http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...hawks-secondary-headlines-top-position-groups
1. Seahawks secondary Don't look now, but the "Legion of Boom" is playing at an even higher level the past three weeks than they did as a historically great unit last season. Richard Sherman hasn't allowed a completion over that span. Byron Maxwell was the defensive MVP in the shutdown performance against Chip Kelly's Eagles. Earl Thomas remains the game's premier free safety, while Kam Chancellor is still the most intimidating box safety. This defense has allowed just one play over 17 yards the past two weeks and is now averaging 274.5 yards per game compared to 273.6 a year ago. At peak strength, Seattle's secondary has put on a clinic over the past 16 games, suffocating the likes of Peyton Manning, Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers.
2. Cowboys offensive line Although DeMarco Murray's record-breaking season has sparked MVP discussion, former Giantsoffensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride maintains that left tackle Tyron Smith is the Cowboys' most valuable player. Already a Pro Bowl-caliber lineman, first-round right guard Zack Martin is an Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate. Altogether, Murray's blockers have set a physical tone this franchise has lacked for years, all the while helping to mask the weaknesses of a below-average defense.
3. Packers wide receivers A quarterback can't be separated from his wide receivers. Nelson is one of the NFL's best route runners, deep threats and boundary targets whereas Cobb is a first-down machine with reliable hands, a punt-returner's run-after-catch elusiveness and an uncanny mind meld with Aaron Rodgers on improvised plays. The analytics site Pro Football Focus tracks quarterback-to-receiver passer rating. It's no surprise that Cobb (143.7) and Nelson (131.1) stand far above the crowd at their position.
4. Bills defensive line A month ago, a strong argument could have been made that Mario Williams was the fourth-most effective player on a defensive line that features Pro Bowl tackles Marcell Dareus and Kyle Williams as well as productive pass rusher Jerry Hughes. Since then, Mario has played like a man possessed, racking up six sacks and stuffing the run. The Bills' defensive front is the reason they remain in the playoff hunt despite a season's worth of subpar quarterback play.
5. Broncos receiving corps I'm going to stretch the rules and throw in Julius Thomas, since 21st century "move" tight ends are essentially wide receiver hybrids. Although Wes Welker is no longer a threat after the catch, Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders each rank in the top-five in receptions and top-six in receiving yards. Three of the four members of this crew deserve strong Pro Bowl consideration this season.
1. Seahawks secondary Don't look now, but the "Legion of Boom" is playing at an even higher level the past three weeks than they did as a historically great unit last season. Richard Sherman hasn't allowed a completion over that span. Byron Maxwell was the defensive MVP in the shutdown performance against Chip Kelly's Eagles. Earl Thomas remains the game's premier free safety, while Kam Chancellor is still the most intimidating box safety. This defense has allowed just one play over 17 yards the past two weeks and is now averaging 274.5 yards per game compared to 273.6 a year ago. At peak strength, Seattle's secondary has put on a clinic over the past 16 games, suffocating the likes of Peyton Manning, Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers.
2. Cowboys offensive line Although DeMarco Murray's record-breaking season has sparked MVP discussion, former Giantsoffensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride maintains that left tackle Tyron Smith is the Cowboys' most valuable player. Already a Pro Bowl-caliber lineman, first-round right guard Zack Martin is an Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate. Altogether, Murray's blockers have set a physical tone this franchise has lacked for years, all the while helping to mask the weaknesses of a below-average defense.
3. Packers wide receivers A quarterback can't be separated from his wide receivers. Nelson is one of the NFL's best route runners, deep threats and boundary targets whereas Cobb is a first-down machine with reliable hands, a punt-returner's run-after-catch elusiveness and an uncanny mind meld with Aaron Rodgers on improvised plays. The analytics site Pro Football Focus tracks quarterback-to-receiver passer rating. It's no surprise that Cobb (143.7) and Nelson (131.1) stand far above the crowd at their position.
4. Bills defensive line A month ago, a strong argument could have been made that Mario Williams was the fourth-most effective player on a defensive line that features Pro Bowl tackles Marcell Dareus and Kyle Williams as well as productive pass rusher Jerry Hughes. Since then, Mario has played like a man possessed, racking up six sacks and stuffing the run. The Bills' defensive front is the reason they remain in the playoff hunt despite a season's worth of subpar quarterback play.
5. Broncos receiving corps I'm going to stretch the rules and throw in Julius Thomas, since 21st century "move" tight ends are essentially wide receiver hybrids. Although Wes Welker is no longer a threat after the catch, Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders each rank in the top-five in receptions and top-six in receiving yards. Three of the four members of this crew deserve strong Pro Bowl consideration this season.
