1. Chandler Jones
No Andre Carter, no Mark Anderson. Jones was counted on to step in immediately and provide a pass rush and *hopefully* set the edge against the run despite going up against tackles 35+ pounds bigger than him. That he has done all of this is amazing and should not be taken for granted. The guy is always around the ball or making life miserable for the tackle assigned to block him, even when he's not showing up on the score sheet. Pats hit one out of the park with this pick.
2. Tom Brady
Puts up 30 on the Ravens in Baltimore. Puts up 500yds offense and 24 points on the Seahawks in Seattle. Runs the hurry-up offense like the league has never seen. One play made differently in their 3 losses, on either side of the ball, is the difference between 3-3 and 6-0. But because he has the most control on the "one play" that could be made by the offense, he's the one taking the most heat. Could he have made that one more play? Of course. When he doesn't, it just reminds us he's not perfect. Hint: He never was. He's damn close, though.
3. Big Vince
It's amazing he's been as durable as he is, considering the constant abuse a NT/DT faces (knock on wood). He's been the reliable anchor to an otherwise shaky defense the last few years. His stellar play has continued this year. He's the first guy that comes to mind when I think along the lines, "You think the D struggles now? Imagine what would happen if [D player] goes down!"
4. Jermaine Cunningham
His transformation to pass-rushing DT is unbelievable. Like Jones, even on the plays he's not on the score sheet he's causing havoc with the guard trying to block him.
5. Wes Welker
Guy continues to be a pass-catching, getting-open machine. That he has done so all these years at his size, taking serious pops over the middle, is truly incredible.
Honorable mentions: Gronk, Ridley, Bolden, Mayo, Hightower, Spikes, Ninko
Regards,
Chris
