On Sunday night, the folks at NFL Network unveiled the next-to-last installment in the Top 100 series, featuring the 20th to 11th best players in the league, as voted by the players.
The first and last spots of the night were reserved for quarterbacks.
At No. 20, and fifth at his position, was Mike Vick. At No. 11, and fourth at his position, was Aaron Rodgers.
We agree with the placement of Vick, even though we expected him to finish higher, primarily because we expected the players to overrate him. We disagree with the placement of Rodgers. The list has a distinct “what have you done for me lately?” vibe, given the presence of man like defensive end Jason Babin and Bucs receiver Mike Williams. Thus, Rodgers’ performance in the postseason and Super Bowl MVP award should have landed him higher than three other quarterbacks who have been named Super Bowl MVPs in the past, but not in the immediate past.
With 10 players to go, here’s who we think will be revealed next week, in alphabetical order: Pats quarterback Tom Brady, Saints quarterback Drew Brees, Texans receiver Andre Johnson, Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, Bears defensive end Julius Peppers, Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, Steelers safety Troy Polamalu, Ravens safety Ed Reed, and Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis.
Here’s how we (I) would rank them, from No. 10 to No. 1, given that our (my) first choice for No. 1 (Rodgers) already is out: Lewis, Peppers, Peterson, Revis, Reed, Johnson, Manning, Brees, Polamalu, Brady.
We’ll find out just how wrong we (I) am next Sunday. Meanwhile, let us know whether you think Rodgers was placed too low on the final poll.
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