Smith: All-Indispensable Defense
Smith: All-Indispensable Defense
By Michael Smith
ESPN.com
It wasn't easy, but after talking to players, coaches, scouts and other personnel people around the NFL, here is the All-Indispensable Defense. Also, check out our All-Indispensable Offense.
All-Indispensable Team: Defense
Pos. Player Team Comment
S
Troy Polamalu
Steelers Coordinator Dick LeBeau's ultimate weapon, Polamalu covers slot receivers, the deep middle and the deep half, supports the run, and blitzes from any angle. Arguably the Steelers' most valuable player.
S
Ed Reed
Ravens Defensive Player of the Year in 2004 missed six games last year yet still was deserving of a Pro Bowl invitation. Quarterback of the Ravens' star-studded secondary. Probably possesses the best combination of coverage and tackling skills of any safety in football.
CB
Champ Bailey
Broncos True shutdown cover guy in the mold of Darrell Green and Deion Sanders. Challenge him if you dare, quarterbacks.
CB
Terence Newman
Cowboys Has not allowed a touchdown pass since the 2004 season. So quick he can shut down outside receivers as well as slot receivers on third down, rare for a top-notch corner. OLB
Mike Vrabel
Patriots Sure, every member of the Patriots' defense seems replaceable and in some cases has been successfully replaced. But where would New England's defense have been last year had Vrabel not been able to make a seamless transition to the middle?
MLB
Zach Thomas
Dolphins Still going strong after 11 years. Not just a team leader but the face of the Dolphins.
OLB
Keith Brooking
Falcons Hasn't missed a game in five-plus seasons, and the Falcons are grateful for it. Has been productive and team's leader from both outside and middle linebacker spots.
DE
Julius Peppers
Panthers League's sack leader, on his way to earning Defensive Player of the Year honors. Among the league's best players regardless of position.
NT
Jamal Williams
Chargers Bolts' defensive dominance all starts with the big man in the middle.
DT
Bryant Young
49ers Steady on the field and in the locker room for a once proud but now rebuilding franchise. Unquestioned team leader. Is as effective at 3-4 end as at 4-3 tackle. Think the Niners' defense is bad with Young, imagine what it'd be without him.
DE
Michael Strahan
Giants Along with the late Reggie White, Strahan is the standard for base defensive ends. A great pass-rusher who's just as stout against the run.
By Michael Smith
ESPN.com
It wasn't easy, but after talking to players, coaches, scouts and other personnel people around the NFL, here is the All-Indispensable Defense. Also, check out our All-Indispensable Offense.
All-Indispensable Team: Defense
Pos. Player Team Comment
S
Troy Polamalu
Steelers Coordinator Dick LeBeau's ultimate weapon, Polamalu covers slot receivers, the deep middle and the deep half, supports the run, and blitzes from any angle. Arguably the Steelers' most valuable player.
S
Ed Reed
Ravens Defensive Player of the Year in 2004 missed six games last year yet still was deserving of a Pro Bowl invitation. Quarterback of the Ravens' star-studded secondary. Probably possesses the best combination of coverage and tackling skills of any safety in football.
CB
Champ Bailey
Broncos True shutdown cover guy in the mold of Darrell Green and Deion Sanders. Challenge him if you dare, quarterbacks.
CB
Terence Newman
Cowboys Has not allowed a touchdown pass since the 2004 season. So quick he can shut down outside receivers as well as slot receivers on third down, rare for a top-notch corner. OLB
Mike Vrabel
Patriots Sure, every member of the Patriots' defense seems replaceable and in some cases has been successfully replaced. But where would New England's defense have been last year had Vrabel not been able to make a seamless transition to the middle?
MLB
Zach Thomas
Dolphins Still going strong after 11 years. Not just a team leader but the face of the Dolphins.
OLB
Keith Brooking
Falcons Hasn't missed a game in five-plus seasons, and the Falcons are grateful for it. Has been productive and team's leader from both outside and middle linebacker spots.
DE
Julius Peppers
Panthers League's sack leader, on his way to earning Defensive Player of the Year honors. Among the league's best players regardless of position.
NT
Jamal Williams
Chargers Bolts' defensive dominance all starts with the big man in the middle.
DT
Bryant Young
49ers Steady on the field and in the locker room for a once proud but now rebuilding franchise. Unquestioned team leader. Is as effective at 3-4 end as at 4-3 tackle. Think the Niners' defense is bad with Young, imagine what it'd be without him.
DE
Michael Strahan
Giants Along with the late Reggie White, Strahan is the standard for base defensive ends. A great pass-rusher who's just as stout against the run.
posted by The Gryphon at 7:43 PM
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