Today I get a second opportunity to present my all-star NFL team, and hopefully it will be a hell of a lot better than last year’s.
Last year, I selected a sampling of players from different teams and compiled my own team of top performers from the 2009 NFL season.
So, with that said, I’m introducing the second annual edition of the All-Tomari, All-Pro Team:
All-Tomari Offense
Quarterback: Drew Brees
I selected two quarterbacks last year: Ben Roethlisberger and Kurt Warner.
This year I am choosing only one, and it’s “Drew Orleans, La-Brees-iana.”
I don’t think Drew Brees gets enough credit, and he definitely deserves it. He’s as great a quarterback as there is.
Brees has done nothing but throw touchdown passes and win games for New Orleans. He did the same in ’09. He was almost top 5 in every major passing category, and, arguably, had his best professional game this season against the New England Patriots on a zany episode of Monday Night Football.
Running backs: Chris Johnson and Thomas Jones
If you paid somewhat close attention to the NFL this year, then you know what the second-year Tennessee running back did in ’09. Need I say more about Johnson?
Johnson is the sixth player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards and set the single season yards from scrimmage with 2,509.
Jones, who was raised by a mother that worked the graveyard shift at a Virginian coal mine, has played tough-nosed. His mother’s sacrifices undoubtedly influenced how Jones’ 10-year NFL career turned out. And I have much respect for Jones’ upbringing. It’s a great story, and something a casual sports fan should look into.
The coal miner’s son had another great season, racking up 1,402 yards and 14 rushing touchdowns. Most importantly, Jones has helped the J-E-T-S JETS! JETS! JETS! reach an unexpected showing in the NFL’s final four.
Fullback: Leonard Weaver
It’s a pass-happy league now. I’ll just take Philadelphia’s Weaver. Yawn.
Wide Receivers: Reggie Wayne, Andre Johnson and Sidney Rice
Wayne, of the Indianapolis Colts, is a low-profile player, with a tremendous amount of talent and consistency. Wayne had another great season catching passes from Peyton “Sony Bravia” Manning. He snared 100 passes for over 1,200 yards to compliment his 10 touchdown receptions.
The Houston Texans’ Johnson is another talent that doesn’t get the amount of respect he deserves. Johnson quietly led the Texans (9-7) to their first winning season since the franchise’s inception in 2002.
Johnson caught 101 passes for 1,569 and led the NFL with 98.1 yards receiving per game.
During the ’09 season, the Vikes’ Rice looked more like Jerry Rice in his prime. Sidney Rice, even though he was catching passes from Mississippi’s Father Time, hauled in 83 passes for over 1,300 yards. But his three-touchdown performance against Dallas in the NFC Divisional Round was truly impressive.
Tight End: Jason Witten
Although Witten caught only two touchdown passes this season, he is still Mr. Consistency at the position. Witten had 94 catches for 1,030 yards.
Offensive Linemen: The entire New York Jets’ offensive line
No disrespect to the rest of the league — but the Jets are in the AFC title game largely because it’s one of the best rushing teams in the league. I have to give credit to D’Brickashaw Ferguson, Alan Faneca, Nick Mangold, Brandon Moore and Damien Woody.
All-Tomari Defense
Defensive Lineman: The Minnesota Vikings defensive line
Same thing as the offensive line – I am taking a whole group from one team — Jared Allen and his mullet, Pat Williams, Kevin Williams and Ray Edwards.
They put endless pressure on opposing quarterbacks and made it virtually impossible to run the ball. Plus, the Vikings led the league in sacks and rank haircuts.
Outside Linebackers: the Cowboys’ DeMarcus Ware and Denver’s Elvis Dumervil
Dumervil was a part of the surprisingly good Bronco defense and led the league in sacks with 17.
I love Ware. He is tough player who gives 110 percent on every down. He is tough, especially playing against the Saints on Dec. 19, one week after spraining his neck against the Chargers. He had 57 total tackles and 11 sacks.
Middle Linebacker: Patrick Willis
Willis, a 49er, led the league in tackles (157) and was a part of a tough defense at times this season.
Secondary: Darrelle Revis and Charles Woodson, Darren Sharper and Brandon Meriweather
Revis Island might pump some Super Bowl hype into the Big Apple.
As far as Woodson is concerned, I have always enjoyed watching him play, and this year was no exception. Woodson, who was named the Associated Press’ Defensive Player of the Year, was a utility back in the Packers’ secondary, which ranked second in defense during 2009.
I think Sharper, in his first year with the Saints, scored as many touchdowns on the defensive side of the ball as his quarterback passed for. This trusty veteran looked like he was 25 years old again.
There was actually a bright spot for the Pats’ defense this season, and it was Meriweather. The strong safety churned out a pro bowl season and his ball-hawk-like abilities earned him 83 tackles, two forced fumbles and five interceptions.
All-Tomari Special Teams
Place Kicker: Ryan Longwell
Why not? I wasn’t going to select Nate “Hat Trick” Kaeding. Longwell is a good kicker, and might be on the brink of playing in the Super Bowl.
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Punter: Jay Feely
Way to go Jay — not bad for taking over for a sick punter in the playoffs. But just do me and all of us a favor: Take off those gloves and those elbow things. You’re a kicker, man.
Kick/Punt Returner: Joshua Cribbs
He’s the only player worth a nickel on the Cleveland Browns. I don’t care if it was against Kansas City. He returned two kickoffs for touchdowns on Dec. 20, setting an NFL record for kickoff returns in a career. Note to Cleveland’s GM: Please pay the man!
