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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