Tim Irwin, now an attorney. I remember watching the Vikings play the Raiders and crazy, steroid madman Lyle Alzado went against Irwin. The battle was epic and Irwin never backed down. Total respect…
I thought Carter was clearly a superstar in his years with the Vikings. Also I think Chuck Foreman was perhaps not underrated but I was constantly amazed how he could always get open for a catch over the middle. Like Carter he was unstoppable but he won't make the HOF.
I’ve written a ton about Chuck Foreman’s HOF case, as he’s a native of the town where I work as a sports editor. For both Carter and Foreman, in their primes, no one did what they could do better than them in the entire league. Carter as a deep threat; Foreman as a dual-threat back.
I wasn’t a super fan in my younger years, so most of these guys are a little before my time. I know the league is bigger now, but 5’11”, 168 is pretty crazy for a guy with that stat line and longevity. Leber was definitely a bit underrated on those teams, but I don’t know that I’d put him on this list. That LB corp with him, Greenway, and Henderson was pretty amazing.
Not sure I’m enough of a 2009 ball knower to feel super confident there, but maybe the Ravens with Ray Lewis and Suggs? Not sure how much juice Lewis had left in the tank in 09, or how good the other 2 guys were in their 3-4, but would guess they take the 1 spot.
Yeah those two groups had more splash than the Vikings’ group. Harrison and Suggs were freakish and gave them an edge for sure. Our trio was low-key great.
Tim Irwin, now an attorney. I remember watching the Vikings play the Raiders and crazy, steroid madman Lyle Alzado went against Irwin. The battle was epic and Irwin never backed down. Total respect…
That is a terrific snapshot memory of Irwin.
I thought Carter was clearly a superstar in his years with the Vikings. Also I think Chuck Foreman was perhaps not underrated but I was constantly amazed how he could always get open for a catch over the middle. Like Carter he was unstoppable but he won't make the HOF.
I’ve written a ton about Chuck Foreman’s HOF case, as he’s a native of the town where I work as a sports editor. For both Carter and Foreman, in their primes, no one did what they could do better than them in the entire league. Carter as a deep threat; Foreman as a dual-threat back.
I wasn’t a super fan in my younger years, so most of these guys are a little before my time. I know the league is bigger now, but 5’11”, 168 is pretty crazy for a guy with that stat line and longevity. Leber was definitely a bit underrated on those teams, but I don’t know that I’d put him on this list. That LB corp with him, Greenway, and Henderson was pretty amazing.
Was there a better group of LBs in the NFL circa 2009 than EJ, Leber and Greenway?
Not sure I’m enough of a 2009 ball knower to feel super confident there, but maybe the Ravens with Ray Lewis and Suggs? Not sure how much juice Lewis had left in the tank in 09, or how good the other 2 guys were in their 3-4, but would guess they take the 1 spot.
Steelers with Harrison, Woodley, and Timmons gotta be in the top 5.
Yeah those two groups had more splash than the Vikings’ group. Harrison and Suggs were freakish and gave them an edge for sure. Our trio was low-key great.