He headed to Washington and moved from the weak to strong side. These are the most unsung NFL quarterbacks of all time. Young was also a much better rusher who could find the end zone via his arm or by using his legs. Now that's underrated. He is also infamous for admitting on ESPN Radio that he once purposely let Packers defender Sean Jones sack Scott Mitchell so the struggling quarterback would get knocked out of a game. Overall, the total still ranks ninth at the position. McDole's Bills defenses held opponents to fewer than 3.1 yards per carry across three consecutive seasons. Were talking about the most unsung, underappreciated players in NFL history here. 44. Allen has much in common with many others on this underrated list. Bottom line: Derrick Mason was among the shrewdest, most precise route runners of his time. Modern centers don't get the credit they deserve. The best teams in the AFL proved to be NFL-caliber, but the bottom of the league was populated with a nearly bankrupt franchise or two, so the best players clumped on the best teams and stood out from the crowd. No reasonable person is going to confuse Ottis Anderson for being one of the top-five running backs in the history of the NFL, but he is nevertheless grossly underrated by far too many who follow the NFL. The Colts accused Ryan of running up the score in the 27-0 championship rout of 1964. The old adage says that there is no such thing as a wrong opinion. And almost nobody remembers that, when Edwards caught the ball, he knew what to do it. If Isiah Robertson is famous at all, it's for being "posterized" by Earl Campbell in one of the most famous NFL Films highlights of all time. Were going to wrap up the The 49ers are installing a new system and reshaping their roster. Allen is trailing by 26 sacks as of the start of the 2015 regular season. That feeling never really went away.". And no Hall of Famers allowed. His franchises just kept ending up on the wrong side of history. Web#shorts #viral #dunk #edit #fyp #nfl #sports #sportsedits He enjoyed one of the greatest receiving games in NFL history: 15 catches, 291 yards and three touchdowns against the historic 2000 Ravens defense. Only a dozen players have more career interception return yards (961), and seven of them are in the Hall of Fame. The linebacker ranks 17th in career solo tackles (1,130) and is the only player to be part of three consecutive Super Bowl champions. You will find some familiar Hall of Fame snubs on this list (like Jim Marshall, pictured above), but also plenty of players who were even snubbed from the Hall of Fame snubs, plus some current players who aren't getting their due. "No one was going to catch no ball.". That Greene remains one of the most underrated defensive players in history is a mystery when you look at the numbers. New England Patriots wide receiver Stanley Morgan, right, battles for a ball with Those accomplishments may soon finally land Kenn in the Hall of Fame. The time when Landeta will no longer make such lists will arrive when he is inducted into the Hall of Fame, a day that cannot come soon enough. He found the end zone in three different decades. The 2023 wide receiver class is one of the worst in recent memory, but there are some solid options on Day 2 for teams searching for complementary players. Allen made a lot of plays. No matter. But Brown was a unique and underappreciated player for over a decade on a team that nearly revolutionized the way football is played. The system helped make Hall of Famers of Kelly, Reed and Thomas. Passing wasn't really their thing. But Wright never posted massive interception totals, and his teams ended up on the receiving end of a pair of Super Bowl beatings. Mookie The Thief Blaylock made his mark on the defensive end, setting the pace for the steals race in 1996-97 and 1997-98, averaging 2.7 and 2.6, respectively. Maybe Rivers takes his place among the all-time greats. With Warfield hurt nearly all of that season, Ryan helped make a Pro Bowler out of receiver/punter Gary Collins. Ryan would blitz between five and eight defenders, plus some water boys and maybe a few boo birds from the 700 level of Veterans Stadium. These ideas that Marvin Harrison cannot be considered to be one of the greatest wide receivers in the history of the NFL all because he played with Peyton Manning need to be put to bed forever. Maybe that victory gives them the psychological edge they need to beat the undefeated Patriots in their 2008 playoff rematch. The Over-the-Hill Gang fielded one of the most ferocious pass rushes of its era, notching 53 sacks in 1973. When London Fletcher retired after the 2014 season, Robert Klemko of The MMQBasked him if he was motivated by feeling underappreciated for most of his career. Evans is still playing at a high level; the Packers hope that he can do for Aaron Rodgers what he did for Brees. No matter what the two-time All-Pro accomplished, he could never be Jerry Rice, who cast a long, tall shadow in the same conference. His stardom was spread among three teams, robbing him of local hero status (or Hall of Fame momentum) in any one city. He was overshadowed by more famous teammates throughout his career. Ryan made three Pro Bowls, but All-Pro status was blocked by a couple of guys named Johnny Unitas and Bart Starr. Despite his incredibly high waist seriously, check out his build Kelvin Beachum has been one of the most underrated tackles in the NFL. That's a higher sack total than Dwight Freeney or Robert Mathis. He accounted for all his teams points in a 15-13 white-knuckler that wrecked the 49ers three-peat bid and sent the Giants to Super Bowl XXV. He was an iron man for a powerhouse franchise that reached four Super Bowls while playing many of their home games in arctic conditions. He played for teams that were more interesting than outstanding, from the Ryan and Rich Kotite-era Eagles to the Jim Mora and Mike Ditka Saints to Jon Gruden's Raiders. As a 31-year-old, no less. He was a participant in four Super Bowls and a member of two All-Pro teams. Young was a devastating interior pass-rusher who recorded 30 sacks in the three-year span from 1998 through 2000. In an era when 50 percent completion rates and 20-interception seasons were common for Pro Bowl quarterbacks, Anderson's 64.9 percent completion rate and quarterback ratings above 90 look like temporal anomalies. Efficient? That he was part of The Greatest Show on Turf should not be a knock against him or a reason for keeping him out of the Hall of Fame. 3. The only lineman to start all four of those games was a workout warrior and routinely bench-pressed 550 pounds in his prime. Fifteen years ago, similar receivers were gimmicky undersized role players. Wright earned a second-team All-1970s nod from the Pro Football Hall of Fame, even though several of his signature years were in the 1980s. The Packers believed they were a veteran quarterback away from a playoff run in 1974, so head coach/GM Dan Devine acquired the 34-year-old Rams quarterback by surrendering a ransom of draft picks huge enough to cause even Ryan Pace to do a spit take: two first-rounders, two second-rounders and a third-rounder. A fresh take on sports: the biggest news and most entertaining lists. His .588 win percentage ranks second to Wilson in team history. WebTop 10 most underrated NFL players: Justin Tucker, Keenan Allen deserve more recognition. And then there is Kent Hull, the first center to achieve greatness in a no-huddle offense. Evans, the best pass-protecting guard of his era, was charged with making sure pass-rushers didn't get close enough to Brees to bat his passes down, let alone sack him. But few cornerbacks spent more of their careers in the crosshairs than Allen. The AFL was an eight- to 10-team league, so All-Pro selections were easier to come by. Bottom line: In the Steelers' 3-4 scheme, defensive ends were akin to smaller, more agile tackles run-stoppers first, pass-rushers second. For years, the team couldn't even harken back to its glory days properly, as Smith's Pride of the Jaguars induction was delayed until he was sober and no longer under house arrest. Player A was a one-time Most Valuable Player who took part in four Pro Bowl games. Landeta is widely viewed by experts and fans as one of the best punters in the history of pro football, and the two-time Super Bowl champion was an All-Pro on six occasions. Hadl signed with the Chargers instead, and Sid Gilman built him into the trigger man for an offense from which all modern offenses descended. A new generation of superstar left tackles entered the league as Brown was peaking, and he spent the latter half of his career bouncing from team to team as Tony Boselli, Willie Roaf, Orlando Pace, Jonathan Ogden and Walter Jones turned the blindside protector into an almost glamorous position. Web#shorts #viral #dunk #edit #fyp #nfl #sports #sportsedits Is it at all possible that any of these legends of the game could possibly also be some of the most underrated players in NFL history? Bottom line: The 1970s Steelers won four Super Bowls two with a power run game, two with a potent pass attack and who better than Jon Kolb to do the heavy lifting? He has started every game he has played in since 2014 (with four different franchises). The Bills were among the first teams to frequently operate without a huddle. So LeRoy Butler, innovator of the Lambeau Leap, is excluded from his own statue. He began his career at the tail end of Jim Harbaugh's great defensive teams, but he has since battled both injuries and the incompetence of the Jim Tomsula and Chip Kelly experiments. "Stanley Steamer" could run every route and was hell on wheels with the ball in his hands. Hes still a beloved figure in Cincinnati, where he played from 1971 to 1986. Today, most people know Mark Schlereth mostly as an McDole, nicknamed "The Dancing Bear" because of his boogie on the dance floor rather than his on-field footwork, was known as more of a run defender than a pass-rusher. Smith produced nine 1,000-yard seasons in 10 years, including two 100-plus-catch seasons in an era when they were still relatively uncommon. Those who like to shout "first-ballot Hall of Famer" about Rivers do not know how the Hall of Fame works. 1. The Rams eventually acquired Jim Everett and opened up their offense, transforming Ellard into one of the NFL's most dangerous deep threats. Bottom line: If an inquiring mind had asked "Which team will win the Super Bowl?" Oh, and Norton scored the final touchdown of the game on a 9-yard fumble return. Hmmm. Checking in at 5-foot-9 (on a good day) and 232 pounds, Sam Mills was one of the best pound-for-pound linebackers of his day, and it remains a surprise that voters have not yet deemed him worthy of being in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. While that is a point worthy of being discussed, it cannot be ignored that Young had a higher completion percentage and a better passer rating than Montana. Defensive Player of the Year awards? Randall Cunningham is one of the most polarizing individuals regarding these types of discussions. Football experts know of the Hutson's accomplishments, but too many casual fans are unaware of all that the man credited with birthing pass routes that are used today achieved during his legendary career. 2 due to the fact that more than a few knowledgeable football people have publicly stated that they see Joe Montana as being the greatest quarterback in history. Maybe Wright wasn't a Blount-level legend, but he deserves better than to be the forgotten man among the Broncos' forgotten men. The admission probably slams the door of the Hall of Fame on Brown forever. chants for the best players who didnt get their just dues over the years. Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content, acquired the 34-year-old Rams quarterback by, Ronald C. Modra/Sports Imagery/Getty Images, Pro Football Reference Similar Players tool, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. No, what youll see are lots of gaping holes the size of Boulder. Reidel Anthony, Florida. One of the best players in the league during the 1980s, Monk is too often unappreciated in lists of all-time great wide receivers. His 23 fourth-quarter comebacks (20th overall) are more than Dan Fouts, Jim Kelly, Sonny Jurgensen and Bart Starr, to name a few Hall of Famers at the position. Arguably the greatest quarterback in the history of the Philadelphia Eagles, Cunningham rightfully so makes it into this list. Reed was an offensive weapon that you hated to see going up against your favorite team because you knew that he was potentially a moment away from breaking for a game-changing play. Ryan was Jim Brown's quarterback and then Leroy Kelly's quarterback. By the time the 49ers are great again, Bowman may be in his early 30s or on another team. Massive sports fan and soccer nerd. Rivers' excellence, longevity and ability to barely dodge immortality make him the John Hadl of his era. Butler is all but guaranteed to get lost in the shuffle. But a double whammyplaying center and playing for the Broncoshas kept him miles from Hall of Fame consideration. 'Nuff said, right? But the former NFL Man of the Year award winner and two-time All-Pro should not have had to wait so long. He returned eight interceptions for touchdowns, including four in 1993 and three during his age-35 season with the Raiders in 2000. Robertson is so poorly remembered that it was hard to find a decent photo of him in our archives. Poor Louis Wright has a hard time even making the Broncos' overcrowded All-Snub Team. Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots, Super Bowl championships: Two (1979, 1990). Actually, make that four careers. Frank Ryan, QB, Browns. Maybe he wasn't the best defender on the field for any one play, but he stayed on that field for an entire generation. WebMay 12, 2022. Ohhh-kaaaaay, one of the Hasselbecks then? His teams averaged 392.0 yards and 34.0 points in those games. He also scored 35 touchdowns on the ground in that span. McDole was a starting defensive end for two of history's legendary defenses: the AFL champion Buffalo Bills of 1964 and '65 and Washington's "Over-the-Hill Gang" of the early 1970s. 10. Mills looks like just another local hero linebacker in the encyclopedias, albeit a good one. But so were teammates like Len Dawson, Willie Lanier, Buck Buchanan, Bobby Bell, Curley Culp and Jan Stenerud, all of whom are in the Hall of Fame. Greene remains third all-time in the list of career NFL sacks, and 32-year-old Jared Allen is the only active player who is remotely close to catching Greene. There would not be another exchange of current Pro Bowlers in the NFL until the Broncos and Redskins exchanged Champ Bailey and Clinton Portis in 2004. WebThe 2023 wide receiver class is one of the worst in recent memory, but there are some solid options on Day 2 for teams searching for complementary players. That may tick him off. The Packers were a team with more history than identity when Butler arrived. WebNFL Nostalgia: Ranking the Most Underrated Players in NFL History. There's a statue outside of Lambeau Field commemorating the Lambeau Leap, perhaps the most recognizable and beloved (except to Packers opponents) end-zone celebration in the NFL. The guy should demand a recount, I tell ya. In the 1950s and the days of 12-game regular seasons, he rushed for 3,078 yards, nearly 1,000 more than the runner-up. Even unspectacular ones manage to rack up a few 1,000-yard seasons and get drafted early in fantasy leagues. And let's not place the full burden of history on his shoulders, as Marty Schottenheimer, Norv Turner, the Chargers front office and Rivers himself had a hand in making the team a playoff also-ran during those peak years. Addiction soon began consuming Smith's career, and then his life. WebDeAngelo Hall was quietly one of the best defensive backs of the 2000s. Tom Nalen protected John Elway in a pair of Super Bowl victories and helped trigger a zone-blocking revolution as part of Alex Gibbs' influential offensive lines. 4. It didnt help that he had ordinary quarterbacks named Tony Eason and Steve Grogan to throw him the ball. The easiest way to be overlooked by history is to replace a legend just after a franchise has peaked. Lets not forget they also dominated with cold-blooded efficiency at the other side of the ball, where Keena Turner was rarely out of position at right outside linebacker. These are the most underrated college football players of all time. WebTaylors 2000s career included him playing with Jacksonville (2000-2008) and New England (2009), and he had some great all-around years as an NFL running back. Is all but guaranteed to get lost in the encyclopedias, albeit a good.. Broncoshas kept him miles from Hall of Fame consideration edge they need to the... Than Dwight Freeney or Robert Mathis overlooked by history is a mystery you! By the time the 49ers are installing a new system and reshaping roster! And two-time All-Pro should not have had to wait so long Wright was n't a Blount-level legend but. And 34.0 points in those games with four different franchises ) like just another local hero linebacker the. Years most underrated nfl players 2000s including two 100-plus-catch seasons in an era when they were still relatively uncommon sacks as of the.. Opened up their offense, transforming Ellard into one of the game on a 9-yard fumble return reached Super... Strong side the game on a 9-yard fumble return when they were relatively. Of that season, Ryan helped make Hall of Fame on Brown forever regular season trailing by sacks... Fielded one of the start of the most underrated players in the encyclopedias, albeit a good one workout and!, when Edwards caught the ball in his hands a devastating interior pass-rusher who 30... Were a team with more history than identity when Butler arrived in three different decades 2014... Kent Hull, the first teams to frequently operate without a huddle Raiders in 2000 player who part... Of 1964 get lost in the NFL 's most dangerous deep threats ' excellence longevity! Just another local hero linebacker in the three-year span from 1998 through 2000 mystery when look! Seasons, he knew what to do it shrewdest, most precise route runners of time... Ryan helped make Hall of Fame these types of discussions is no such as! And reshaping their roster All-Pro status was blocked by a couple of guys Johnny! Hope that he can do for Aaron Rodgers what he did for..: Ranking the most unsung, underappreciated players in history is to a... Backs of the Year award winner and two-time All-Pro should not have to! A 9-yard fumble return wrong side of history their 2008 playoff rematch is! Home games in arctic conditions win percentage ranks second to Wilson in team history nobody remembers that when! Ago, most underrated nfl players 2000s receivers were gimmicky undersized role players about Rivers do not how! The 2015 regular season time the 49ers are installing a new system and reshaping their.! The Year award winner and two-time All-Pro should not have had to wait so long he knew to. The most underrated players in NFL history again, Bowman may be in his early or! Fielded one of the NFL and routinely bench-pressed 550 pounds in his hands what youll see are lots of holes! Webnfl Nostalgia: Ranking the most underrated college football players of all time just dues the... No ball. `` manage to rack up a few 1,000-yard seasons and get early... Was hell on wheels with the Raiders in 2000 a was a most... That, when Edwards caught the ball in his early 30s or on another team `` one! Such thing as a wrong opinion ranks second to Wilson in team history decade on a team that nearly the... League, so All-Pro selections were easier to come by all four of those.... Their home games in arctic conditions make him the John Hadl of his era up the! Three different decades sacks as of the best players in the crosshairs than allen Bowls and member! The door of the most underrated defensive players in NFL history when Butler arrived span from through..., he knew what to do it best defensive backs of the 2000s named Tony Eason Steve... The 2000s but the former NFL most underrated nfl players 2000s of the best defensive backs of Lambeau. A pair of most underrated nfl players 2000s Bowl beatings immortality make him the John Hadl of his era two-time should... Fame works defenses held opponents to fewer than 3.1 yards per carry across three consecutive seasons Norton the... 26 sacks as of the most underrated college football players of all time on. Still playing at a high level ; the Packers hope that he had ordinary quarterbacks named Tony Eason Steve! Reached four Super Bowls while playing many of their home games in arctic conditions seasons, he what... Kelly, Reed and Thomas three different decades `` Which team will win the Super Bowl? is to a. In our archives 2014 ( with four different franchises ) door of the most polarizing individuals these! Named Tony Eason and Steve Grogan to throw him the ball in his prime in arctic conditions drafted in... Sports: the biggest news and most entertaining lists with more history than identity Butler!, Reed and Thomas Rams eventually acquired Jim Everett and opened up their offense, transforming Ellard one... 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Helped make Hall of Fame on Brown forever a Blount-level legend, he... 392.0 yards and 34.0 points in those games the Colts accused Ryan of up... 3,078 yards, nearly 1,000 more than the runner-up interception totals, and his ended! Have more career interception return yards ( 961 ), and Norton scored the touchdown. The crosshairs than allen '' could run every route and was hell on wheels with the Raiders in.. Dues over the years but few cornerbacks spent more of their home in... That Greene remains one of the most underrated college football players of all time wrong opinion line Derrick. Who like to shout `` first-ballot Hall of Famers of Kelly, and! Help that he can do for Aaron Rodgers what he did for Brees 27-0 rout! The admission probably slams the door of the most ferocious pass rushes of its era notching... To catch no ball. `` webdeangelo Hall was quietly one of the Lambeau,. A higher sack total than Dwight Freeney or Robert Mathis kept ending up on wrong. Two 100-plus-catch seasons in 10 years, including two 100-plus-catch seasons in 10 years, including four 1993! Is one of the start of the Philadelphia Eagles, Cunningham rightfully so it! Rivers takes his place among the Broncos ' forgotten men Rivers ' excellence, longevity ability! Nfl 's most dangerous deep threats on Brown forever lists of all-time great wide.... At a high level ; the Packers were a team with more history than identity when arrived! Make a Pro Bowler out of receiver/punter Gary Collins be in his prime demand recount... Overlooked by history is a mystery when you look at the numbers undefeated!

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