Just got that new Sporting News the other day and they have their NFL preview. With that, they ask a former coach or G.M. in each division to list their "all-division teams".
It's an interesting exercise (side-note: I've always said to spice up NBA All-Star Weekend back in the day was to have a All Star team from each division ... back when there were only four ... and have them play a two day tournament. The winner would see its regular season champion get home court for the playoffs. I was young when I thought that, but I like the idea of having the divisional All-Star squads).
Obviously I don't agree with all the selections and I'm not going tit-for-tat on every one. I am going to put my stamp on who the best quarterback, running back and wide receiver is in each division.
NFC EAST: Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook and Santana Moss. This is exactly what Jim Fassel had, too. It's amazing that Moss is the best receiver in this division right now. But with no T.O. or Plaxico around, Moss is the guy. I also wanted to push Brandon Jacobs in there instead of Westbrook ... but I just can't.
NFC NORTH: Jay Cutler, Adrian Peterson and Calvin Johnson. Steve Mariucci had Brett Favre as the best QB in the division. I'm not seeing it, Lloyd. Not right now. In fact, I have him third in this division ... which isn't saying much since Detroit will be starting a rookie. I think Cutler is better right now as is Aaron Rodgers. The other positions aren't disputable.
NFC SOUTH: Drew Brees, Michael Turner and Steve Smith. Agree with Bruce Allen on this. Brees is easily the top QB. Turner gets some heat from D'Angelo Williams but pulls away. And Steve Smith is the biggest game breaker this division has.
NFC WEST: Kurt Warner, Steven Jackson and Larry Fitzgerald. Agree with Mike Martz on this. It's sad that Warner is easily the top dog in this division, but when your competition is Shaun Hill, a gimpy Matt Hasselbeck and a gimpy Marc Bulger that's what happens. Jackson beats out Frank Gore and Fitz beats out fellow Cardinal Anquan Boldin.
AFC EAST: Tom Brady, Ronnie Brown and Randy Moss. Herm Edwards picked Thomas Jones as the running back -- I can't do that. Brown was having an outstanding year in 2007 on a crappy team before injuries ended his season early. Yeah, last year he gained fame for bringing the Wildcat Offense to the NFL but he's still a solid back. Brady and Moss aren't touched here.
AFC NORTH: Ben Roethlisberger, Willie Parker and Hines Ward. All Steelers that were picked by Phil Savage -- a former Browns G.M. You can't really argue this either. Big Ben has two titles. Parker doesn't really have any competition right now. Cedric Benson? Jamal Lewis? Ray Rice? As for Ward, when they make a rule after you then you know you are a difference maker. Ward brings it every year which is why he beats out Chad Ochocinco and Braylon Edwards.
AFC SOUTH: Peyton Manning, Maurice Jones-Drew and Andre Johnson. Manning is a shoo-in here. Jones Drew does get some noise from newbies Chris Johnson and Steve Slaton ... but I want to see them do it in their sophomore year. Andre Johnson just beats out Reggie Wayne.
AFC WEST: Philip Rivers, LaDainian Tomlinson and Brandon Marshall. This is tough. Rivers easily is the top quarterback. In the past, LT would be a shoo-in for the running back. He still is when you factor in that Larry Johnson has been M.I.A., Darren McFadden didn't have a glorious rookie campaign and Knowshon Moreno comes into his first season with a bum knee. As for Marshall, I have him beating out Vincent Jackson and Dwayne Bowe because he is the best receiver in the division if he puts his mind to it.
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