Cracking the top 10 of NFL Network’s “The Top 100 Players of 2011″ list isn’t easy. Just ask Super Bowl XLV MVP Aaron Rodgers.
The Packers quarterback came in at No. 11 on the list, as voted by NFL players. Rodgers has the statistics, and the Lombardi Trophy earned in February proves he has the results as well. Should those two factors place him higher on this list?
NFL Network analyst Marshall Faulk thinks so, sharing his thoughts on the “Top 100 Players of 2011 Reactions” show Sunday night.
“When I look at the list, I base it off last year’s stats,” Faulk said. “And last year’s stats say the best quarterback in the league won the Super Bowl.”
Faulk’s opinion likely covered the postseason as well, since New England Patriots star Tom Brady put up the best statistical season for a quarterback during the regular season, winning a league MVP award for his efforts. That said, Rodgers was no slouch during the regular season, throwing for 28 touchdowns and 3,922 yards in 15 starts.
Dallas Cowboys defensive terror DeMarcus Ware (No. 12 on the list) was in-studio, where he explained Rodgers hasn’t bypassed other icons of his position just yet.
“(Rodgers) is good, but you got Peyton Manning, you got Drew Brees and you have Tom Brady,” Ware said. “He could scoot up a little bit more numbers-wise, but he’s not above those quarterbacks.”
NFL Network analyst Jay Glazer believes the combination of time and Rodgers’ continued partnership with Packers coach Mike McCarthy will eventually elevate him to the top of the quarterback pile.
“What helps him also is he and Mike McCarthy together. Those two guys are Frick and Frack, they’re a perfect combination,” Glazer said. “And that’s why I think in the next few years you’re going to see him climb up this list … within the next 10 years he’s going to make eight, nine Pro Bowls.”
Tune in next Sunday night when the final 10 players are unveiled on NFL Network at 8 p.m. ET. Who do you think will come in at No. 1?
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