All-Time Career Years for the St. Louis-Era Rams

OPINION
By John Turney

With the Rams moving back to Los Angeles we thought we'd do a career-year team for the Rams of the St. Louis era. This is not an All-Time team, it is a career-year team, the best individual seasons by players at each position. Here goes:

The line comes from the Super Bowl/Playoff era with McCullom, Timmerman, Nutten, Pace and Turley. Nutten an All-Pro as chosen by USA Today in 2000. Pace had many "honors" but 2003 was his best season, he allowed four sacks and wasn't called for a holding penalty. Turley was an All-Pro by the Dallas Morning News and was a top tackle as graded by Proscout, Inc. Timmerman was honored in several seasons but his season with the most honors was 2001.

The Second-teamers were not honored at all, other than Jake Long in 2013 as an honorable mention All-Pro. Gandy was a solid player and in 1996 he had the fewest sacks (5.5) and holding penalties  (1) of his Ram career. Joe Barksdale's 2013 season is an honorable mention.

Ernie Conwell was a Second-team All-Pro in 2001 and yes, we had to go with Jared Cook as the Second-team pick. His numbers were the best of any St. Louis-era Ram tight end (51-671-13.2-5). For the blocking backs we went with James Hodgins, 2000, and Madison Hedgecock, 2006. Hodgins blocked for Faulk's MVP season of 2000 and Hedgecock led Rams in special teams tackles and was the lead blocker for Steven Jackson's best season.

Speaking of which Faulk's 2000 (253-1359-5.4-18 and 81-830-10.2-8) and Jackson's 2006 (346-1528-4.4-13 and 90-806-9.0-3) are the top picks running back and the backups are Todd Gurley, 2015, and Zac Stacy, 2013. Faulk was a consensus MVP and Jackson, on a better team, might have been a league MVP. Gurley had a top rookie season in 2015.

Amp Lee, 1997 ( 61 catches for 825 yards), is the First-team third-down back and Benny Cunningham, 2014 (45 receptions), is next in line at that position.

The quarterbacks are pretty easy with Kurt Warner, 1999 (MVP, 41 TD passes), and Marc Bulger, 2006 (Pro Bowl, 92.9 passer rating).

The third receiver (slot) position is very deep. We chose Az-Zahir Hakim, 1999 as the First-teamer and Danny Amendola, 2010, as the Second-team selection Honorable mentions are Ricky Proehl, 2001, Kevin Curtis, 2006, Todd Kinchen, 1995. We could have even chosen fourth receivers in Shaun McDonald, 2004, and/or Dane Looker in 2003.

The starting receivers are also easy:  Isaac Bruce, 1995, and Torry Holt, 2003, are the top two. Following them are Eddie Kennison, 1996, and Kevin Curtis, 2005. Curtis, due to injuries had to fill in as a starter.

Jeff "Money" Wilkins, 2003, and Greg "The Leg" Zuerlein, 2013, are the First- and Second-team kickers respectively. Johnny Hekker, 2013, is the top punting season and next is Donnie Jones, 2009.

The punt returners were close but in the end, we went with Eddie Kennison, 1996 over Az-Zahir Hakim, 2000, for the First-team. The honorable mention is Tavon Austin, 2014

Tony Horne, 1999 is a clear #1 for kickoff return seasons and he's backed up by Benny Cunningham, 2015. Horne was All-Pro as a kick returner in 1999 and average 29.7-yard per return and two of his returns went for touchdowns.

Special teams players were plentiful. We settled on Chris Chamberlain, 2010 for the First-team and Antonio Goss, 1996, for the Second-team. Goss blocked two punts that season, the most since Nolan Cromwell blocked three in 1987. Goss also forced a key fumble on special teams.

Honorable mentions are Fletcher, 1998, who had 30 tackles. Keith Crawford, 1996, (15 tackles and a forced fumble). Cedrick Figaro, 1995 (24 tackles, 1 ff, 2 fr), Billy Jenkins, 1997 (23 tackles), 

Chris Thomas, 2000 (18 tackles and credited with 95 blocks)  and Madison Hedgecock, 2005 (19 tackles which led team)

The starting secondary is composed of corners Aeneas Williams, 2001 (All-Pro, 72 tackles, 18 PDs, 4 picks, 2 pick 6s, 4 FF), Todd Lyght, 1999 (All-Pro 66 tackles, 13 PDs, 6 INTs, one for a TD), and safeties Toby Wright, 1995 (115 tackles, 5 stuffs, a sack, 12 passes defensed, 6 INTs and a scoop and score), and Keith Lyle, 1997 (84 tackles, 11 passes defensed, 9 picks and 3 FF).

Our Second-team unit is Jackrabbit Jenkins, 2012 (73 tackles and 4 defensive touchdowns—a Rams season record), Trumaine Johnson, 2015 (71 tackles, 17 PDs, 7 picks), at corner and Adam Archuleta, 2003 (79 tackles 4.5 stuffs, 5 sacks, 7 passes defensed, one INT and a scoop and score, and O.J. Atogwe, 2008 (83 tackles, 5 PD, 5 INT, 6 FF and a FR for a TD), at safety. O.J. Atogwe's 2007 season drew strong consideration (75 tackles and 8 picks) but the combination of 5 picks and 6 forced fumbles (actually Rams coaches credit him with 8 and film review shows they are correct) was more impressive.

Some honorable mentions are Ryan McNeil 1997 (71 tackles, 20 passes defensed, 9 INTs and one pick-six), Travis Fisher, 2003 (61 tackles, 11 passes defensed, 4 INTs, two for TDs), Anthony Parker, 1996 (60 tackles, 13 PDs, 4 INTs, 2 returned for scores), and Dexter McCleon, 2000 (54 tackles, 19 PDs and 9 picks).

Our First-team nickel back is Dre Bly, 2001 (six INTs, two returned for touchdowns). The Second-team pick is Corey Ivy, 2005 (69 tackles, 6.0 stuffs, 2.0 sacks, 5 passes defensed, 1 pick and 1 forced fumble). Bly was extremely effective for the Rams from 1999-01. Ivy was always making plays, a stuff, a sack, a key tackle. He didn't get much notice at the time but he was very good in his role. It seems though, the Ravens noticed as he filled that role for then for the next few years.

Our two honorable mentions are Lamarcus Joyner, 2015 (72 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 stuffs), and Ronald Bartell, 2006 (25 tackles, 3 stuffs, 6 passes defensed, 3 picks, one returned for a TD).

London Fletcher, 2000 is the number one season at MLB and James Laurinaitis, 2011, is his backup. Fletcher's 2001 season was right up there with 2000 but given that the defense was so poor in 2000 and Fletcher played so well, it seems he did more with less in 2000 and that season gets the nod. In 2000 Fletcher had 133 tackles, 8.5 stuffs, 5.5 sacks, 8 passes defensed, and 4 INTs. And no, Fletcher didn't get a Pro Bowl invite. Back then, he never did. James Laurinaitis, in 2011, had 142 tackles, 9.0 stuffs, 3.0 sacks, 7 passes defensed and 2 INTs. 

Roman Phifer, 1995, is the WILL and Mike Jones, 1999, is the SAM. They are backed by Mark Barron, 2015 (WILL), Alec Ogletree, 2013 (SAM).

Phifer had a Pro Bowl-type season in 1995 but didn't get the votes to make the team. He made 125 tackles, 3 sacks, 10 stuffs, 13 passes defensed, 3 INTs, and a forced fumble. His backup on our team, as a WILL, is Mark Barron and he had 113 tackles 18.5 stuffs, 1 sack, 4 forced fumbles, 5 passes defensed and one INT.  

Mike Jones not only had "The Tackle" in Super Bowl XXXIV he also had a great 1999 season. He had 67 tackles on a top defense, but also had 11 passes defensed, 4 INTs, 2 returned for touchdowns, forced two fumbles, recovered two and returned one of those for a touchdown. He was a rare SAM who played every down and was an impact player on the 1999 Championship Rams.

Ogletree was perhaps in the odd position of SAM (strong-side linebacker) when his skills seemed to be suited for WILL (weak-side linebacker). However, Jo-Lonn Dunbar was at WILL so Ogletree had to play on the strong side. In 2013 he had 118 tackles with 11 of them stuffs, had 1.5 sacks, 9 passes defensed, picked off a pass that he returned for a touchdown and he also forced six fumbles. 

The honorable mentioned outside linebackers are Jo-Lonn Dunbar, 2012, Pisa Tinoisamoa, 2003, and Tommy Polley, 2003. Dunbar was all over the field in 2012 totaling 112 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 12 stuffs, 4 passes defensed, 2 forced fumbles and 2 picks. 

Polley was a pass coverage specialist and in 2003 had 68 (6.5 were stuffs), 12 passes defensed and four INTs. Tinoisamoa, who had other fine years, totaled 76 tackles, 7.0 stuffs,  2.0 sacks, 7 passes defenses, 3 INTs and 4 forced fumbles in 2003. 

As our designated pass rusher position First-team is Leonard Little, 2001, and the Second-team spot goes to William Hayes, 2012.  The honorable mentions are Tyoka Jackson, 2003, James Hall, 2008, and Robert Quinn, 2011. 

Little had 33 tackles and 14.5 sacks in 2001 and forced a pair of fumbles. Hayes had 35 tackles 7 sacks and 7 stuffs usually playing as a left defensive tackle in sub defenses (nickel and dime). Jackson had 24 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 1 pick, and 2 forced fumbles and got a special mention from Sports Illustrated as a nickel rusher. James Hall had 44 tackles and 6.5 sacks playing inside and outside in sub defenses.

The First-team shade or nose tackle is Ryan "Grease" Pickett, 2005, and the close Second-teamer is Michael Brockers, 2015. The honorable mentions are Jimmie Jones, 1996, Ray Agnew, 1998, and Jeff Zgonina, 2001.

Pickett had a fine career, never any honors and the Rams made a mistake letting him go and trying to use Jimmy Kennedy as a nose tackle. In 2005 Pickett made 65 tackles and 2 sacks but the key was his 12 run stuffs the most of any Ram defensive tackle not named Aaron Donald. Michael Brockers didn't technically move to shade tackle until 2014 but in 2012-2013 he often was over the center when the Rams over-shifted the line when the tight end was on the offense's right. However, we went with 2015 for Brockers when he was the nose tackle and had 44 tackles, 6 stuffs and 3 sacks. But his 2012 and 2013 would certainly fit our criteria here.

Jimmie Jones's 1996 season was composed of 45 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and 4 stuffs, Ray Agnew's 1998 season line was 64 tackles, 5 sacks and 6 stuffs. In 2001 Jeff Zgonina had 38 tackles and no sacks (he was removed on passing downs) but did have 7 stuffs.

At three-technique the top spot goes to Aaron Donald, 2015 chosen by a hair over D'Marco Farr, 1995. Donald's 2015 was an All-Pro season and he totaled 69 tackles, 11 sacks, and 13.5 stuffs. Farr's 1995 season got him chosen to the Dallas Morning News All-Pro team with his 50 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 11.5 stuffs, and 5 forced fumbles.

At defensive end, the top two slots go to All-Pros Robert Quinn, 2013, and Kevin Carter, 1999. The Second-team slots go to Leonard Little, 2003, and Chris Long, 2011.

Robert Quinn was the Pro Football Writers of America Defensive Player of the Year in 2013 and his stats were as follows:  57 tackles, 10.5 stuffs, 19.0 sacks, 7 forced fumbles, and one defensive score. Kevin Carter was the Dallas Morning News Defensive Player of the Year as he led the NFL in sacks with 17 and totaled 34 tackles and four forced fumbles.

In 2003 Leonard Little was All-Pro even though he missed four games. He had 12.5 sacks, 47 tackles and six forced fumbles. Chris Long's 2011 season was his best even though he tweaked his ankle late in the year. He was voted the NFL Alumni Defensive Lineman of the Year and was a first alternate to the Pro Bowl and according to a couple organizations had a pile of hurries. Long had 37 tackles and 13 sacks on the year.

Chicago Bears All Career-Year Team

OPINION
By John Turney

At Pro Football Journal we are trying to pick the best individual seasons in the history of each franchise, which we will continue today with the Bears. By "Career-year" we mean the best performances at each position, with the following rule: Only one season per player per position. For example, here, we cannot pick Walter Payton’s best two seasons and use all running back slots.

Here is the team, First-teams on left, Second-teams on right:

Doug Atkins, 1963 (All-Pro, 12 sacks), and Richard Dent, 1985 (All-Pro, 38 tackles, 17 sacks, 7 FF, 6 stuffs, 8 PD, 2 INT, 2 FR), take the top spots. Those choices were easy, although Bill Hewitt (named NFL Player of the Year in 1933 and said to have totaled over 300 yards in losses) was considered and Ed Sprinkle was a Second-team choice. In a historic franchise like this, one would think there were more First-team All-Pros to sort through.

Julius Peppers, 2010 (All-Pro, 54 tackles, 8 sacks, 2 picks), is an honorable mention.  The other honorable mentions are Willie Holman, 1970 (credited by team with 12 sacks)  Ed Meadows, 1956, Adewale Ogunleye, 2010 (40 tackles, 10 sacks), Fred Williams, 1958, Mike Hartenstine, 1983 (71 tackles, 12 sacks, 3 FF), Bob Kilcullen, 1963, and Ed O'Bradovich (1970, 9½ sacks).

Dan Hampton, 1982 (71 tackles, 9 sacks, 9 stuffs), and Wally Chambers, 1975 (108 tackles, 11 for losses and 14 sacks) are the top tackles. Each had more than one season that qualified. Hampton was the NFLPA NFC Defensive Lineman of the Year in 1984 when he was also All-Pro and had 11.5 sacks and 10.5 stuffs, but in 1982 he had 9 sacks and 9 stuffs in 9 games and was Pro Football Weekly's Defensive Player of the Year. We chose 1984 even though his numbers in 1982 were excellent for a 16-game season. Chambers was the UPI Defensive Player of the Year in 1976, but we felt he made more big plays in 1975, but either season fits.

Jim Osborne, 1976 (79 tackles, 7 for losses, 15 sacks), and Steve McMichael, 1986 (All-Pro, 61 tackles, 8 sacks) are the Second-team picks.

Jim Flanigan, 1995 (49 tackles, 11 sacks), Alan Page, 1980 (All-NFC, 68 tackles, 9½ sacks, 4 blocked kicks), Tommie Harris, 2007 (Pro Bowl, 36 tackles, 8 sacks), Ted Washington, 2001 (All-Pro), and Henry Melton, 2012 (Pro Bowl, 43 tackles, 6 sacks).

Dick Butkus, 1968 (All-Pro, 182 tackles, 3 picks), takes the top MLB spot. He was the NEA NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1969 and 1970 but after talking to people who studied Butkus they feel 1968 was his best season overall. Mike Singletary, 1985 (DPOY, All-Pro, 113 tackles, 3 sacks, 3 FR), is the Second-team pick, he was the AP Defensive Player of the Year in 1985 and 1988 but we went with the former. 

Bill George, 1961 (All-Pro, 11½ sacks and 3 INTs) is one honorable mention. He often would put his hand on the ground and rush as a middle guard, moreso than his contemporaries and in 1961 he 'got there' a lot, with a double-digit season in sacks.

Brian Urlacher, 2007 (123 tackles, 6 sacks, 5 INTs, 12 PD), is the other honorable mention. He was the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2005 (121 tackles, 6 sacks, 5 PD)  but we liked 2007 better, he had 6 sacks and also 5 interceptions, both excellent numbers for a middle linebacker, in 2005 he didn't have any picks. However, in 2005 he had 11 stuffs as opposed to 3.5 in 2007, and an FYI his top season for run/pass stuffs is 16.5 in 2002.

Joe Fortunato, 1963 (All-Pro), Wilber Marshall, 1986 (All-Pro, 79 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 5 picks, 4 FF, 3 FR). Marshall's season was a stunning display of all-around linebacker play, coverage, rushing and stopping the run.

Lance Briggs, 2005 (All-Pro, 107 tackles, 11 PD, 2 sacks, 2 INT), George Conner, 1952 (All-Pro). Conner could have had a slot on the squad as a tackle, a defensive tackle as well. Our research showed his prowess was best shown as a linebacker in a 6-1 or 5-2 defense and we place him here edging out Otis Wilson's 1985 (69 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 3 INT) season.

Wilson heads the hnorables and is followed by Larry Morris, 1963, Doug Buffone, 1975 (99 tackles, 7 for losses, 5 FF, 7 PD and a pick), Ross Brupbacher, 1976 (7 interceptions), and Rosevelt Colvin, 2001 (69 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 8 PD, 2 INT). Colvin was a linebacker in the base and played defensive end in nickel.

Peanut Tillman, 2012 (All-Pro, 86 tackles, 3 pick 6s, 10 FF), and J.C. Caroline, 1956 (All-Pro by NY Daily News, Pro Bowl, 6 picks), are the top corners. Coach T.J. Troup has studied more film on this era than anyone living and he feels that Caroline's coverage was spectacular and that Tillman was very underrated in his career. Those two are our First-team corners.

Bennie McRae, 1967, and  Donnell Woolford, 1994 (All-NFC, 57 tackles, 5 INTs), back them up.

The list of honorables is Nathan Vasher, 2005 (All-Pro, 46 tackles, 8 picks), Tim Jennings, 2012 (Second-team All-Pro, 60 tackles, 9 picks), Dave Whitsell, 1963, and Allan Ellis, 1977 (Pro Bowl).

Richie Petitbon, 1963 (All-Pro, 8 picks) is the top strong-side safety. He's backed by Dave Duerson, 1986 (87 tackles, 7 sacks, 6 INTs, 12 PD). It was a close decision due to how rare Duerson's season was, having that many sacks and interceptions in the same season.

Gary Fencik, 1981 (All-Pro, 135 tackles, 17 PD, 6 INTs), Todd Bell, 1984 (All-Pro, 77 tackles, 4.5 sacks) and  Don Kindt, 1953 (Pro Bowl) are the honorables.

Rosey Taylor, 1963 (All-pro, 9 picks), is the top free safety and he's backed by Gary Fencik, 1985 (Second-team All-Pro). Taylor and Petitbon were a top tandem for the 1963 Champion Bears. Fencik moved to free safety in 1983 after being a strong safety from 1976-82.

Mark Carrier, 1990 (10 picks) and  Mike Brown, 2001 (All-Pro, 67 tackles, 2 pick 6s) are the honorable mentions at free safety.

D.J. Moore, 2010 (42 tackles, 4 picks one for a score) and Len Walterscheid, 1980 (53 tackles, 4 picks, one for a score)  are the First- and Second-team nickel backs.

Maurice Douglass, 1994, Corey Graham, 2011 (3 picks in no starts and also a great special teamer) and is an honorable mention as are  Lorenzo Lynch, 1989, and David Tate, 1988 (45 tackles, 4 picks) are the honorable mentions for the sub defense.

Mark Anderson, 2006 (27 tackles, 12 sacks, 4 FF), is the First-team designated pass rusher. The Second-teamer is Clyde Simmons, 1999. The honorable mention is Alonzo Spellman, 1992.

Robbie Gould, 2011, is the top kicking season, we chose it over his All-pro season due to his 6/6 in 50+ field goals. The Second-team kicker is Paul Edinger, 2001.

The honorable mentions are Kevin Butler, 1985, George Blanda, 1955, and Bob Thomas, 1984 .

Bobby Joe Green, 1964, takes the top punter position and he's backed by Brad Maynard, 2004 (38.7 net punting average).

The honorable mentions are Pat O'Donnell, 2015 (39.7) and Todd Sauerbrun, 1996 (Second-team All-NFC).  

Devin Hester, 2010, is the First-team punt returner. The Second-team choice is George McAfee, 1948. Hester's season may be the best-ever by a punt returner. 

The long list of honorable mentions is headed by Gale Sayers, 1965 (16-238-14.9-1 TD, 85 long) and followed by Dennis McKinnon, 1987 (2 TDs), Jeff Fisher, 1981 (43-509-11.8- 1 TD and a long of  88), and R.W. McQuarters, 2003.

Gale Sayers, 1967, narrowly edges Cecil Turner, 1970 for the kick returner position. Sayers averaged over 37 yards per kick and had 3 scores while Turner returned an amzing 4 kicks for touchdowns.

The HMs at kick returners are Jerry Azumah, 2003, Glyn Milburn, 1998, Ron Smith, 1972 (Pro Bowl, 30.8 average and a score), and Devin Hester, 2007. All but Smith had 2 kick returns for touchdowns in their respective seasons.

Our core special teams selection is Brendan Ayanbadejo, 2006. The Second-team pick is  Corey Graham, 2011. Both were highy honored in their seasons.

The honorables are Mike Green, 2001 (Sports Illustrated All-Pro),  Larry Whigham, 2002 (Pro Bowl Alternate), Neal Anderson, 1986 (All-NFC), Israel Idonije, 2007 ( Pro Bowl Alternate), and Tim Shaw, 2009.

   

Bulldog Turner, 1941, a fine two-way player is the choice at center. The Second-team center is George Trafton, 1925.

The fine list of HMs are Olin Kreutz, 2006, Jay Hilgenberg, 1988, Ookie Miller, 1933, Larry Strickland, 1956 . To even make this list a player had to be a First-team All-Pro.

The First-team guards are Stan Jones, 1956, and  George Musso, 1937. The Second-teamers areDan Fortmann, 1942, and  Dick Barwegen, 1950. All four players were All-Pros.

Revie Sorey, 1977 (All-NFC), Mark Bortz, 1990 (All-Pro), Zuck Carlson, 1932  (All-Pro), Noah Jackson, 1980 (Second-team All-NFC) and a pair of Pro Bowlers:  Kyle Long, 2013, and Rueben Brown, 2006.

Jimbo Covert, 1985, and Ed Healey, 1925, are our selections for First-team tackles. The next in line players are Joe Stydahar, 1939, and Link Lyman, 1934. Like the guards, all four of these players were First-team All-Pros. 

The HM tackles are Hugh Blacklock, 1920 (All-Pro), Bill Wightkin, 1955 (All-Pro), and Keith Van Horne, 1985. Van Horne had a fine 1985 season, though he didn't have any post-season honors.

Mike Ditka, 1961 is the top player at tight end. He's backed by Greg Olsen, 2009, the by Martellus Bennett, 2014, Desmond Clark, 2006.

Sid Luckman, 1943, is the quarterback. His backup is Jim McMahon, 1985. The top HMs are Billy Wade, 1963, Rudy Bukich, 1965, Erik Kramer, 1995, and Jay Cutler, 2010. This list is not exactly the quality of the Packers or 49ers, is it?

The fullback specialist is Tony Carter, 1995 on the First-team and Jason McKie, 2008, on the Second-team. The lone honorable mention is Daimon Shelton, 2001.

What the Bears lack in quarterback the more than make up for at running back. Walter Payton, 1977, and Gale Sayers, 1965, are our choices for ball carrier.

We back them up with Bronko Nagurski, 1934, and Beattie Feathers, 1934. Feathers was the first player in NFL history with a confirmed 1000-yard season.

Red Grange, 1931, Rick Casaras, 1956, Neal Anderson, 1989, Matt Forte, 2013, and Roland Harper, 1978 are the honorable mentions.

The 3rd down specialist back is Adrian Peterson, 2007. We chose Robert Green, 1994, to back him up. The HMs are Jeremy Langford, 2015, and Glyn Milburn, 1999.

Harlon Hill, 1954 (All-Pro, 45 rec, 1124 yds, 25.0 ypc, 12 TDs), and Brandon Marshall, 2012 (All-Pro, 118-1508-12.8 -11), are our picks for top outside receivers. 

Dick Gordon, 1970 (All-Pro, 71-1026-14.5-13), and Marcus Robinson, 1999 (84-1400-16.7-9), back them up.

Bill Hewitt, 1936, Johnny Morris, 1964 (94 receptions), George Halas, 1920, Ken Kavanaugh, 1947, Alshon Jeffrey, 2014, Curtis Conway, 1995, and Willie Gault, 1983.

Bobby Engram, 1996 is the 3rd receiver. He's backup by Johnny Knox, 2009.

The long list of special mentions is headed by Earl Bennett, 2010, Ken Margerum, 1981, Chris Penn, 1997, Ron Morris, 1988, Dennis McKinnon, 1987 and Dennis Gentry, 1989.

Agree or disagree? Let us know in the comments section below.

Green Bay Packers All Career-Year Team

OPINION
By John Turney

At Pro Football Journal we are trying to pick the best individual seasons in the history of each franchise, which we will continue today with the Packers. By "Career-year" we mean the best performances at each position, with the following rule: Only one season per player per position. For example, here, we cannot pick Brett Favre’s best two seasons and use all quarterback slots.

Here is the team, First-team on left, Second-team on right:

Our First-team center is Jim Ringo, 1961 (All-Pro), and the Second teamer is Larry McCarren, 1983 (Second-team All-Pro). It was a close margin between him and the honorable mentions who are Charley Brock, 1939, Frank Winters, 1996, Mike Flanagan, 2003, and Scott Wells, 2011.

Jerry Kramer, 1967 (National 1,000 Yard Club NFL Offensive Linemen of the Year, All-Pro) and Mike Michalske, 1929 (All-Pro), are the top guards. The backups are a pair of All-Pros, Gale Gillingham, 1971 (All-Pro, NFLPA NFC Offensive Lineman of the Year), and Fuzzy Thurston, 1961 (All-Pro).

The list of honorable mentions is:  Buckets Goldenberg, 1939 (All-Pro), Rich Moran, 1989 (NEA All-Pro), Josh Sitton, 2014 (All-Pro), Lon Evans, 1936 (All-Pro), and Adam Timmerman, 1998.

Forrest Gregg, 1967, (All-Pro, NFLPA NFL Offensive Lineman of the Year), Cal Hubbard, 1931 (All-Pro). The backups are Baby Ray, 1939, Greg Koch, 1982 (Second-team All-Pro).

The HMs are Bob Skoronski 1966 (Pro Bowl), Chad Clifton, 2010, Ken Ruettgers, 1993, Mark Tauscher, 2004, Earl Dotson, 1998, and Bryan Bulaga, 2011.  

Johnny Blood, 1931, is the top closed end. The Second-team tight end is Paul Coffman, 1983. Technically a running back Blood played a variety of positions in his NFL career for various teams. and in 1931 he was often a wing-back, lining up just outside of the tackle, but also he flanked out and of course was in the backfield. Our modern-day conversion for that position is tight end/H-back. The honorable mentions are Jermichael Finley, 2011, Ron Kramer, 1962, and Mark Chmura, 1995.

The recent-era fullbacks are First-teamer John Kuhn, 2014, and Second-teamer William Henderson, 2004. The two honorable mentions are Cully Lidberg, 1926, and Bo Molenda, 1931 who were blocking backs of that era.

The ball carriers are a pair of MVPs/Players of the Year: Jim Taylor, 1962 (AP Player of the Year) and Paul Hornung, 1961 (AP NFL MVP). Backing them up are Clarke Hinkle, 1937 (All-Pro), Ahman Green, 2003, (Packers rushing record-1883 yards).

The honorable mentions at running back are Verne Lewellen, 1929, Curley Lambeau, 1924, John Brockington, 1971, Ted Fritsch, 1946, Dorsey Levens, 1997,  Tony Canadeo, 1949, Howie Ferguson, 1955, and Edgar Bennett, 1995.

Vince Workman, 1991, is the 3rd down back. The second-teamer is  Dorsey Levens, 1996. The two honorable mentions are Eddie Lee Ivery, 1986, and Herman Fontenot, 1989.

Our extra wide receiver slot goes to James Jones, 2011, backed by Javon Walker, 2003. The rest of the list is Corey Bradford, 1999, Perry Kemp, 1988, Don Beebe, 1996, and  Randall Cobb, 2012.

Don Hutson, 1942, and Sterling Sharpe, 1992, are our First-team picks at wide-out. Our Second-team picks are Lavie Dilweg, 1929, and James Lofton, 1983.

The top honorable mention is Billy Howton, 1952, followed by Jordy Nelson, 2014, Antonio Freeman 1998, Robert Brooks, 1995, and Randall Cobb, 2014.

Brett Favre, 1996 (Super Bowl win, MVP, All-Pro), takes the First-team spot at quarterback. We chose Bart Starr's 1966 (Super Bowl win, MVP, All-Pro, passing leader) next. The stellar honorable mentions are Aaron Rodgers, 2011, Cecil Isbell, 1942, and  Arnie Herber, 1932.

The top kicker is Chester Marcol, 1972, followed by Jan Stenerud, 1981. Our HMs are Don Chandler, 1967, Mason Crosby, 2013, Chris Jacke, 1993, and Ryan Longwell, 2000.

Jerry Norton, 1963, (39.2 net punting average), Craig Hentrich, 1996, Don Chandler, 1966 (36.4 net), and Tim Masthay, 2015 (40.2 net) are the list of punters.

Desmond Howard, 1996, easily take the First-team punt return slot and he's followed on the Second-team by Billy Grimes, 1950.

The HMs are Will Blackmon, 2008, Willie Wood, 1961,  Micah Hyde, 2014,  and Ken Ellis, 1972.

Travis Williams, 1967 (41.1-yard average, 4 touchdowns), is the top kick returner and next is Roell Preston, 1998 (Pro Bowl, 2 TDs). The list of HMs includes Dave Hampton, 1971, Allen Rossum, 2000, Herb Adderley, 1963, Steve Odom, 1975, and Al Carmichael, 1956.

Our special teams demon is Travis Jervey, 1997, first and then Ray Nitschke, 1959. Jervey was a Pro Bowler and Nitschke toiled away at special teams before he secured a full-time starting job in 1962.

The HM are Corey Bradford, 1999 (16 tackles), K.D. Williams, 2001 (17 tackles and a FF, and a FR) and Jeff Janis, 2015. Tight end Gary Lewis blocked five place kick (3 FG, 2 PAT) in 1983 and Fred Carr did the exact same in 1976. They get a mention, too and also Ted Hendricks, who in 1974 blocked seven kicks, 3 FG, 1 PAT, and 3 punts.

The First-team defensive specialists are nickel back Casey Hayward, 2014 (47 tackles, 3 picks for 1 TD and 2 FR one for a TD), and nickel rusher Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, 2001 (23 tackles, 3 FF, 13.5 sacks).

The Second-teamers are DB Jarrett Bush, 2011 (30 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2 picks), and DE Ezra Johnson, 1984 (7 sacks).

The nickel-back HMs are Tiger Greene, 1989, Antuan Edwards, 1999, Will Blackmon, 2008, Ron Pitts 1988, Estus Hood, 1981 (though 1978 was a good year as well, and arguably the better season) and finally LeRoy Butler, 1990.

Two nickel rushers merit honorable mention, they are Mike Daniels, 2013, and Keith McKenzie, 1998.

The First-team secondary is composed of corners Herb Adderley, 1965 (Consensus All-Pro, 3 pick 6s), and Charles Woodson, 2009 (NFL Defensive Player of the Year, All-Pro, 9 picks, 3 for TDs) and strong safety LeRoy Butler, 1996 (All-Pro, 87 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 5 INTs), and free safety Willie Wood, 1965 (Consensus All-Pro).

The Second-team secondary is Willie Buchanon, 1978 (All-Pro, 9 INTs), and Bob Jeter, 1967 (All-Pro) at corner and strong safety  Steve Luke, 1978 (114 tackles, 4 FF), and Bobby Dillon, 1957 (All-Pro, 9 picks one for a score).

The honorable mention list for cornerbacks is Ken Ellis, 1972, Jesse Whittenton, 1961, Sam Shields, 2014,  Al Harris, 2007, Tramon Williams, 2010, Tim Lewis, 1984 and Mark Lee, 1986.

Strong safety honorable mentions are John Symank, 1957, Mark Murphy, 1985, and Atari Bigby, 2007.

The free safety counterparts are Nick Collins, 2008 (Pro Bowl, 7 picks, 3 TDs), Darren Sharper, 2000 (All-Pro, 92 tackles led NFL with 9 INTs), Tom Flynn, 1984 (9 picks), and Chuck Cecil, 1992.

Ray Nitschke, 1967 (All-Pro, NFLPA NFL Linebacker of the Year, and Nick Barnett, 2007 (Second-team All-Pro, 131 tackles, 3.5 sacks), are the First- and Second-team middle linebackers. The honorables are Jim Carter, 1973 (Pro Bowl), Brian Noble, 1987 (Second-team All-NFC), and Randy Scott, 1985.

Dave Robinson, 1967 (Consensus All-Pro, 4 picks, 3 sacks) and Clay Matthews, 2010 (Sporting News Defensive Player of the Year, All-Pro, 59 tackles, 13.5 sacks, and a pick-six), are the First-team outside linebackers. backing them up are Ted Hendricks, 1974 (Consensus All-Pro, 75 tackles, 5 picks, 7 blocked kicks), and Tim Harris, 1989 (NEA Defensive Player of the Year, All-Pro, 70 tackles, 19.5 sacks, 6 stuffs, 4 FF).

Mike Douglass, 1981 (Sports Illustrated All-Pro, 134 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 12.5 stuffs, 7 FF, 3 INT, 3 FR), heads a fine list of honorable mention corner linebackers: Bill Forester, 1962 (All-Pro), Dan Currie, 1962 (All-Pro), Fred Carr, 1975 (Second-team All-Pro), Roger Zatkoff, 1955 (All-Pro), John Anderson, 1983 (113 tackles, 4 sacks, 5 INT, 11 PDs), Na'il Diggs, 2002 (83 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 INT), Bryce Paup, 1994 Pro Bowl, 79 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 3 INT), and Julius Peppers, 2015 (Pro Bowl, 36 tackles, 10.5 sacks).

Henry Jordan, 1961 (All-Pro, 8½ sacks), and Dave Hanner, 1959 (Sporting News All-Conference) are the top of the defensive tackle group. 

The Second-teamers are Bob Brown, 1969 (9 sacks), and B.J. Raji, 2010 (39 tackles, 6.5 sacks). Bob Brown was a Pro Bowler in 1972, but we went with 1969 instead. Raji was a Pro Bowler in 2011, but as with Brown we felt the season we chose was a bit superior.

The honorable mentions are Dave Pureifory, 1975 (11 sacks), Mike McCoy, 1976 (60 tackles, 5 PD, 8½ sacks), Dave Roller, 1977 (76 tackles, 8 sacks, 9 stuffs), Santana Dotson, 1997 (71 tackes, 5.5 sacks and 5 stuffs) and Gilbert Brown, 1996 (51 tackles, 7 stuffs).

Willie Davis, 1962 (All-Pro, 13½ sacks), and  Reggie White, 1998 (Defensive Player of the Year, 46 tackles, 16 sacks, 4 FF), take the First-team defensive end slots.

The Second-teamers are Ezra Johnson, 1978 (68 tackles, 17½ sacks—though the coaches total was slightly higher), and Aaron Kampman, 2006 (Second-team All-Pro, 89 tackles, 15.5 sacks).

The list of honorable mentions are Sean Jones, 1994 (Second-team All-NFC, 59 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 9 stuffs), Lionel Aldridge, 1970 (13½ sacks), John Martinkovic, 1954 (Pro Bowl), Alden Roche, 1976 (8½ sacks), Clarence Williams, 1972 (10½ sacks), and Mike Butler, 1978 (63 tackles, 10 sacks).

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