Piece By Nicholas Cosmai
Twitter: @CozzyNick
It’s that time of year. Training camps coming to an end with preseason games starting means the NFL season is upon us again. After a year with most teams playing in front of no one, this season looks promising where the landscape is ever changing back to what it was prior to last season. It’s always a greater spectacle even watching on tv when there are crowds at matches creating an atmosphere. But the more things have changed the more things have really been the same, i.e., Tom Brady lifting the Lombardi Trophy. Regardless we look forward to the new season with under a month left to the opening match between the Cowboys and the reigning champion Buccaneers. So, in anticipation of the build up for week one, here is a list of the top 10 players in the league. Based off of mostly last season but also factoring in recent previous seasons and some players missing out due to how much they will play this season.
10 - Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle Seahawks
Out of all 10 spots, this was my toughest decision. Russell Wilson has been an absolute rock for Seattle since he arrived. This post season, he only played the one match against the rams, and it was one of his worst playoff games in his career. Regardless his ’down year’ still ended up having 40 passing touchdowns which was 3rd in the league The amount of work he does every game to make Seattle competitive is incredible. Since he entered the league no one has been sacked more then he has. Putting the seahawks on notice to bring him more protection, it will be interesting to see if he uses the investment on the offensive line effectively. Or will the protection be once again not enough.
9 - Myles Garrett, DL, Cleveland Browns
Myles was by far and large Cleveland’s best player last year and maybe most important also, elevating the Browns to be quite a formidable defence. Understandably taking out his frustrations from the season before when he had the incident with Mason Rudolph. Last season he made his debut in the first team all pro team whilst having a career year in tackles and fumbles forced and recovered. His play and importance earnt him a huge contract become the second highest earning defensive lineman behind Joey Bosa. He’ll be looking to improve on what was a disappointing AFC divisional game against the chiefs.
8 - Davante Adams, WR, Green Bay Packers
This season it was clear that Adams became the best receiver in the league. Earning his first, first team all pro selection and being the NFL receiving touchdown leader. Whether you believe that Adams was the biggest reason for Rodgers’ MVP or not, there’s no question that in having a career year, he was phenomenal. In the playoffs he didn’t play as well, in fact it was one of his worst postseasons statistically. It will be interesting to see how he and Rodgers respond after a disappointing NFC championship game once again. Nevertheless, Adams will continue to be one of if not the best deep threat in the league.
7 - TJ Watt, OLB, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Watt family really is footballing royalty. Particularly producing edge rushers with JJ and TJ. 2020 was the real breakout season for TJ where people really took notice of his game and it showed. He ended up finishing runner up in the defensive player of the year award and many thought he was snubbed to not take the award. This was through Watt leading the league in sacks, tackles for loss and QB hits. A huge part of Pittsburgh’s success on defence and there’s no doubt he’ll be coming for the DPOY award next season as Pittsburgh look to avenge an underperforming season.
6 - Derrick Henry, RB, Tennessee Titans
In recent seasons there has been a debate between who really is the best running back in the NFL. Over the last two seasons, Derrick Henry has ended this debate as he’s stamped his foot as the best, and it’s a big foot. Leading the league in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns over the last two seasons he has quickly become the focal point of Tennessee’s offence. Leading the Titans to the playoffs over the last two seasons including an AFC Championship game. Henry also is the only player in league history to rush for 180+ yards in consecutive playoff games. An overlooked player for an MVP candidate spot last season he was still rewarded with the Offensive Player of the Year award. There’s no doubt that Henry will be dominating on the ground again and leading them to a potential consecutive AFC South championship.
5 - Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs
It was yet again another record-breaking season for Travis. 1,416 receiving yards by a Tight End is the record number which overtook George Kittle’s 1,377 receiving yard record set in 2018. Kelce also holds the record for most consecutive seasons with 1,000 or more receiving yards by a tight end. He now in some people’s eyes is in the conversation for the greatest tight end of all time. Him and Kittle set the standard for the new hybrid version of what a modern-day tight end play like. One of the few Chief players from last season’s super bowl that played quite well considering the circumstances. There’s no reason why in his 9th season he won’t break his own record and maybe drag Kansas City over the line this time around.
4 - Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers
The reigning and defending MVP turned back the clock last season, going back into some stellar form. Is Aaron going to return to this form? That remains as uncertain as his playing time in Green Bay at the current minute. Reports have been saying he’s been back at training camp and may suit back up for the Packers. Regardless of where he’s playing this season, he should be backing his mvp season up nicely and maybe go the one gamer further. Unlike the last two seasons where the stopping points were both at the NFC Championship game including four of the last seven seasons.
3 - Tom Brady, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
“The more things change, the more they stay the same” the story of Tom Brady last season. Moving from New England to Tampa Bay, the difficulty of adjustment was amplified by many external factors. Moving to a new team with minimal practise in the preseason including games. On top of this, himself and Bruce Arians having constant debates over the plays being used. Entering a new system that did not suit his style, along with him, he took a chance in wanting Antonio Brown on the team and Rob Gronkowski who was retired. He not only led this team back to the playoffs but went on the road all the way besides the Superbowl. Winning in Washington, at New Orleans outduelling Drew Brees and in the championship game at Green Bay, out playing the MVP Aaron Rodgers. Finally getting to the super bowl and stomping the red-hot Kansas City Chiefs and being crowned super bowl mvp for a 5th time along with now having more super bowls then every franchise in the league. Read that sentence again to think about how crazy that is. The Bucs are a very good chance to repeat again and I’m very sure the party life of Florida won’t deteriorate Brady’s play this season.
2 - Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
It became a very tough decision, but I do have Mahomes over Brady. As we know from the super bowl, nothing worked for the Chiefs on both sides of the ball. A hurt and depleted Offensive line going into the super bowl was the biggest reason for their struggles. Nevertheless, one game should not define Mahomes, I fully expect him and Kansas City to come out firing likewise to the 2019 season. He’s still the same freak athlete and talent and once again he’ll be a regular season mvp candidate. Going into his fifth season, already an NFL and Superbowl MVP, not to mention still the greatest thrower in the game currently.
1 - Aaron Donald, DL, Los Angeles Rams
Some people would be surprised as to why he’s number one but make no mistake about it, a QB favoured league is the reason why people wouldn’t have him at number one. To put it plain and simple he is putting up edge rushing numbers as an interior defensive lineman along with being double and tripled teamed every possession. There has also been discussion that he has an excellent case to be the greatest defensive lineman of all time. His CV certainly backs that up. Most 1st all pro team appearances amongst active players, tied with Bobby Wagner. Most consecutive 1st all pro team selections, which is from 2015 to last season. His most recent Defensive Player of The Year award last season ties with him having the equal most all time with three. Alongside JJ Watt and Lawrence Taylor. The best player on one of the league’s best defences last season.
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