Can't blame Warren, Wilfork for Pats' porous run D
By KC Joyner
ESPN Insider
(Archive)

Updated: February 20, 2008
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Because last week's article was devoted to the eight most overrated players in the NFL, it seems only fair to devote this week's article to the eight most underrated players in the league.


• Glossary of terms

Bobby Engram, WR, Seattle: After I listed Donald Driver as one of the most overrated players last week, I received a number of e-mails from Packers fans demanding to know who deserved the Pro Bowl spot over Driver. Engram certainly would have been an excellent choice. His 94 receptions, 1,147 yards and six receiving touchdowns were all better than Driver's totals, as was his 9.3 yards per attempt. He isn't thought of as a top 10-15 wide receiver, but his numbers say he was one in 2007.

Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Indianapolis: If the speculation is correct and Marvin Harrison does end up being let go by the Colts, it probably will have more to do with the fast development of Gonzalez than Harrison's knee injury. Gonzalez's 11.2 yards per attempt last season would be extremely impressive for a veteran wide receiver, but Gonzalez did it in his rookie campaign.

E.J. Henderson, LB, Minnesota: Pat Williams and Kevin Williams tend to get all of the press for the Vikings' stout run defense, but Henderson's phenomenal 36.5 defeated block percentage shows he deserves a lot of credit for his abilities to stuff the run as well.

Anthony Henry, CB, Dallas: Terence Newman is a dominant player whose presence would overshadow just about any cornerback in the league. Henry is something of a forgotten man because of this, but his 2007 metrics were quite similar to Newman's. Newman did beat Henry in YPA (6.8 to 6.1), but Henry's success percentage was much higher (46.4 versus 37.9). If Henry can keep up with Newman again in 2008, these two would be able to make a strong argument for possibly being the best NFC cornerback tandem.

Cory Redding, DT, Detroit: It is hard to get an NFC Pro Bowl berth at defensive tackle, because those spots tend to go to the aforementioned Williams duo in Minnesota and/or Tommie Harris. Even so, Redding's 30 defeated run blocks and 32.3 defeated block percentage were both Pro Bowl-caliber numbers. I believe a strong argument could be made that Redding should have taken Harris' Pro Bowl spot (which he vacated because of injury) instead of Darnell Dockett.

Ty Warren and Vince Wilfork, defensive linemen, New England: The Patriots had a lot of strengths last season, but run defense was not one of them. Their 4.4 YPA ranked tied for 26th in that department. However, Warren and Wilfork were certainly not part of the problem, their 3.5 and 3.7 YPAs on point-of-attack runs clearly states. Add those metrics to Warren's 20.6 and Wilfork's 15.5 in defeated block percentage against POA runs, and it shows they are two players New England can rebuild its run defense around.

Roddy White, WR, Atlanta: White's 9.0 YPA on 83 receptions went almost unnoticed in most circles because of the many negative stories in Atlanta last season. His 1,202 receiving yards tied for eighth in the NFL and were more than Torry Holt or T.J. Houshmandzadeh gained. If White put up this level of performance with a revolving door of backup quarterbacks, one can only imagine the kind of numbers he could post with a solid passer in the Falcons' backfield.

KC Joyner, aka the Football Scientist, is a regular contributor to ESPN Insider. His core passing metrics can be found in the ESPN Fantasy Football Magazine, which is on newsstands now. A free sample of his latest release ("Scientific Football 2007") is available on his Web site.

there is rumors about the colts letting Harrison go? Is this for real? I can't see that happening that is insane. Unless Harrison's injury is so bad he can't play....

there is rumors about the colts letting Harrison go? Is this for real? I can't see that happening that is insane. Unless Harrison's injury is so bad he can't play....

haven't heard that rumor. if they do i'm sure snyder will sign him to a 5 year 60 million dollar contract:grin:

You guys haven't heard about the Colts possibly parting ways with Marvin??
WTF? It is purely speculation, but he is owed a lot of money when it is likely he will never be overly productive again.

As far as the list, EJ Henderson has always been one of my favorite players since his days at MD.
I thought Roddy White would be highly productive in his rookie season. I was off a couple of years. :sifone:
I didn't watch much Bobby Engram this year, but he has been in the league for 10 years. He surely didn't just develop new skills.
Anthony Gonzalez is a pretty good player in a great system.
Anthony Henry is a very good cover 2 zone corner. He can break on the ball and make plays, but he is one of the slower starting DBs in the game.
Redding is a true DE who is playing DT because Detroit needs him. He can certainly rush the passer and beat blockers one on one, but I wouldn't want him as my #1 DT at all. He could not fit in a 3-4 system, either.

there is rumors about the colts letting Harrison go? Is this for real? I can't see that happening that is insane. Unless Harrison's injury is so bad he can't play....

Harrison is not getting younger and also they got Wayne and Gonzales, they really don't need him.

harrison is like the man of the colts the past 10 years.

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/5509/dansbyarmsinairrg3.jpg

Most people don't hear much about Carlos Dansby but he is a game changer.

Tempe, AZ – The Arizona Cardinals Football Club today announced that the team has placed the “non-exclusive” franchise tag on linebacker KARLOS DANSBY.
Dansby (6-4, 250) was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of this month. Under the terms of the “non-exclusive” franchise tag designation, Dansby has been offered a one-year tender in the amount of the average of the five highest paid linebackers in the NFL in 2007. The Cardinals can continue to negotiate a long-term contract with Dansby through July 15. If Dansby receives an offer sheet from another team, the Cardinals can match it or receive two first-round draft picks as compensation.

Arizona’s second-round selection (33rd overall) in the 2004 NFL Draft out of Auburn, Dansby has appeared in 58 games with 51 starts in his four seasons in Arizona, collecting 382 tackles (296 solos), 20.5 sacks, seven interceptions, 10 forced fumbles, and six fumble recoveries.
Dansby moved to inside linebacker in 2007. He started 14 games there and collected a career high 117 tackles, 3.5 sacks, three interceptions and three forced fumbles. Dansby eclipsed 100 tackles for the second time in his career in 2007 after collecting 103 in 2005. His three interceptions last season also tied a career high from when he had three interceptions with two of those returned for touchdowns in 2005. His eight sacks in 2006 were the most sacks by a Cardinals linebacker in a single season since Ken Harvey recorded 9.5 in 1993.

Karlos is a beast. Always one of my favorites. His JR year he was supposed to be a top 5 pick, guy put on 20 pounds of muscle, ran slower and got ripped off in the draft.

Adjusted to his new weight and became a complete game changer. He should have some big dough coming his way.

I'll take Karlos, Antrel Rolle (at FS) and Adrian Wilson, and you can have the rest of those scummers.

Darnell Docket and Calvin Pace ain't no scummers :(

Darnell Docket and Calvin Pace ain't no scummers :(

True, but isn't Pace a F.A.?

I forgot about Dockett entirely. He would be an awesome DE for the Patriots 3-4 scheme.

yeah Pace is a F.A. but the Cards really want to keep him. wait for see

harrison is like the man of the colts the past 10 years.

you are right about one thing.... "the PAST ten years".... now his day is over and time for the young Blood (wayne and Gonzales) to take over.

I certainly don't know the extent of Harrisons injuries or if he'll be able to contribute at all but he definitely doesn't warrant the current salary that he's on schedule to make. Waynes the man there now and Gonzales shows great promise in the slot with the speed to get downfield. Harrison could be there for cheap but I don't see him being worth multi-millions for more than a year regardless of what his past achievements may be.

no doubt he is getting older...it just seems like they are kinda screwing him over this injury. Over the past 10 seasons he has easily been the most consistent receiver in the league, always over a thousand yards and 10 touchdowns. then he was injured this year, although granted he wasnt putting up the same statistics as normal early in the season, but i think he picks up late in the season anyway. One year he isnt over a thousand yards and 10 touchdowns and he is gone? he was injured!!!! the redskins will take him, and i would love it.

actually just looked up his stats early this season, he was on pace.... averaging over 70 yards first 3 games and one touchdown. little short in TDs i guess but those have a tendency to come in bunches.

Zere, IDK if you are a Colts fan or not, but if you are, you aren't very dedicated.

It has been widespread news that doctors told Marvin he would NEVER be able to alleviate the pain from his latest injury. It might not physically effect what he can do, but he feels pain always.

He was never a tough player, now he has to play with an injury. The guy is done, if the Colts keep him for that huge salary, I will be thrilled as a Pats fan.

Zere, IDK if you are a Colts fan or not, but if you are, you aren't very dedicated.

It has been widespread news that doctors told Marvin he would NEVER be able to alleviate the pain from his latest injury. It might not physically effect what he can do, but he feels pain always.

He was never a tough player, now he has to play with an injury. The guy is done, if the Colts keep him for that huge salary, I will be thrilled as a Pats fan.

that motherfucker is a demon redskin fan.

that motherfucker is a demon redskin fan.

Oh okay...

Well, WAR X-MIAMI HURRICANES, but fuck the Redskins.

actually just looked up his stats early this season, he was on pace.... averaging over 70 yards first 3 games and one touchdown. little short in TDs i guess but those have a tendency to come in bunches.

ok Zere check this out.................... IF he had a QB OTHER than Manning throwing him the ball, do you think he would still put up those numbers, you know someone like Campbell or Jackson or Smith........ I think not, YES he WAS good a few years back, but now......c'mon. he will never fully heal to play like that anymore, wait for see.

ok Zere check this out.................... IF he had a QB OTHER than Manning throwing him the ball, do you think he would still put up those numbers, you know someone like Campbell or Jackson or Smith........ I think not, YES he WAS good a few years back, but now......c'mon. he will never fully heal to play like that anymore, wait for see.

Not to mention, he did nothing in the playoffs... and did absolutely NOTHING once he was injured (after those 3 games that Zere mentioned BTW).

harrison has always dissapeared in the playoffs. he also drops a lot of passes in the playoffs. don't mind zere he's just a stupid redskins fan. HAIL TO THE COWBOYS!

Harrison was great, but he is a shell of his former self.

Can he still play in the NFL?
Probably, but we saw guys like Tim Brown and Jerry Rice play long after they were still very effective.

I think he should play as long as he wants, but it doesn't mean that the Colts should pay him because it is a guy named "Marvin Harrison". They need production, not a future hall of famer.

Who do you guys think are some of the best under 25 players in the L who you think aren't given the hype they probably deserve, or whom you think will have breakout seasons?

Harrison was great, but he is a shell of his former self.

Can he still play in the NFL?
Probably, but we saw guys like Tim Brown and Jerry Rice play long after they were still very effective.

I think he should play as long as he wants, but it doesn't mean that the Colts should pay him because it is a guy named "Marvin Harrison". They need production, not a future hall of famer.

yes, yes exactly, I'm in agree.

Dwayne Bowe and Jon Beason were rookies this past year that I think are going to be special players. Under the radar guys though I'm not too sure. I think the Pats Chad Jackson is going to be good. I'm a big DeAngelo Williams fan and I think he will have a monster season next year for the Panthers although he had a very good season this past year for them as well.

Who do you guys think are some of the best under 25 players in the L who you think aren't given the hype they probably deserve, or whom you think will have breakout seasons?

of course I'm gonna say Santonio Holmes. Ward is starting to get some rust on him also.

Lamar Woodley (though I'm not sure he's overlooked at all), David Harris of the Jets is a beast perfectly fit for 3-4, Aaron Rouse of the Packers, Rocky McIntosh, Ko Simpson, Will Blackmon, Elvis Dumervil (sackmaster), Sean Jones, and Travis LaBoy for defense off the top of my head.

#1. Most underrated - Patrick Willis 49ers MLB

I think people understand how good Willis is but the 49ers aren't exactly a popular team right now. For those who haven't seen much of him go check him out he's the best MLB in the game behind Ray Lewis. Another underrated player I think is Chris Chambers.

WARRR Ernie Sims... and even though I hate the Jets, David Harris is another good young LB to watch out for. Lamar Woodley of the Steelers should be a great pass rusher next season too.

WARRR Ernie Sims... and even though I hate the Jets, David Harris is another good young LB to watch out for. Lamar Woodley of the Steelers should be a great pass rusher next season too.

did you see the other steelers rookie lb who took woodley's job just got arrested for beating him girlfriend. what's up with all the nfl guys beating there bitches?

did you see the other steelers rookie lb who took woodley's job just got arrested for beating him girlfriend. what's up with all the nfl guys beating there bitches?

IDK if I'd say he took Woodley's job. Woodley was a rook last year, and had a lot of vets in front of him. He was only a 3rd round pick. Lawrence Timmons is the disappointment, I think.

James Harrison is a douche, but he had a great year last year. LOL

IDK if I'd say he took Woodley's job. Woodley was a rook last year, and had a lot of vets in front of him. He was only a 3rd round pick. Lawrence Timmons is the disappointment, I think.

James Harrison is a douche, but he had a great year last year. LOL

he's the one who beat his girlfriend

he's the one who beat his girlfriend

Yeah thats what I meant, Harrison is a douche. He's not a rook. He's like 31.
Lawrence Timmons (their 1st Rd pick last year) did nothing.

did you see the other steelers rookie lb who took woodley's job just got arrested for beating him girlfriend. what's up with all the nfl guys beating there bitches?

because they are big bad football players who think they can get away with shit. the money goes to their head.

Yeah thats what I meant, Harrison is a douche. He's not a rook. He's like 31.
Lawrence Timmons (their 1st Rd pick last year) did nothing.


Timmons will have a better year this year.

Timmons will have a better year this year.

Better than Woodley or Harrison, or both? I like Woodley a lot, but Timmons has all the physical tools to be like Rosey Colvin or something.

Better than Woodley or Harrison, or both? I like Woodley a lot, but Timmons has all the physical tools to be like Rosey Colvin or something.

yep you heard it here first, maybe not better than Harrison.