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Steelers break NFL's top 50 best, but only three
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The Steelers boasted the NFL's top defense in 2008. They won the Super Bowl, and although the offense struggled at times, it was still effective.
Surprisingly, only three of the Black and Gold made CBSsportsline's TOP 50. Pete Prisco just released his list, and
Here's who and where he had the three Steelers ranked.
10. Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers: Two Super Bowl titles in five seasons is amazing. He seems to grow as a passer each season. The game can be won on his right arm, which he showed in the Super Bowl..jpg)
15. James Harrison, OLB, Steelers: He’s the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He can rush, and he showed in the Super Bowl that he could cover with his pick for a score. He plays a nasty game.
35. Troy Polamalu, S, Steelers: He bounced back from a sub-par 2007 season to have a good 2008 season. He has improved in pass coverage greatly from his early days.
As for Prisco's rankings, Examiner.com doesn't argue who he has ranked ahead of Big Ben in the quarterback arena, although putting Tom Brady at second is stretching it a bit. How he rebounds from last year is yet to be seen, so a ranking here should have an asterisk and not be based on past merits.
1.) Peyton Manning, QB, Colts: He won the MVP despite a slow start with knee troubles. He's still at the top of his game and has five good years left -- at least.
2. Tom Brady, QB, Patriots: He's right there with Manning, but missing last season drops him to the second spot. He's said to be all the way back, which Pats fans have to love
5. Drew Brees, QB, Saints: It's too bad he plays in an era with those two top guys. He's had an amazing three-year run in New Orleans with amazing numbers. Now he needs to win a ring.
Here's where I have a problem with the rankings, Polamalu as only the 35th best player in the league? Prisco in his wit, felt that at the safety position a Raven was the best. He also had a Cardinal in there too.
Prisco seems to base his rankings here on numbers, but he forgets just how valuable Polamalu is to the Steelers defensive unit. He not only is the field general, but in Dick LeBeau's schemes, he is asked to do a lot. In my opinion, he missed the boat here and should have had him in the top 15.
12. Ed Reed, S, Ravens: He isn't the big hitter some of the other safeties can be, but he's the best playmaker of them all. And he's a willing tackler.
30. Adrian Wilson, S, Cardinals: He showed his value to the nation last year during the Cardinals' Super run. He's a violent tackler and excels in the blitz game. He is Mr. Cardinal.
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While its hard to argue DeMarcus Ware's stats last year, which included 20 sacks, how do you rank him ahead of the NFL Defensive Player of the year? Harrison plays the game like Jack Lambert did, with a mean tenacity, and although he's had just two good years, he should be ranked much higher, especially considering who Prisco put at 14, one notch ahead of Silverback.3. DeMarcus Ware, OLB, Cowboys: One number says it all: 20. That's his sack total from 2008. He's the best pass-rushing linebacker in football.
14. Shawne Merriman, OLB, Chargers: He missed all but one game last season with a knee injury, but he's on schedule to be back at 100 percent by the open of the season. He's a lot like Ware when he's healthy.
And why isn't LaMarr Woodley, Hines Ward or Santonio Holmes ranked in the top 50? Maybe being biased here, but give me Ward and Woodley is a much better player than your No. 44. DeMeco Ryans, LB, Texans.
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