NFC REDZONE TEAM

Starting Quarterback – Michael Vick

Vick will likely be the runner up for the MVP only because Tom Brady played out of his mind this season.  He makes the Eagles offence the most deadly in the NFL (ask Tom Coughlin).  His dedication to developing as a pocket passer has paid off.

Backup Quarterbacks – Matt Ryan/Aaron Rodgers

Matt Ryan doesn’t put up the gaudy stats, but he puts W’s in the win column and that’s how Quarterbacks should be judged.  Rodgers had a rough year with the concussions and a non-existent running game.  Imagine what next year could be like with Grant and Finley back in the fold.

Starting Running Back – Adrian Peterson

Despite a terrible year by the Vikings, Peterson was his usual dominant self.  He was second only to Turner in rushing yards but had 51 less carries.  He also deserves a lot of credit for curing his fumbling problem.

Backup Running Backs – Lesean McCoy/Michael Turner

McCoy was a beast this year, and is the perfect complement to Vick.  He caught 78 passes and had over 1600 yards from scrimmage.  Turner returned to form this year and was the battering ram for the Falcons.

Starting Fullback – Ovie Mughelli

Part of the reason Michael Turner is able to have so much success is because of the play of Mughelli.  He is also a threat out of the backfield as a receiver close to the endzone.

Starting Wide Receivers – Roddy White/Desean Jackson

Roddy White was the best receiver in the NFL this year and no it wasn’t close.  He was able to beat double teams with ease and could be considered for offensive player of the year.  Jackson is the most explosive player I've seen in my life.  He can score from anywhere on the field and is as dangerous of a returner as he is a receiver.

Backup Receivers - Greg Jennings/Calvin Johnson

Jennings just missed being a starter due to Jackson's explosiveness.  He had a strong second half of the season which was fueled by injuries to other focal points on the Packers offence.  Megatron is the most talented receiver in the NFL, he just needs some stability at quarterback to prove just how dominant he is.  

Starting Tight End – Jason Witten

Probably the most well rounded Tight End in the league, Witten caught 90 balls for over a thousand yards and is probably the best blocking Tight End in the NFL.

Backup Tight End – Vernon Davis

Imagine what this guy could do if the 49ers got a quarterback.

Offensive Tackles – Donald Penn/Jordan Gross

What might be most impressive about Penn is that he had his best season after receiving a lucrative contract extension (you listening Haynesworth?).  Jordan Gross played on an awful panthers team but maintained his high level of play.

Offensive Guards – Chris Snee/Carl Nicks

Both play a different style but are equally dominant.  Nicks is one of the biggest men in the NFL and is surprisingly agile.  Snee is a mauler who uses leverage and agility to lock down the point of attack.

Centre – Andre Gurode

There aren’t nearly as many elite centers in the NFC as in the AFC, but the bit I watched of Gurode I was impressed.  

Reserve Linemen – Jason Peters/Jahri Evans

Peters had a bounce back season and Evans is just as physically dominant as Carl Nicks.

Defensive Ends – Julius Peppers/John Abraham

Lovie Smith likes to play the Tampa 2 scheme and in order for it to be successful, the front four need to generate pressure.  Peppers provided that missing element and look where the Bears are now.  Abraham is one of the lesser known Atlanta Falcons but he is the heart of the defense.  

Reserve End – Osie Umenyiora

Umenyiora might have recorded the first double-double in NFL history (10+ Sacks, 10 Forced Fumbles)

Defensive Tackles – Ndamukong Suh/Jay Ratliff

Suh was a machine since day 1 and is the best pick the Lions have made since Barry Sanders.  Images of Ratliff crying on the sideline hurt his cause, but he never quit on the field.  

Outside Linebackers – Clay Matthews/Demarcus Ware

Clay Matthews will get some votes for defensive player of the year and rightfully so.  He has the highest motor of any defensive player in the NFL and has refined his pass rush moves.

Inside Linebackers – Patrick Willis/Brian Urlacher

Jon Gruden made a comment that Willis playing with a cast on his right hand “might level the playing field”.  Key word: might.  Urlacher returned from his wrist injury and hasn’t lost a step in coverage.  He is a surefire hall of famer in my books.

Cornerbacks – Charles Woodson/Asante Samuel

Woodson maintained a high level of play and given his age, it would’ve been no surprise to see him decline slightly.  He has mastered the ability of stripping opposing ball carriers.  Samuel likes to take chances but more often than not he does so at the right time.

Backup Corner – Aqib Talib

Talib is a young physical corner who is on the fast track to top 5 status.  He doesn’t get the press he deserves but any doubters should watch his games against Roddy White from this season.

Free Safety – Antrel Rolle

It isn’t hard to excel as a free safety when you have a pass rush as dominant as the Giants do.  That being said, Rolle made a lot of plays and actually disguised the surprisingly weak play of the rest of the Giants secondary.

Strong Safety – Adrian Wilson

A perennial Pro-Bowler, Wilson is a stud around the line of scrimmage and can cover any Tight End in the NFL.  

Backup Safety – Nick Collins

Return Specialist – Devin Hester

Kicker – Josh Brown