BleedinBlue Posted May 19, 2012 Share Posted May 19, 2012 Great article from NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8292eebc/article/calvin-johnson-headlines-seven-most-dominant-players-today ) It will cost the Giants a small fortune to keep JPP if he gets any better. A nice problem to have. And it doesn't make it any easier for Osi to reclaim the starting role. The Seven Most Dominant Players in the NFL Today By Daniel Jeremiah NFL.com Analyst Published: May 18, 2012 So much of our time is spent bloviating on quarterbacks, and justifiably so, but that is not the only position on the field where one player can dominate the game. I enlisted the help of several NFL coaches, executives and scouts and compiled a list of the seven most dominant players in the NFL. And in this exercise, quarterbacks aren't eligible Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions You aren't given the nickname "Megatron" for being just an above-average wide receiver. Johnson is the epitome of dominance. Everyone in the stadium knows where the ball is going and there is absolutely nothing a defense can do about it. If you are looking for a witness, give Rob Ryan or anyone in the Dallas secondary a call. As one NFC executive put it, "He's a bigger, tougher Randy Moss." Rob Gronkowski, TE, New England Patriots You don't normally equate the word "dominant" with the tight end position. Gronkowski changed that perception last season. His 17 touchdown catches (an NFL TE record) led the entire league. I asked an opposing defensive coach about trying to slow down Gronk. "It's helpless; there is nothing you can do." This coach went on to explain that Gronkowski's a matchup nightmare for anybody you throw at him. He's too fast and athletic for linebackers to cover and his size and strength overwhelms cornerbacks and safeties. Darrelle Revis, CB, New York Jets This should come as no surprise to anyone who watches NFL football on a regular basis. He's the best cornerback in the game and the only current player at the position worthy of the "shutdown" label. I asked several opposing coaches and personnel execs if there was any reason he shouldn't be on this list. Crickets ... DeMarcus Ware, OLB, Dallas Cowboys Stats don't always tell the story, but in this case they are hard to ignore. In seven seasons, Ware has sacked opposing quarterbacks 99.5 times. He's had four different seasons where he's collected 14 or more sacks and only one year in which he failed to reach double digits (his rookie season, when he had eight). He's also forced 27 fumbles in his career. "He's the one guy we play against that we don't have an answer for," said one NFC executive who is very familiar with Ware's ability to dominate games. "How do you stop him? I wish I knew." Jared Allen, DE, Minnesota Vikings Everyone in the NFL uses the same word to describe Allen: "Warrior." A relentless motor is his trademark, and he's proven capable of completely destroying an opposing passing attack. Want dominance? He recorded 22 sacks last season while playing on a team that won three games. Pass rushers love to play with leads. It allows them to pin their ears back and abandon any thought of a possible run. Jared wasn't afforded that luxury, yet he fell only half a sack short of Michael Strahan's single-season record. Jason Peirre-Paul, DE, New York Giants Pierre-Paul is the defensive version of Calvin Johnson. His physical size and athletic ability are so off the charts that it is tough to come up with a defensive comparison from the present or the past. His length and ability to corner the edge is similar to Jevon Kearse, but he's much thicker and stronger. In 2011, JPP was a dominant force with 86 tackles and 16.5 sacks. He creates major matchup problems no matter where he aligns. From the outside, his power is a major issue for offensive tackles, while his quickness gives interior offensive lineman fits. One highly respected NFL defensive line coach believes he's the best pass rusher to enter the league in the past 10 years. Justin Smith, DT, San Francisco 49ers I think the cat might finally be out of the bag: Justin Smith is one bad dude! It's hard for a 5-technique in a three-man front to dominate a football game, but Smith does just that on a weekly basis. He has rare strength, power and balance to hold the point of attack against the run. Simply put, he's immovable. He also has the quickness and awareness to shed blockers, locate the football and make the tackle. As a pass rusher, he makes it close to impossible for the offensive line to establish a clean pocket. He constantly gets push and offers a wide variety of hand moves to create pressure. The term walk-off usually applies to baseball players, but Justin made it relevant in the NFL last season. He made key plays to clinch wins over the Eagles, Lions and Giants (in their regular season matchup). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storm Posted May 19, 2012 Share Posted May 19, 2012 If he can continue to not only put up similar numbers but become more adept at the game of football (because he already obviously has the raw talent and ability to just seek and destroy whoever has the football) and become a team leader, than yes, absolutely-provided he stays healthy. I would love to see Justin Tuck mentor him and pass the torch off to him when he retires (hopefully both as Giants). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigblue25 Posted May 19, 2012 Share Posted May 19, 2012 Gronkowski? I like Gronk and he is good, but dominant? I also think Gronk's success has a lot to do with system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
osi724dasack Posted May 19, 2012 Share Posted May 19, 2012 I'd put Adrian Peterson or Patrick Willis ahead of Gronk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigblue25 Posted May 19, 2012 Share Posted May 19, 2012 I'd put Adrian Peterson or Patrick Willis ahead of Gronk. I would even argue that Graham is the better TE and cause's worst matchup problems. Graham was in a offense that was 50/50 run/pass and had more receptions, also Gronk and Hernandez is all Brady had to throw to, while Brees had four other receivers to throw to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Treehugger Posted May 19, 2012 Share Posted May 19, 2012 I would even argue that Graham is the better TE and cause's worst matchup problems. Graham was in a offense that was 50/50 run/pass and had more receptions, also Gronk and Hernandez is all Brady had to throw to, while Brees had four other receivers to throw to. Wouldn't that be an argument FOR dominance; the other team know the ball's going to him and they still can't stop him? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigblue25 Posted May 19, 2012 Share Posted May 19, 2012 Wouldn't that be an argument FOR dominance; the other team know the ball's going to him and they still can't stop him? not when you factor in Hernandez too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIGBLUE01 Posted May 19, 2012 Share Posted May 19, 2012 I'd put Adrian Peterson or Patrick Willis ahead of Gronk. I would ABSOLUTELY, put Willis before Ware. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrashTalker92 Posted May 19, 2012 Share Posted May 19, 2012 Gates over Gronk. Willis over ware. And god over megatron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herc Posted May 19, 2012 Share Posted May 19, 2012 i think gronk belongs. i don't think justin smith does Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandolphScott Posted May 20, 2012 Share Posted May 20, 2012 Gronk is a complete tight end. Jimmy Graham however, is not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrashTalker92 Posted May 20, 2012 Share Posted May 20, 2012 Gronk is a complete tight end. Jimmy Graham however, is not. Would you compare Gates ( healthy ) to Gronk??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrazedDogs Posted May 20, 2012 Share Posted May 20, 2012 I've said multiple times, JPP is the most talented, naturally gifted, defensive player I've seen since Reggie White. So I say, no.... not the best in the last decade. Maybe the best in the last 2+ decades. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allstarjim Posted May 20, 2012 Share Posted May 20, 2012 We're talking today, right now... Gates doesn't touch Gronk right now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
osi724dasack Posted May 21, 2012 Share Posted May 21, 2012 Lol the Jets fans are at it Today at work this dude goes " hey man we got Coples now! We got our own JPP" haha i sent him home. Hopefully I don't get in trouble. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sephiroth Posted May 21, 2012 Share Posted May 21, 2012 I don't ever remember seeing a TE that's as freakishly gifted as Gronkowski. Guy seems like he's 11 feet tall, strong as an ox, and is too fast for a linebacker to keep up with him. JPP is pretty amazing as well, but let's see what he does in the next few years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nas Posted May 21, 2012 Share Posted May 21, 2012 I don't ever remember seeing a TE that's as freakishly gifted as Gronkowski. Guy seems like he's 11 feet tall, strong as an ox, and is too fast for a linebacker to keep up with him. JPP is pretty amazing as well, but let's see what he does in the next few years. I only recall Gronk not being able to adjust to a deep ball thrown to him where Chase Blackburn intercepted it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmenroc Posted May 21, 2012 Share Posted May 21, 2012 I only recall Gronk not being able to adjust to a deep ball thrown to him where Chase Blackburn intercepted it. Could spin that pretty easily to emphasize his toughness playing on a pretty fucked up ankle. As nice of a play as it was for Chase, let's be a bit more realistic here and agree that Gronk's bum wheel had as much to do with that play as Blackburn. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYG Hampton 27 Posted May 21, 2012 Share Posted May 21, 2012 Could spin that pretty easily to emphasize his toughness playing on a pretty fucked up ankle. As nice of a play as it was for Chase, let's be a bit more realistic here and agree that Gronk's bum wheel had as much to do with that play as Blackburn. how awesome Chase Blackburn is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storm Posted May 21, 2012 Share Posted May 21, 2012 Could spin that pretty easily to emphasize his toughness playing on a pretty fucked up ankle. As nice of a play as it was for Chase, let's be a bit more realistic here and agree that Gronk's bum wheel had as much to do with that play as Blackburn. And it was a pretty underthrown ball, too. Regardless, Chase DID outposition Gronk for the ball....even if the bum ankle prevented Gronk from jumping more than 2 inches off of the ground, lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
osi724dasack Posted May 21, 2012 Share Posted May 21, 2012 Gronks ankle seemed A Ok when he was rling on ecstasy during his post game antics at the sausage fest. Props to Chase, Jaquain, Boley and co. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nas Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 Could spin that pretty easily to emphasize his toughness playing on a pretty fucked up ankle. As nice of a play as it was for Chase, let's be a bit more realistic here and agree that Gronk's bum wheel had as much to do with that play as Blackburn. Fucked up ankle is a very over-rated injury. Adrenaline makes up for it. I kid you not I played on a fractured ankle.. I finished the game .. a pick up game.. and in the ER it was an "oh shit" moment... I just think he was over-hyped. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYG Hampton 27 Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 Fucked up ankle is a very over-rated injury. Adrenaline makes up for it. I kid you not I played on a fractured ankle.. I finished the game .. a pick up game.. and in the ER it was an "oh shit" moment... I just think he was over-hyped. Let's be fair here. First off, one ankle injury isn't the same as the next. And, the competition in the Super Bowl was probably a bit stiffer than your pickup game. Gronk is a very good player, and he did not look 100% in the Super Bowl. Whether he is a top 7 player in the league is a different argument, but he did average more than 1 touchdown per game. He's pretty damn good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storm Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 Let's be fair here. First off, one ankle injury isn't the same as the next. And, the competition in the Super Bowl was probably a bit stiffer than your pickup game. Gronk is a very good player, and he did not look 100% in the Super Bowl. Whether he is a top 7 player in the league is a different argument, but he did average more than 1 touchdown per game. He's pretty damn good. He honestly looked at less than 50%....the Giants defense has even made comments post-SB stating that they knew as soon as he first stepped on the field that they weren't going to have to worry about him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herc Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 yeah im not taking anything away from the giants but not having a healthy gronk out there made it a totally different game Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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