Thoughts

I don't care what you say, I'm switching gears this week. We're now in the "who cares about the offense" mode. Some of the most exciting players in the league are on the other side of the ball and no one ever talks about these guys. Fantasy sports have blown up in the past few years and are still becoming increasingly popular (and profitable). It is due to this that people are now concerned so predominantly with the players that fill their positions in the league. It's nice to see that some leagues have adopted the draft of individual defensive players and not the defense as a whole, but it is not enough. I will right the universal imbalance today by making my week 5 post as a tribute to the defense. You're welcome.

The best highlights for me are the big hits. Sure the tough grabs are nice, but there is something to be said for a linebacker filling a hole or a safety coming on a blitz and blindsiding a quarterback. No, I am not a violent person, so knock that off...

Adam Archaletta and Aeneas Williams make for a crazy defensive backfield in St. Louis. If you've ever seen the workout program that Archaletta uses, you see why he's nuts...despite looking like he's 14. Williams is one of the best the game has seen and continues to defy his age.

Champ Bailey, I think, has sufficiently proven that he was the headliner in the trade with Denver. He has great field presence and flies around the field. Not often will you see a player smart enough to attack Mike Alstott's legs and steer far clear of those shoulder pads. John Lynch offers plenty of help to Bailey as well and is one of the best hitters in the league.

While on the subject of the Tampa Bay Bucceneers, Derrick Brooks has remained a staple in a defense that has to hold together a fallen program. Simeon Rice is one of the most exciting defensive lineman and fills out yet another lineman/linebacker duo.

I'll throw another out there, also: Zach Thomas and his brother in law Jason Taylor. Thomas is extremely undersized and yet is still a force which opponents avoid. Taylor brings life and excitement to a city where if it doesn't come from the defense, it's not coming.

The entire Eagles defense is a force to be reckoned with. If only Jevon Kearse was healthy his entire career (though he arguably wouldn't be in Philly if that were the case)...this guy can play. Sure, they don't call him "the freak" for nothin'.

Ok, fine, I won't leave Ray Lewis out of this post. How could I? Well, I would have done it just to be difficult, but I'll find another way. How about when I throw this out there: put this guy in at fullback! I know this is a defensive post (*rant), but who would be a better lead blocker than this guy. Maybe even hand him the ball on a play or two. He knows how to hit the holes, he does it on the other side of the ball. We all know he can hit. I guess we'll see if that ever comes to fruition, but for now it seems we will have to settle for him as simply the quintessential defensive player.

No this is not a complete list of the defensive players worth watching in the league. Yes there are plenty more. No, with Dre Bly hurt, none of them are Lions.

Some actual recap of the week, Emmitt Smith threw a touchdown. Hell has frozen over. Injuries continue to plague the league, things could get interesting as we see backup QB v. backup QB in the Super Bowl. Onterrio Smith is finally suspended (4 games) for substance abuse. Brett Favre got hurt, but is ok to play, and Clinton Portis owes me a 35 point week in week 5.