Are you ready for some football? You bet'cha! As the days get a
little shorter and the season gets going, every football fan is
anticipating the kick-off of another season. This year, to get in the
spirit of things, Tullamore Dew Irish whiskey presents its second
annual football poll.
"We want to make sure that every man on the field 'gets his Dew,'"
says Brand Manager Jim Brennan, "so we've polled 100 sportswriters and
broadcasters across the country to get their take on who are the most
underrated players in the NFL. These are the guys who play hard every
game but don't get the glory of the gridiron stars. It's time for them
to get a nod from the fans."
Here are the results from the second annual Tullamore Dew Survey:
1. Marvin Harrison: Currently with the Colts, this ten season
veteran is statistically the most consistent receiver around. His
resume includes 8 Pro Bowls and a ton of NFL records. He has a
reputation as a work horse and does not celebrate or spike the ball
after a touchdown; he's known more for his on-field performance than
off-field "performances". His celebratory seriousness may be a reason
for the lack of endorsements. C'mon Wheaties -- show him the money!
2. Trent Green: Over the years he has been with five teams, moving
notably from the Canadian league to the Chiefs, then to the Dolphins.
Usually playing backup to "bigger" media prized quarterbacks, this 13
year veteran has been to two Pro Bowls and has proved his worth on the
field if not in the press. He has thrown for over 3,000 yards six
different seasons and has incredibly three times thrown for over 4,000
yards.
3. Mack Strong: With two Pro Bowls to his resume, this loyal
fullback has been with the Seahawks his entire thirteen year career. At
6'0 ft, 245 lbs. he has blocked for three different 1,000 yard plus
rushers, an impressive stat. While his position typically doesn't get
the handoff love of a QB, he is well known among the best blocking
backs in the NFL. With a name like Mack Strong, could you expect
anything less?
4. Brian Westbrook: Although small for a running back, this
Philadelphia Eagle is no miniature talent. He's fast, productive
statistically and has give-it-all style. In early 2007 he raised the
bar setting a career-postseason rushing record, rushing for 141 yards
on 20 carries against the Giants, including a 49 yard touchdown. He
also led his team with 77 receptions with 699 receiving yards and 11
total touchdowns. If he continues this streak in the coming season, and
can avoid any injuries, we are confident in betting we won't find him
on this list again next year.
5. Frank Gore: A relative NFL newbie, this San Francisco 49ers
running back emerged as one of the best in the league. In 2006 he
carried the ball 312 times for a franchise record 1,695 yards, and
became the first member of his team to lead the NFC in rushing yards.
He also set a franchise record with 2,180 combined, placing him second
in the NFC and fourth overall in the NFL. And those are just a few of
his more impressive stats -- the guy seems to be making a hobby out of
record breaking and was even named NFC Offensive Player of the Week
twice the same year, as well as being named the starting running back
to the NFC Pro Bowl team.
Looking at the total results, Tullamore Dew found that certain teams
had more underrated players than others. Those with the most included
the Colts, the Patriots and the Dolphins, all considered great teams.
Ostensibly, the reason for this is that better teams work as a whole
unit, not carried by one or two star players. Upon closer inspection:
-- The Colts = Current Super Bowl Champions
-- The Patriots = Three Super Bowls in four years (2001-2004)
-- The Dolphins = A winning team, but an administrative revolving door and
injuries to starters have caused momentary setbacks.