs. San Francisco: The difference between watching the 49ers now versus the last couple of years? A small delineation: 49ers of 2004-2006: Horrible, but at least I can watch other, better games after the Niners go down 17-0 in the first quarter on the way to a severe beatdown. And we're going to get the first pick! Let's hope we choose someone good like Alex Smith. 49ers of 2007: They don't lose automatically, but they go down almost immediately and spend the rest of the day trying to whittle it down to a one score contest. This invariably fails. I flip over just in time to see the end of what appears to be a really sick game. 49ers of 2008: We're up? What? We're beating the (insert name here)? Are you kidding me? An hour later ... we're still beating the (insert name here)? Are you kidding me? And at the end of the game ... Damnit! We were beating the (insert name here) right until the 4th quarter, and then J.T. throws a pick and we're toast. And I missed several entertaining afternoon games to boot. Some analysis from this week's game? We had the momentum and a lead in a game we didn't deserve to even be in. Our special teams were giving us great field goal position and we kept blowing it, getting field goals when we should have TD's. And then the turnovers start. O'Sullivan was starting out so well, and his decision-making deteriorated towards the end. Our defense also dropped clear interceptions on TD drives in the 4th that would've kept the game in our control. Takeo Spikes is a definite bright spot, three straight games with a pick. He and Patrick Willis are an imposing duo. And the Eagles? They should've murdered us. They have real concerns calling that group McNabb plays with an offense without Westbrook. Hurry back Brian, because the Yard has a couple dozen denizens who are at the throat-slitting stage, and it isn't clear whose throat will get slit. All I know is Philly fans can't think of a better insult than "Go drink some Lysol, Lysol." Good one. If they were allowed to string together four-letter words and homophobic slurs, I'm sure I'd be put in my place properly. Unfortunately, Yardbarker has hamstrung the 9-year-olds by insisting on a cursing ban. Now if they would only ban posting in all upper-case like a psychotic idiot. St. Louis vs. Washington: Was this a letdown? Maybe the Redskins were due for some turnovers after being so airtight in the first month of the season. Between the bad decisions with a live ball and allowing four sacks, I'm tempted to pin the culprit label on the offensive line. But more likely this was a desperate team taking advantage of another team that wasn't expecting a battle. Carolina vs. Tampa Bay: I was surprised to watch this game get out of hand so quickly. The Bucs went up 14-0 in the first and never looked back. Delhomme shouldn't get reamed too badly, as it was bad luck that gifted two of those interceptions into Tampa Bay hands. But they put together three 10-play drives with only 3 points to show for it. The Bucs home-field advantage is underrated, and was in full swing yesterday. Cincinnati vs. New York Jets: This was a "somebody has to win" game. The Jets start with the ball in Cincy territory three times in the first half and once from their own 42 yard line, and they come away with 17 points. Two more drives in the second half starting in Cincy territory yield the remaining 9 points for New York. So basically, they won the entire game on a short field. For the Bengals, they had a fumble return for a touchdown and a hurry-up score before the half. Ugly game, but someone had to win. Oakland vs. New Orleans: JaMarcus may only have one INT, but there were a half-dozen dropped interceptions by the Saints D. I couldn't tell if he was telegraphing them or just hesitating too much. Does N.O. get credit for flustering him, or did he just make bad decisions? Either way, the Saints seem to be roughly the team they were when they pushed their way into the NFC Championship Game. Will this be the year that offense beats defense? Anything seems possible. Detroit vs. Minnesota: I don't know where I got the idea that the Vikings were going to crush the Lions. Maybe it's because they outhustled the Saints the weekend before, and I figured that since it was still a dome game ... A.P. was productive but turned the ball over on the Lions side of the field twice. The margin of victory over the Lions is a safety their QB incurred by voluntarily running out of the end zone? Between this, Green Bay's loss last week and Chicago's loss yesterday, the NFC North is looking pretty sad per usual. Baltimore vs. Indianapolis: Now this team looked like the Indianapolis Colts team I remember. I don't know when I stopped hating them and starting rooting for them, maybe I need them to be good so I can hate. Maybe I should take them off the list of teams I root against. But that list is a couple of years old. Anyways, opportunism on defense flustering and then capitalizing on Flacco, and alternating dink and dunk with long bombs on offense. If Bob Sanders wasn't hurt, they'd be the best team in the league. Miami vs. Houston: Pennington had a great game, and even his only mistake was covered up by a fumble. He was damn efficient, but Schaub stole the show with his last play. No faith in Miami's defense, that game should've been theirs. Entertaining game, but it sucked having to root for the team you picked rather than whoever had the ball last. Chicago vs. Atlanta: The Bears made Matt Ryan beat them, and he did. Down 19-10 they held Turner to three yards on six carries, and Orton came up with the improbable drive to go ahead. And then you allow them to one-shot themselves into field goal range for the win? Inexcusable, Mike Brown could very easily have just pushed Jenkins out of bounds before he caught the ball, not after. Game over. C'mon, Bears! Or is Atlanta starting to develop some grit? Jacksonville vs. Denver: This was exactly the type of game Del Rio is used to winning. Take an offensive juggernaut and frustrate them, try to hold onto the ball and rip it from the other team, and run the game out as soon as you get the lead. The Broncos have to be concerned. After that blowout win over Oakland in the first week, they won three games by a combined six points. So their offense isn't winning convincingly by itself, and you have to wonder if they have the manpower to race team to the finish week after week. Green Bay vs. Seattle: The Packers let Charlie Frye and a bunch of nobodies go down the field a couple of times. I'm bailing hardcore on the Packers, I think that Shinola on the first couple of games is obviously, well, not Shinola. Does that reference register with anyone? Oh well. This game should've been a blowout if GB was any good. Dallas vs. Arizona: Anybody who was worried about getting some negative attention this week, if you're not on the Cowboys don't worry about it. You could pull an O.J. and drive down the 405 with Al Cowlings, and whatever T.O., Pacman or Romo said would trump your indiscretion. The Bengals are throwing a party right now, I hear. Romo out? Now who's going to ignore Owens and get the ball to the open man like they're supposed to? You know Terrell is jonesing to throw a QB under the bus, so maybe he'll get his wish and unload on Brad Johnson after they lose to the Rams next week. Seriously, how do they outgain the Cardinals by 100 yards, win the turnover battle 3-1 and old the ball for longer than 30 minutes, and then lose? Maybe the 12 penalties are a good place to look. New England vs. San Diego: Wow. So that's what L.T. looks like healthy? It had been so long that I had forgotten. His stats won't blow you away, but you could tell how much healthier he felt, and how much more that opens up their offense. Rivers had a field day getting the ball to Vincent "Not Bo" Jackson over the head of Deltha O'Neal, and the defense chipped in with 4 sacks and under 200 yards allowed in the first three quarters while this was still a game. With road games in Buffalo and London vs. the Saints, if they can split the two games heading into the bye and emerge healthy, then I like them to win home-field advantage in the AFC. which, as we've seen, is virtually meaningless when it's in San Diego. B.W.B.'s standings for the week crimped by a combination of poor internet access and better things to do.

Debunking the Myths of the 2008 NFL Season

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 21:33:16 -0500

After five weeks of the 2008 NFL season, we thought we knew something. Week 6 showed us that we were wrong about lots of those things. You could call today "Debunking Day." We here at ECB will run down the NFL myths that were debunked today.

Myth #1: The Colts aren't the same team without Bob Sanders
The Colts were underwhelming in their first 4 games, and lots of the blame was placed on Bob Sanders' injury. The Colts came alive against Baltimore today, looking like the Super Bowl contender they've been in recent years.

Myth #2: The NFC East is the league's toughest division
Last week there was talk that three of the top 5 or 6 teams in the NFL were in the NFC East. Today two of them lost to bad teams in the Rams and the Cardinals. The Cowboys and Redskins are still likely to make the playoffs, but both the NFC and AFC South might be tougher divisions.

Myth #3: Joe Flacco is a prodigy who will lead the Ravens deep in the playoffs
It was tough to be down on the Ravens after close losses to the Steelers and Titans. Joe Flacco looked decent in both games, and even with a tough schedule the Ravens looked poised for a run at a wild card slot. With three interceptions in a 31-3 humiliation in Indianapolis, the Ravens look to be at least a year away.

Myth #4: The Redskins are for real
Sure, they're 4-2 with one of the easiest schedules in the NFL, but the Redskins are not one of the best teams in the country. They could still make the playoffs, but the Rams exposed the Washington offense. St. Louis had given up at least 30 points in 7 straight games, but the Skins could only manage 7 points in the first 3 quarters. Their "ownership" of the fourth quarter wasn't even enough to best the lackluster Rams.

Myth #5: The "Wildcat" formation is a gimmick
Sure it was against the Texans, but the Dolphins may be on to something.

Myth #6: Dan Orlovsky is a big-time NFL quarterback
What, no one believed that myth?

Myth #7: Tom Cable will turn around the Raiders' season
Guess not.

Debunking the Myths of the 2008 NFL Season

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 21:33:16 -0500

Debunking the Myths of the 2008 NFL Season

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 20:05:06 -0500

After five weeks of the 2008 NFL season, we thought we knew something. Week 6 showed us that we were wrong about lots of those things. You could call today "Debunking Day."

Start & Sit: Week 6

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 21:10:37 -0500

Fantasy football does not get any easier for owners in week 6. Injuries and bye weeks continue to wreak havoc on fantasy owners, crippling rosters and forcing a multitude of waiver wire transactions. Some players with injuries to watch as the weekend progresses: Brian Westbrook, Kellen Winslow, Marques Colston and Anquan Boldin. Westbrook said he wants to suit [...]

[Colts] Colts CB Bob Sanders Misses Practice Today

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 19:18:23 -0500

Colts cornerback Bob Sanders did not participate in Thursday's practice with a knee injury. Sanders, the fifth-year pro, has only played in two games...

[Colts] Colts CB Bob Sanders Misses Practice Today

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 19:18:23 -0500

Colts cornerback Bob Sanders did not participate in Thursday's practice with a knee injury. Sanders, the fifth-year pro, has only played in two games...

Week 6 Preview: Baltimore at Indianapolis

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:25:51 -0500

The Baltimore Ravens enter into Indianapolis eager to get back on track after consecutive three point losses and the Colts hope to build on their late game heroics over the Texans last week. Both teams sit at 2-2 and it certainly isn't time to panic but you need to start looking ahead and above you in the standings and you don't want any more distance if you can help it. The Colts haven't been their usual explosive selves. Peyton Manning's knee injury, a young makeshift line and the loss of hard hitting Bob Sanders had them dropping games to the Bears and Jags. Even in their victories they have had to come from behind and use the passing game to get things done. Most surprising has been the absence of the running game as they only average 67 yards a game. They also have yet gain a win in the new Lucas Oil stadium and hope to not have the trend continue. The Ravens meet the city's previous incarnation for the fifth straight time and each time the result was the same a?" a Colts victory. The defense which has been superb so far this season will need to continue to frustrate Peyton Manning and find ways to force him into some bad throws, never an easy task. The key seems to again lean on the ground game as a heavy dose of Le'Ron McClain, Willis McGahee and Ray Rice could help keep the pressure off Joe Flacco. This game is a study in contrasts as the Colts will leave the game in the capable hands of Peyton Manning, who has had success against the defense in all of their previous meetings. They will use speed and finesse to gain the edge, while the Baltimore will need physical play from both sides of the ball to control the clock and get turnovers. As I see it, the Ravens desperately need a victory. They have proven so far that the defense is back up the snuff and will always keep Baltimore in games. The real question, as always, is will the offense score enough points? Joe Flacco, given the nod as the starter for the rest of the year must make good decisions and use all of his receivers. Todd Heap must be a part of the offensive game plan and not just used as a blocker. It will be important to control the clock and to score touchdown and not field goals when the opportunity presents itself. This game reminds me way too much of an earlier game when the Vikings played the Colts in Week two. If the Vikings had even average play from the QB, they win in a rout. The coaching staff still doesn't have enough faith in Flacco to mix it up enough and if you give Manning the ball with time he can still kill you. Colts 21 Ravens 13

The Best Big Ten Players in the NFL

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 03:30:22 -0500

From Tom Brady and Drew Brees to the former Minnesota backfield tandem of Marion Barber and Laurence Maroney, the Big Ten's given the NFL some of it's best players today. These are the 10 best as far as we're concerned.

[Colts] Colts CB Bob Sanders Misses Practice Today

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:14:32 -0500

Colts cornerback Bob Sanders did not participate in Thursday's practice with a knee injury. Sanders, the fifth-year pro, has only played in two games...

[Colts] Colts CB Bob Sanders Misses Practice Today

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:14:32 -0500

Colts cornerback Bob Sanders did not participate in Thursday's practice with a knee injury. Sanders, the fifth-year pro, has only played in two games...

Week 6 Predictions ... Even I think the Eagles will beat the Niners ... but the Eagles will lose McNabb or Westbrook for the season

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:18:25 -0500

What's wrong with you, Lysol? Why are you calling your shot on an injury? Especially to a Yard full of rabid (and I mean that literally) Philly fans, especially when D.F. McNabb has his publicist post his blog on this very site? Because you can already tell that the Eagles aren't going to make it through this season healthy. Which, unfortunately, means the Eagles will once again be sitting in the "Wait until next year" seat. The good news? They've worked themselves into a comfortable little groove in that seat. I'm not hoping one of them gets injured. Love both players. Westbrook is a man's man for flipping the bird to his fantasy owners and making the game-smart play. McNabb is just a warrior, and from a historical aspect he is probably the best black quarterback ever. But they have such a hard time putting together a healthy season! They played 13 games together last year, but only 9 games the year before, and 9 games the year before that ... Whenever one of them is hurt, the team takes a serious hit. Well, anyways, to the games ... St. Louis vs. Washington. Besides a possible letdown after accomplishing the unthinkable (consecutive road victories against NFC East opponents) I see nothing that prevents Washington from using St. Louis as a practice squad come Sunday. This weekend is when we start hearing the "no fluke" talk. Redskins by 23. Cincinnati vs. New York Jets. I'm overthinking this one. Palmer might be back healthy, the Bengals aren't as bad as their record indicates, the Jets are still figuring out who they are ... but it doesn't matter. The Jets win this one by eight. Oakland vs. New Orleans. I have to believe that if the Saints can contain Adrian Peterson, they can keep the Raiders running game in check. That, plus the Raiders have been abysmal on the road as of late, with the inexplicable exception of Kansas City. Saints win by 10. Detroit vs. Minnesota. I was tempted to give the Lions a fighting chance due to the rivalry factor. But Minnesota has won 9 out of the last 10, regardless of where the game was played. So I'm banking on another murderous blowout. Vikings win 38-13 after late Lions scores prevent the shutout. Baltimore vs. Indianapolis. Indy is going to win this one. Doesn't matter that their secondary is decimated, or that Baltimore has an excellent run blocking scheme that might just put up 200 yards on the Colts without Sanders. Even though Baltimore is starting LeRon McClain, a back who barely has college speed. Seriously, this guy is painfully slow. Indy has a little bit of veteran magic that carries them through these kinds of games. Just look at what happened last week. They better win, because good teams don't lose their first three games in their brand-new taxpayer-bought stadium. Colts by 3 in a come-from-behind victory per usual as of late. Miami vs. Houston. If I felt I had an accurate gauge on the Texans' level of desperation, I could make a committed pick. Steve Slaton is quietly putting together a ROY campaign of his own, but the Dolphins are giving up around 80 rushing yards per game, roughly half of the average they gave up last year. Big difference. Does Houston make it a game? Sure, why not. The only team Miami has really torched this year is the Pats. Dolphins by 4. Carolina vs. Tampa Bay. These teams are just too evenly matched, I can't break either way convincingly. Do I take the Panthers' loss to Minny as a fluke? Do I give TB the benefit of the doubt for staying in every game they've played so far, losing two games by a combined 7 points? I'm going with Tampa, even if I hate backing a Griese-led team. If Carolina can pull this off, it will really mean something. Bucs win off of a field goal in overtime. Chicago vs. Atlanta. In it's own way, this is a statement game for both teams. Each has alternated looking deadly and dead out there in different games. I wish I knew how serious Roddy White's head injury is, because he is the key. Without him they load the box and sit on Turner's runs all game long. Even without an effective White the Bears will get to Ryan ease, they'l be bringing the corner blitz because their CB's are beaten up and can't stay with anyone deep right now. Which is where White comes in. I'm giving it to the Bears by a touchdown. Jacksonville vs. Denver. Eddie Royal and Brandon Marshall are the leading receiving duo in the league, but Cutler will be playing without his third leading receiver and safety valve, Tony Scheffler. Expect a lot of passing in a matchup between the 26th and 30th ranked passing defenses, but Del Rio will try to stuff the ball down the Broncos throat with the run if he can. Even if his offensive line is healthy, I'm not banking on the cohesion necessary. I found a reason to go with the Jags, and that is the turnover margin for the Broncos. It's -3, unbelievable for a 4-1 team. Opportunism is the heart of Jacksonville's team concept, and they will capitalize. Jaguars win a barn-burner 38-34. Green Bay vs. Seattle. Don't overthink this one, Lysol. Green Bay has lost three in a row, but a game against the Seahawks is just what the doctor ordered. Packers by 10. Philadelphia vs. San Francisco. This is the first game of the year I'm not picking the 49ers to win. There are several reasons why I believe this, but they're too depressing to get into in depth. Suffice to say that if I'm wrong, I'll be glad. And if the 49ers beat the Eagles? You know I'm going to be blowing up the Yard on Sunday, laughing it up as Philly fans begin preaching the End of Days. I'm not going with a score, just an Eagles win. Dallas vs. Arizona. I think I remember reading an article about how the Cardinals were requiring anyone who bought tickets for this game to purchase tickets for a preseason game as well, in a blatant attempt to eliminate the Cowboys long-standing home-field advantage in Glendale. In fact, I saw an article that referenced an 8-2 home record under Whisenhunt as evidence that Arizona now has a raucous home crowd to support it. Right. As much as I would love to see the implosion a loss would cause the Cowboys, I can't see it happening, no matter how badly the Cowboys secondary will get schooled come Sunday. Cowboys win this one 45-43 after Arizona fails to convert a two-point attempt to send it into overtime. New England vs. San Diego. This is sad. A game to decide which team has fallen further? And these teams hate each other, too, but the key participants in this heated rivalry are on IR or limping badly. L.T. is going to go out there with something to prove. Do the Chargers recognize any symbolism left in this game? Because they haven't been coming out very fired up so far this season. But I think a night game in San Diego gives a certain atmosphere that will allow them to step their game up. You know L.T. keeps a private jet at the airport! Step your game up! Chargers win by 9. New York Giants vs. Cleveland. I'm not even the slightest bit inclined to think Cleveland makes this a game. Giants by 34. When the B.W.B. fellas get their picks all together, I'll post them.

My Take on the Ravens/Colts This Sunday

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:26:00 -0500

This Sunday at 1pm, the Baltimore Ravens will travel in Indianapolis to take on Peyton Manning and the Colts. See our game preview on ravens365.com

Key Match-ups: Colts-Ravens

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:11:53 -0500

Following two devastating losses in consecutive weeks - in two games the Ravens certainly feel like they should have won - things get no easier as the team hits the road for five of its next six games. The first of these games is against the Colts, and no reference to where they used to [...]

The NFL All F-U-Up Defensive Team

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 21:28:01 -0500

Our Captain, Mr. Lewis

Simply put, there are some folks who, by the way they look in a uniform, their demeanor and their on-field performance, flat out scare the s&%* out of you. You know the type. Those terribly violent flying missiles that cause you to turn and cringe as they hurl themselves full speed at another human being with complete disregard for personal well-being. They seem to relish it. Feed off it. Need it.

Oftentimes these intimidating forces are great players. Sometimes they're not. But you know that old "dark alley" saying? These bad-ass mofos are the dudes you have absolutely zero desire to meet there. However, if you were to be mired in a bar fight with losing odds these are exactly the folks that would be among your first-round draft picks to lend a helping hand.

These men might not lead the NFL in tackles or sacks. Some may never even make a Pro Bowl. Yet, they possess a frightening mix of freakish athleticism, hard-hitting style and another level of intensity, all often topped with just a dash of instability (or so it appears). Simply put, these dudes can seriously f-up some s&*.

Most of these enforcer-types play on the defensive side of the ball, so that's where we focused our attention. Our lineup is predicated on a 3-4 scheme to incorporate as many linebacker/tweener-types as possible, since they're typically trained killers on the field. We selected only current NFL players. Here's where we landed.

Hit us with your thoughts and suggestions in comments. Just don't tell any of these guys, because, truth be told, they terrify us.

ILB
Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens

Does anything more need to said here? Really? The scariest part is that Ray Lou appears not to be slowing down. Perhaps it's the mildly insane offseason workout regimen? Whatever the reason, he's the guy who has everyone's head-on-a-swivel on every single down. The barking. The gyrating. The hitting. It all makes him beyond qualified to seriously tear a hole in folks.

ILB
Brian Urlacher, Chicago Bears

We imagine Urlacher in the locker room shaving his head with a machete like Pedro Cerrano in Major League. He's gotta be the baddest white man in the NFL. Right? Plus, he returned kicks in college, is stupid athletic and looks ridiculously intimidating in those Old Spice commercials. He's got the swagger.

OLB
Shawne Merriman, San Diego Chargers

Sure, perhaps the 'roids had something to do with the freakish physique and volatility. But we don't judge on the All-FUU team. In fact, those Lattimer-types are exactly of whom we are the most petrified. And, yes, there is a reason you get a nickname like "Lights Out." It ain't from being no sissy-pants. Starting defense! Seat at the table!

OLB
Demarcus Ware, Dallas Cowboys

Ware looks to be a fairly gentle human being off the field. Not so much on it. He's racked up nearly 40 sacks in a shade over three seasons. Ware is listed at 6'4, 262. In '05, he clocked about a 4.5 in the 40, throws up around 430 pieces on the bench and boasts a 38 1/2-inch vertical. The man is a freak of nature.

FS
Adrian Wilson, Arizona Cardinals (HTs to Ed Reed, Baltimore Ravens; Bob Sanders, Indianapolis Colts)

Granted, Reed and Sanders may have more impressive numbers. We'll give you that. Don't care. For our money, nobody at free safety makes us fear for the receivers on our team more than Adrian Wilson. Whereas others may seek to light you up, make the pick and take it to the house, we often get the sense Wilson's priority list begins and ends with decapitation. Besides, not only can he destroy a quarterback, but he could hurdle a lineman on his way.

SS
Brian Dawkins, Philadelphia Eagles (HT to Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers)

Is it the face shield? Maybe partly. The softball-sized biceps? Doesn't hurt. It's also the screaming, the intensity, the pile-drives, Pro Bowl selections, etc. Oh, hell just check out the video. I mean, Weapon X? Bad. F-in. Ass. By the way, is there any better selection for a hits highlight reel than "Requiem for a Dream?" It's not even a contest.

CB
Pac Man (uh, I mean Adam) Jones, Dallas Cowboys

We just thing Pac Man's a couple cards short of full deck. And that is intimidating in and of itself.

CB
Rashean Mathis, Jacksonville Jaguars

Mathis reminds us of those psychos from Bad Boys II. Seeing him fly around the field the other night versus the Steelers was a sight to behold. Who said a 190-pounder can't be intimidating? Not me.

DE
Jared Allen, Minnesota Vikings; Justin Tuck, New York Giants (HT:Patrick Kearney, Seattle Seahawks)

Call us wussies. Men who know how to handle a rifle scare us a bit. As do enormous dudes with tattoos. If they have a history that includes substance abuse, it doesn't give us any particular comfort as the cherry on top. That's why we'd have Jared Allen on one end. On the other? We'll go with Justin Tuck. Sure, he's a younger buck, but he's built like a brick sh*&house and managed to get to the untouchable Tommy Terrific in the Super Bowl. He's also been rumored to snap aluminum bats in half with his bare hands. No, not really, but you can imagine.

NT
Marcus Stroud, Buffalo Bills; Albert Haynesworth, Tennessee Titans

We're cheating a bit on this one. Going with a rotation at nose. Stroud is a behemoth. Human beings are not supposed to grow to 6'6, 310. They're just not. Put all these guys in a steel cage, and we might take Marcus with our money. Haynesworth is possibly the most feared defensive player in the NFL. He's virtually unblockable. Huge and agile and not at all afraid to simply stomp on your head should the situation dictate.

In addition to these men, you could certainly make cases for folks like Tank Johnson, maybe Javon Kearse, Chris Hovan...hell, you could argue this all day. You're welcome to do so, but we'll take our squad against pretty much anyone.