2009 All NFC East Team
With the pro bowl a few days away, I have decided to assemble my “All NFC Team.” I have selected a team consisting of the best player(s) at quarterback, wide receiver, running back and tight end, as well has honorable mentions at each position.
The term “NFC East” is defined as “A division of the National Football Conference. It is made up of the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Redskins.”
All players selected play for one of these teams, although one team does not have a single player on the All NFC East First Team.
QB- Tony Romo (DAL)
This one was easy. Romo put forth yet another great statistical season with career highs in passing yards (4483) and QB rating (97.6). He was also more careful with the ball, throwing a career low nine interceptions to go along with 26 touchdowns.
But possibly more important, he quieted his critics by leading the Cowboys to the playoffs with a strong December/January and actually winning a playoff game. That alone should shut up all of his detractors.
WR- Miles Austin (DAL)
This guy came out of nowhere to put his name among the elite receivers in the NFL. He didn’t even earn a starting role until week 5, but since then, he was arguably the best receiver in the league.
He caught 81 balls for 1320 yards and eleven touchdowns. While Roy Williams cost the Cowboys a king’s ransom, Austin will enter next year as the team’s unquestioned number one receiver.
WR- DeSean Jackson (PHI)
Although he’ll still make you roll your eyes every now and then, Jackson made on explosive play after another, and is always one play away from changing the game. He is one of the best deep threats in the league, and the same can be said for his punt returning abilities.
His big play ability is highlighted by his 18.5 yards per receptions. He had 63 receptions for 1167 yards and nine touchdowns.
WR- Steve Smith (NYG)
He was pretty good in college, but who ever saw this coming? Smith shattered the Giants’ single season reception record, totaling 107 (no other Giants player ever had 100). He quickly became Eli Manning‘s favorite target and developed into the league’s top third down receiver.
His 1220 receiving yards and seven touchdowns shattered everyone’s expectations. He may not have prototypical number one receiver skills, but he’s as valuable to his team as almost any other receiver.
RB- Marion Barber III (DAL)
Running back was not the division’s strong suit this year.
It’s not that Barber didn’t have a good season, but in any other division, he would probably not even be an honorable mention. But that’s the way things go here in the NFC East, where top backs such as Brian Westbrook, Clinton Portis and Brandon Jacobs struggle with injuries, age and ineffectiveness.
Barber is not a feature back, but as part of the Cowboy’s three headed monster, he more than gets the job done. He rushed for 932 yards on 214 carries with a solid 4.4 yards per carry and seven touchdowns.
RB- Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG)
Bradshaw gets the second running back spot almost by default. Like Barber, Bradshaw is best used in a time share. He had a good year, rushing for 778 yards on 163 carries, good for 4.8 yards per carry. He also added a surprising seven touchdowns.
He picked up a lot of the slack from an under-performing offensive line and Brandon Jacobs, despite dealing with leg injuries all year.
TE- Jason Witten (DAL)
Before the season, I ranked Witten as the best receiver in the NFC East. While Miles Austin and maybe DeSean Jackson have surpassed him as a receiver, Witten just keeps on keeping on.
He had another fantastic season with 94 receptions and 1030 yards, but only two touchdowns. He is Tony Romo’s rock and he is the heart and soul of the Cowboys’ offense.
And for those of you keeping score, Dallas Cowboys own the starting spot in every position. I guess that’s why they won the division.
Second Team All NFC East
QB- TIE –
Eli Manning (4021 yards, 27 TD, 14 INT, 93.1 QB Rating)
Donovan McNabb (3553 yards, 22 TD, 10 INT, 92.9 QB Rating)
WR- Santana Moss (70 receptions, 902 yards, 3 TD)
WR- Mario Manningham (57 receptions, 822 yards, 5 TD)
WR- Hakeem Nicks (47 receptions, 790 yards, 6 TD)
RB- Felix Jones (685 yards, 5.9 YPC, 5 TD)
RB- LeSean McCoy (637 yards, 4.1 YPC, 4 TD)
TE- Brent Celek (76 receptions, 971 yards, 8 TD)
