NFL GridIron Gab Daily Digest

Offense

QB: Brett Favre – I can see Aaron Rodgers or Jay Cutler missing time due to offensive line woes.  Major issue and cause for concern.  As for Favre, let’s just count on him for all 16 games.  I want him on my team, not only for his durability, but for the simple fact he delivers in the clutch.  As reliable as they come.  As tough as they get.  The team takes on his identity and patterns after his intensity, a true leader.  He demands success and wills his team.

RB: Adrian Peterson – Without hesitation.  Adrian is the most physically imposing talent in the game today.  Best combination of speed and strength at RB since Bo Jackson and the “Nigerian Nightmare”.  The only two things stopping “All Day”: His offensive coordinator and himself.

FB: Naufahu Tahi – Lead blocker for Adrian.  Bowling ball.  Just gets the job done, does the dirty work.

WR: Calvin Johnson – Talk about another physical specimen.  Tremendous athletic gifts and the size to go with it.  Unstoppable inside the 20.  Is there any reason he should not get Andre Johnson numbers?  He’s in his third year and has one of the best arms throwing him the rock, plus his team will be playing from behind many occasions.  The sky is the limit.  Should be sure thing for 1,500 yards/15 touchdowns.

WR: Sidney Rice – Makes the squad over his teammate Percy Harvin and Green Bay’s potent pair.  Outstanding in-air ability to make the difficult catch look easy.  Impressive rapport with Favre.  Just started showing us what he’s capable of doing at high level.  Could he outperform Calvin?  Expectations and bar set high for former South Carolina standout.

TE: Jermichael Finley – I would be shocked if he’s not invited to Hawaii.  Star in the making written all over.  Match-up problem.  Toughest TE to defend.  Just saw a glimpse of his potential.  So natural, smooth, and effortless.  WR in TE’s body.   How are teams going to stop Packers aerial attack?  10 touchdowns/1,000 yards?

OL: Jeff Backus, Rob Sims, Olin Kreutz, Steve Hutchinson, Gosder Cherilus.

Defense

DE: Julius Peppers – How do you block this guy?  Impressive set of skills that are unmatched as defensive end.  Forces fumbles, intercepts passes, and frees up teammates.  Offensive coordinator’s headache.  A handful for any tackle.  With a weak NFC North group he should dominate.  Pressure is on him to excel and make big-time difference.

DE: Cullen Jenkins – Key to Green Bay defense.  When he’s in it’s a different story.  Just his presence alone pays big dividends.  What he brings to the table cannot be measured.  Solid run stuffer.  Can get to the passer really well for his size.  Up and coming Ray Edwards deserves consideration here.

DT: Ndamukong Suh – Next Warren Sapp?  Based on hype, he’s as good as it gets at the position.  They don’t make ‘em like this.  Once-in-a-lifetime player?  Has all the talent in the world.  Rare breed?  Have to believe he will make a tremendous impact right from the get-go.  Should not have a problem adjusting to next level and transitioning over to Sundays.  8+ sacks is very realistic and attainable goal.

DT: Kevin Williams – Top defender on best defense in the division.  Loves to get to the QB.  Excellent run defender.  Does it all.  Shoe-in for Pro Bowl.  OC’s game plan for him, not Jared Allen.

LB: Lance Briggs – Always up there in stuffs (tackles for loss).  Nose for the ball, plays pass well.  Go-getter, really pursues sideline-to-sideline.  Bears best defender past four years.  Started to receive more credit.  Has only missed three games in his career.  Better than Urlacher.

LB: Clay Matthews – Best pass rushing LB in division.  Special player.  Final five games, racked up six sacks.  Only going to get better.  Literally bullied Adrian Peterson, ripping ball for touchdown on MNF.

LB: Jasper Brinkely – Reminiscent of a young Adalius Thomas.  Will get more of a chance this season.  I see him getting to the QB at will, becoming effective force.  Out with the old (Julian Peterson), in with the new.

CB: Charles Woodson – Playmaker.  What he did last year was remarkable.  Continues to be tested, continues to rise up to challenge and one up himself.  Performed at such an elite level in ‘09-10, you have to wonder if he will ever decline?  Despite numerous nagging injuries, won D.P.O.Y.  Top 15 player.

CB: Amari Spievey – Next play making corner back.  Just made it ahead of the “other Charles” (Peanut Tillman) and Zack Bowman.  There’s something about this kid.  He’s going to make QB’s pay for thinking he’s “just” a rookie.  Will get better with time, seeing he gets the privilege rubbing elbows with Calvin every day in practice.  Asante Samuel, anyone?

S: Nick Collins – The Ed Reed of the NFC.  Threat to make “house work” of every interception.  Prime time ball hawk.  Plays the center field spot extremely well.

S: Louis Delmas – Loose cannon.  Kid will become a household name relatively soon.  Next top safety.  Hawaii?  Aggressive as all get out.  Can hit, does the duty of an enforcer across the middle.  Guarantee for at least two defensive scores.