ESPN's John Clayton unveiled his 2011 All-Pro team this afternoon, and with only one left tackle to choose, Clayton was wise to pick the Browns' Joe Thomas. His reasoning?
Injuries at the end of the season knocked out Jake Long and re-established Thomas as the top left tackle in football. He gave up only 3.5 sacks for a young quarterback and a struggling offense in a division that featured three playoff teams.
Three other players from the AFC North made Clayton's list: FB Vonta Leach, DT Haloti Ngata, OLB Terrell Suggs, DT Geno Atkins, and S Troy Polamalu. Looking at the list, it's amazing to think how good of a pass rusher guys like Jared Allen (22 sacks) and DeMarcus Ware (19.5 sacks) are. I'm crowing about Jabaal Sheard's season, but he's still well shy of even approaching those type of numbers.
Are there any positions on Clayton's list that you disagree with?
0 recs | 25 comments
Jake Long kinda sucked this year, but he was coming off injury and it completely affected his play. Joe was clearly the best LT in football(again)
Which is why I called the pro-bowl talk absolutely crazy.
The Licensed Pessimist - January 4, 2012
It was as crazy as the Greg Little-ROY talk.
Simmsinns - January 5, 2012
I don’t know. I’ve seen some well known guys throw in Sheard as a pro bowl possibility.
C.b.I - January 5, 2012
I dunno. Pouncey made it the last two seasons. Based on that, skills and stats aren’t necessary to make it to the Pro Bowl.
Doc's Kid - January 5, 2012
We haven’t won enough games.
rufio - January 5, 2012
well..both of those guys talked about ARE in the NFC.
bross09 - January 5, 2012
He Better make everyone’s All-Pro list!
Red-Right-88 - January 5, 2012
I felt like Joe gave up probably the most sacks of his career and was likely close to his personal high in penalties (no idea where to look for those numbers) but still easily won this.
johnf34 - January 5, 2012
I think he only had a few false starts and one holding call.
Brownie's Year - January 5, 2012
Really? My brother was lying when he said Joe was the highest penalized Browns OL then.
johnf34 - January 5, 2012
I think that title goes to Pinkston.
Brownie's Year - January 5, 2012
Lauvao. Pinston was pretty good on penalties. Just not assignments
SpecialBrownie - January 5, 2012
Heyo!
rufio - January 5, 2012
definitely lauvao
bross09 - January 5, 2012
Lauvao. It felt like he had more penalties this season (way too many on unsportsmanlike conduct) than JT has had in his career.
Doc's Kid - January 5, 2012
Haha, probably true.
johnf34 - January 5, 2012
I disagree with Polamalu. He’s highly overrated.
Dawg Nuts - January 5, 2012
Who is a better safety right now?
rufio - January 5, 2012
Ban yourself or I’ll flag you.
SpecialBrownie - January 5, 2012
Someone already did. Seriously, who is better than Polamalu right now? Reed? Wilson?
rufio - January 5, 2012
I would go with Polamalu if only because he has the biggest impact on his defense. Without him in the line-up the Steelers D isn’t all that spectacular. The Ravens D can still function decently enough without Ed Reed. Although personally Reed scares me more as an opposing player.
Brownsbacker488 - January 5, 2012
That was me. haha
Brownie's Year - January 5, 2012
I know, I can see it.
rufio - January 6, 2012
Sorry, I’ll never make any rational Steelers-related comments. Not gonna happen.
Dawg Nuts - January 7, 2012
Was there any doubt that Thomas would be an All-Pro?
dirtyjoe - January 5, 2012
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