12ths, 5 Threats From Anywhere On The Field!

[12thMan]

Here is my list of five that can take it all the way at any time from anywhere. If I had to choose another title for the thread, it would be "five game changers!" Enjoy!


Devin Hester: Although its far too early to carve out a bust of Hester in Canton, before it’s all said and done Devin Hester could be mentioned in the same breath with the Gayle Sayers’ and Barry Sanders’ of the NFL. In 2006 Devin Hester electrified the NFL with a record six touchdown returns, and Skipped To My Lou through Arizona’s special teams [on Monday Football ] to leave the Cardinals stunned and Denny Green standing in the unemployment line.

As if that wasn’t enough, Hester lined up before the entire world on Super Bowl Sunday, and did the unthinkable by returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown! Can you imagine he’s actually going to line up on offense this year!

LaDainian Tomlinson: Only three words come to mind when I think of Tomlinson: Simply the best. Tomlinson juked, weaved and ran through defenders every week on his way to a record breaking season. It’s not just that Tomlinson is great at what he does, it’s how he does it. No chest thumping, rolling on the ground, or dancing and prancing in the end zone after each score. Tomlinson figures to be well on his way to Canton and deservedly so. Truth be told, LT would have made the coveted number one spot on my list had he not stiff-armed his way through our defense back in 2005 for that game winning touchdown. (Let it go 12th, let it go!)


Reggie Bush: After a slow start and tons of expectation, Reggie Bush established himself as one the games most dynamic all purpose running backs. Bush scored touchdowns rushing, receiving, and had one on a punt return. In 2006 Bush rushed for over 565 yds and grabbed a record breaking 88 receptions for another 742 yds.

Bush is a bona-fide threat to score anytime he touches the ball. His most memorable moment was against the Chicago Bears in the playoffs hauling in a short screen pass and leaving linebacker Brian Urlacher in the wind. I think Bush will only get better, and will continue to cause headaches for opposing defenses in 2007.


Santana Moss: There are wide receivers in the NFL that will have more receptions, some with more total yards, and some with more touchdowns, but by Joe Gibbs’ own admission, he’s never seen anyone that can do what Moss does after the ball is in his hands; I concur.

After an off year due to injuries, look for Santana Moss to rebound and reclaim his place among the league’s elite wide receivers. Moss is particularly dangerous running the screen pass or twisting and contorting underneath a long ball in flight; a thing of beauty. Who said the best Moss plays for New England?

The Baltimore Ravens Defense: In Baltimore sometimes the best offense is defense. The Ravens defense usually has a nose for the ball, but last year they proved they had a nose for the end zone too. The Ravens defense scored an amazing six touchdowns, grabbed 28 interceptions, and was the main reason the team recorded their best season in franchise history.

Even with the lost of Adalius Thomas, the Ravens will be led by the hard hitting Ray Lewis and the ever present Ed Reed. Expect more of the same in 2007 as the Ravens will try to make a Super Bowl push.