Dominate the Super Bowl-Chapter 960 - 959 Tops the Top 100

In 2019, the NFL Top 100 Players, the Top 10 were officially revealed—

Rank 10, Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons wide receiver.

Undoubtedly, he remains one of the league’s most dominant large-sized wide receivers. Despite the Atlanta Falcons’ increasingly dismal season record, still reeling from the shadow of their Super Bowl loss two years ago, which caused his rank to drop six spots, he still secured a position in the Top 10.

Rank 9, Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers quarterback.

This season, the team’s record remained poor, missing the playoffs for two consecutive seasons. However, this did not affect the league’s highest-paid player’s explosive output. Not only did he break Brady’s league record of 359 consecutive passes without an interception, but he also set a new league record with a season interception rate of 0.335%, climbing one spot from last year.

Rank 8, Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver.

For Pittsburgh, it was a chaotic and disastrous season. Yet, Brown’s performance remained strong. He was the league’s receiving touchdown leader this season, which was the source of his confidence in his fallout with the team. Despite a tumultuous offseason, this didn’t impact his standing in the players’ eyes, though his rank dropped six positions compared to last season.

Rank 7, Tom Brady, New England Patriots quarterback.

No need for elaboration—Brady’s name says it all. Everyone knows that last season was painful for Brady. Despite his individual stats being better than the 2017 season, and with no repeat of the chaos of 2017, his Top 100 ranking dipped slightly by six positions this season.

Next season, can Brady stage a kingly comeback? This is one of the league’s biggest talking points.

Rank 6, Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams running back.

As the league’s highest-paid running back, Gurley’s stats remained at a peak for two consecutive seasons. However, his disastrous performance in this year’s Super Bowl tarnished his reputation and drew heavy criticism. Nevertheless, Gurley’s ranking remained unchanged from last year.

That said, Gurley knows, and so does the league, that under Li Wei’s sustained stellar performance, Gurley’s ability to prove himself again next season will be a major focus.

Notably, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Goff was ranked only 33rd.

Last season, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Wentz burst onto the scene, debuting at third place in the Top 100. This year, however, he plummeted to the bottom at Rank 96. Nevertheless, Wentz still had some brilliant moments.

But Goff, who led the Los Angeles Rams to the Super Bowl, remained lukewarm in rank, climbing just three positions from last season.

This reveals that, in the eyes of the players, the real centerpiece of the Los Angeles Rams’ offense is Gurley, not Goff.

Thus, if the Los Angeles Rams wish to remain competitive next season, all the pressure will fall squarely on Gurley’s shoulders.

Rank 5, Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback.

In his first season as a starter, Mahomes debuted at Rank 5, experiencing firsthand the league’s attention.

Whether it was game statistics, finishing second in the regular season MVP voting, or demonstrating potential while still seeming raw and with room to grow, this season showcased Mahomes’ incredible capability and potential. Like a monster leaping from the cracks, he amazed the league—

Looking back now, one might ask, prior to the 2017 Draft, why didn’t teams notice him?

The Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears are both left contemplating. The Jacksonville Jaguars, holding the fourth overall pick in 2017 and struggling with quarterback issues since, are similarly conflicted.

Yet, none compare to the San Francisco 49ers.

Originally holding the second pick, the San Francisco 49ers never considered selecting a quarterback. Now, facing their second season of rebuilding chaos, they can’t help but question their choices.

They missed their chance with the earnest Tom Brady, the loyal Aaron Rodgers, and now the exceptional Patrick Mahomes?

Rank 4, Khalil Mack, Chicago Bears linebacker.

After transferring from the Oakland Raiders to the Chicago Bears last season, this 2016 Defensive Player of the Year reaffirmed his skill with unparalleled top-tier performances.

In the Top 100 Players list, Mack overtook Watt to break into the Top 10 and stood out among a sea of offensive players, which speaks volumes about his recognition.

Back in 2016, some questioned whether Mack deserved the Defensive Player of the Year award due to Watt’s season-ending injury. But now, through his actions, Mack has proven himself. At least in the players’ eyes, his strength and excellence have been solidly validated.

At this point, the list is already thrilling and magnificent, vividly capturing the brilliance of the 2018 season. Close your eyes, and you’re flooded with memories.

Now, who can rise above the fierce competition to claim a spot on the Top 3 pedestal?

Rank 3, Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints quarterback.

Twelve-time Pro Bowler, four-time All-American Second Team, record-breaking five-time season completion percentage leader, two-time season quarterback rating leader, breaking Big Manning’s league passing yardage record, and so on.

How does one describe Brees’ 2018 season?

Glorious.

In fact, even now, many believe the league stole the New Orleans Saints’ chance at the Super Bowl. The controversy of the National Conference final lingers, with Brees delivering a perfect season and maintaining dominance in the playoffs. If not for that missed call…

Clearly, the league also recognized the seriousness of the consecutive officiating errors in both Conference finals.

After the Super Bowl, the league formed an investigative committee to review the officiating and referee teams. Following a month-long inquiry, including overlapping interviews, a 97-page investigation report was released.

The report stated there was no foul play, only accidental oversight. However, to prevent such incidents from recurring, the league is discussing potential rule changes.

For example, if the officiating crew disputes a call or the coaching staff questions a missed or incorrect call, they could request an on-field video replay for a ruling. Although a similar rule exists, the prohibition of red-flag challenges after the two-minute warning has raised the need for adjustments to avoid critical moments being marred by similar issues.

Bla bla bla.

In response, teams and players remain unconvinced, accusing the league of muddling through.

However, with considerations of major markets and strategic planning, team owners stayed silent and refrained from attacking Goodell.

At this point, looking at Brees again, admiration is inevitably coupled with sighs of regret.

Yet, there’s no denying that Brees deserves the third spot. His ranking was earned through his own performances and merits respect.

Rank 2, Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle.

And the first place?

At this point, who could possibly surpass Donald and Brees to claim the top spot?

The answer seems all too obvious.