Nothing irks me more than the overly used, clichéd phrase, “big time players make big time plays in big time games.” No matter if it is personalities within the media, internet bloggers or players themselves, stating the obvious just bothers me.
While conventional wisdom tells me this type of performance is to be expected from players of this caliber, my eyes show me reality. The fact of the matter is the majority of the so-called ”big time” players simply are not wired to be “big time” when it matters most.
Below you will find my list of the top 10 players in the National Football League in 2014. These are the men who possess the mental strength and proper professional approach to the game which gives them the edge over peers who have not yet realized that their physical talent alone will only earn them mediocrity.
There was no game-plan strong enough to contain these gridiron guru’s as they all proved to be “big time” despite the magnitude of the game or scheme designed to contain them. Week in and week out, these guys consistently showed up and performed at an extremely high level.
1. J.J. Watt. Houston Texans. Defensive End.
Watt in my mind is the MVP of the National Football League in 2014. My general rule of thumb when it comes to talent evaluation is simple. I need you to do your job. JJ Watt is the type of guy who comes to work and does other peoples jobs… better than the permanent full-time guy. Watt amassed 20.5 sacks, forcing 5 fumbles while recovering 5 in 2014. That was just his job. Watt then decided to defend 10 passes and even grabbed an interception. He still wasn’t done. JJ Watt then accounted for 5 touchdowns, 3 of which came from the offensive side of the ball. You can’t possibly get more production out of any one player. That’s why Watt is number one on my top 10 and why Watt should be the 2014 NFL MVP.
2. Aaron Rodgers. Green Bay Packers. Quarterback.
Aaron Rodgers makes the game look elementary. Besides being cerebral to the tenth power and possessing the physical gifts and arm strength most pro quarterbacks envy, Rodgers led the Pack to a 12 – 4 record, finishing the season with a passer rating of 112.2. Throwing for 38 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions in 2014, Rodgers continues to frustrate defensive coordinators as just when you think you have sufficient coverage downfield and you have forced him to throw the ball away, Rodgers takes off and runs the ball displaying his overlooked dual-threat ability.
3. Rob Gronkowski. New England Patriots. Tight End.
Gronk was once again a man among boys on the football field in 2014. Physical dominance both blocking at the point of attack to assist the run and through the air as a pass catcher, Gronkowski was a factor every snap he was on the field. Leading the Patriots in receiving yards and touchdowns with 1,124 and 12 respectively, Gronkowski has clearly separated himself as the most talented pass catcher Tom Brady has ever had the pleasure to throw the ball to while playing in New England.
4. DeMarco Murray. Dallas Cowboys. Running Back.
A big, strong, physical runner, in 2014, Murray had the season that many thought he was capable of having if able to remain healthy. Logging 1,845 yards rushing and 416 yards receiving, Murray accounted for 2,261 yards from scrimmage for the Cowboys in 2014. Not only did Murray break Emmett Smith’s Cowboy single season rushing mark, more importantly, Murray gave the Dallas offense a reliable and punishing ground game, taking the ball away from and pressure off of inconsistent but above-average quarterback Tony Romo.
5. Darelle Revis. New England Patriots. Cornerback.
Bill Belichick got extremely solid and consistent play from Revis after choosing to part ways with now Denver Bronco cornerback, Aqib Talib. Revis appears to be back in the kidnapping business, inviting receivers to his island and holding them hostage until the game clock hits 00:00. Statistics can be misleading, however, the route anticipation, change of direction and pure ability to provide man-to-man coverage puts Revis in my Top 10. Finishing the season with 14 pass breakups and 41 tackles indicates to me that the opposition elected to stay away from “Revis Island” and run their offense through more favorable channels.
6. Antonio Brown. Pittsburgh Steelers. Wide Receiver.
Antonio Brown has the athleticism, work ethic and humble approach to be a great wide receiver in the NFL. Having an almost child-like love for football, Brown is a terror for defensive backs and defensive coordinators. For an encore performance to his 2013 campaign in which Brown posted 1,499 yards receiving, Brown caught 129 balls for 1,698 yards in 2014. A threat to score via punt return as well, Antonio Brown, barring injury, can expect to make many more All-Pro Teams during his career.
7. Demaryius Thomas. Denver Broncos. Wide Receiver.
DemaryiusThomas and Peyton Manning have a special kind of rapport. Even with the Bronco offense emphasizing the run towards the end of the season, Thomas was still able to flash his run-after-the-catch ability when Manning did look his way. Facing significantly more rolled coverages and double teams his way due to injury to another impact performer, tight end, Julius Thomas, Demaryius Thomas remained consistent recording another productive season with a career high 101 receiving yards per game, 1,619 yards receiving, 11 touchdowns and 647 yards after catching the ball in 2014.
8. Dez Bryant. Dallas Cowboys. Wide Receiver.
When attitude, intensity and explosiveness come together, the final product is Dez Bryant. Athleticism and intimidation are two variables that allow Bryant to dominate one-on-one coverage. Showing the uncanny ability to consistently make the acrobatic catch look easy, Bryant’s production in 2014, 88 receptions, 1,320 yards receiving to go along with a career high 16 touchdowns, was the perfect ying to DeMarco Murrays yang.
9. Justin Houston. Kansas City Chiefs. Linebacker.
The Kansas City Chiefs arguably have the most talented group of linebackers in the National Football League. With Justin Houston finishing the 2014 regular season as the sack champion with 22, the Chiefs have addressed all possible concerns when it comes to applying pressure to the quarterback. Houston proved to be an all-around linebacker as he was also able to also record 59 tackles in 2014. If there was a statistic for hustle, Houston would have rated high in that category as well. There were numerous plays, through pursuit and desire, when Houston was able to run a play down from behind or make a key play when left out of the blocking scheme.
10. Luke Kuechly. Carolina Panthers. Middle Linebacker.
13 passes defensed for a middle linebacker is major production outside of the traditional job description of what being a middle ‘backer entails. This staggering stat tells me that the instincts and awareness of Luke Kuechly have evolved to an elite status. Add 153 tackles, 1 interception and 3 sacks to the mix, “Luuuuuuuuuuke” has erased any ghosts of Jon Beason past to become the leader of a deceivingly dangerous Panther defense.