In its continuing efforts to eliminate any semblance of a slow season where the National Football League is concerned (efforts I wholeheartedly support), ESPN is introducing a new feature this week called The Best, looking at the best players in a variety of categories.
The asks four ESPN experts to name the player they'd start a franchise with. Jeffri Chadiha picks Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson, John Clayton picks Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, Matt Mosley picks Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer and Len Pasquarelli picks Shawne Merriman.
I can respect the first three answers, but Merriman?
That's nonsensical. Sure, he's a very good player who just turned 23, but he served a four-game steroid suspension last year. If he's stopped using steroids, how do we know he'll ever be as good a player without them?
And if he's still using steroids, he could test positive again and face a longer suspension.
In my book, it's an easy choice: Manning. He's the oldest of the four players named, but he's never been hurt, and he's the best player in the league by a huge margin.
Add Manning to any team, and it immediately has an offense to be reckoned with. You can't say that about any other player.
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
I don't know how anybody can claim that any player is the "best player" in the league. Can you say that Manning is the best QB? I think so.
But how do you compare him relative to players at other positions? Is Manning a better player than Merriman? Hard to say.
There are different standards for judging QBs and LBs.
2. No arguements from me.
Peyton Manning is just as good of a quarterback as Terry Bradshaw in his prime. Shawne Merriman off the juice can be just as good as linebacker with the use of the juice. He simply made a dumb miskate.
3. "Add Manning to any team, and it immediately has an offense to be reckoned with. You can't say that about any other player.
" Really? I'd say LT makes that difference too. He's about as complete a back as one could hope for.
Soft hands, good blocker, great cuts, and can throw the ball too. as far as defense, i'd throw Urlacher in there over Merriman. Shawn doesnt have that leadership quality that one would need if they decided to build a franchise around a defensemen.
also, i'd like to throw Mike Vick in there. just kidding.
4.
Palmer is like a minus-five years version of Manning--the only negative on him is the knee injury. So I'd take Manning first, too.
5.
Manning is a great player and a good leader. But we all know that defense wins championships!!
! I absolutely love defensive players. Merriman is a good linebacker, however, Ray Lewis is a great linebacker.
I would start my defense with Lewis. Smooches!
6.
anyone who wouldnt take manning would be the biggest moron ever. I'm not saying this because I'm some crazy colts fan, but more so that manning has work ethics that cannot be matched and not only do u get a top notch QB, you get an on field coach or offensive co-ordinator who keeps getting better each year!!
!!!
Manning is like the bruce lee of football, after he scores a TD or wins, you think he celebrates, no...
.hes on the bench reviewing plays in the binder, same attitude as the greats!!
! michael jordan, bruce lee, tiger woods. When someone like Vick throws a TD or wins.
...
he's out at a club having a great time (no knock on vick) but you cant compare manning to anyone else in the league...
he's on another level.
7. It's tough to determine which player would be the best franchise player.
.It's hard to pass on Payton Manning, but is that only b/c he has proven himself this far??
I mean look at what a BUST is bro has been. Concerning Shawne Marriman, he is an absolute FREAK. At 23 years of age, he definitely ranks as one of the best players in the NFL.
In the end, I personally think he will rank among the greatest linebackers to play the game..He deserves the franchise tag 8.
Very thought provoking - which is rare for the interweb...
For me, it comes down to Manning versus Tomlinson. Merriman is good, and I think the steroids are only an aside (one positive test only - could it really be the suppliments?).
PM v LT...
both Hall of Famers, who is better? The debate could go on for years..
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