NFL Picks and Predictions: 2012 All-Pro Team (Offense): Now that the 2012 NFL regular season has come to an end, it is time to recognize the players that were the best in the business this season. Unlike the Pro Bowl teams that seem to include about half the league when all is said and done and players actually accept the invites, the All-Pro Team is reserved for the elite of the elite at each position. On the offensive side of the ball this season, there were several positions where the choice was obvious, along with a couple of close calls. With that in mind, here are my picks for the offensive All-Pro starters.
NFL Picks and Predictions: 2012 All-Pro Team (Offense)
Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Although his numbers dipped on paper compared to his MVP season from a year ago, Rodgers still led the NFL with a 108.0 QB rating, finished second with 39 touchdowns and ranked third in completion percentage. Throw in the fact that he put up those numbers despite being sacked more times than any other QB in the league and while throwing to a banged up group of receivers, and there is little doubt that no QB did more for his team than Rodgers did for Green Bay.
Running Back: Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
What knee injury? Peterson led the NFL with 2,097 rushing yards, falling just nine yards short of the single-season record. His 6.0 yards per carry was also the best, and his 27 runs of 20 yards or more were 15 more than the next closest player. Peterson’s 13 rushing touchdowns were the third most, and the fact that he accumulated 87 percent of his yards against eight or nine-man fronts makes his total all the more impressive.
Fullback: Jerome Felton, Minnesota Vikings
The only stat you need to know about Felton is that he was leading the way for Peterson as he accumulated 83 percent of his yards this season. Peterson would have still led the league in rushing if you only took into account the yards he gained while Felton was on the field.
Wide Receiver: Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions
Johnson had an absolutely monstrous season. He led the NFL in catches, receiving yards, catches for first downs and catches of 20 yards or more. More importantly, his 1,964 receiving yards set a new single-season record. Anytime you move past Jerry Rice in the record books, you deserve to be recognized.
Wide Receiver: Brandon Marshall, Chicago Bears
His first year in Chicago was a brilliant one. Marshall finished second in the league with 118 catches, third with 1,508 yards and fourth with 11 touchdowns. When given a decent quarterback, Marshall again proved that he is one of the best receivers in the game.
Tight End: Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys
Although he only found the end zone three times, Witten got his hands on plenty of passes this season. In fact, he set a new record for catches in a season by a tight end, hauling in 110. He also led all tight ends with 1,039 receiving yards.
Offensive Tackle: Joe Thomas, Cleveland Browns
The guy pass protects, he opens holes in the running game, and he does both while rarely being penalized. Thomas is an absolute pillar at the left tackle spot. It’s too bad the Browns can’t get the pieces together around him.
Offensive Tackle: Russell Okung, Seattle Seahawks
Seattle’s entire offensive line was nasty this season, but Okung really stood out. Not only did he help pave the way for Marshawn Lynch and the league’s third-best ground game, but he protected the blind side of Russell Wilson as the QB tied the record for most touchdown passes by a rookie.
Center: Jonathan Goodwin, San Francisco 49ers
The heart of the San Francisco offense is a power running game, and Frank Gore and company were able to pound the ball right down opposing defenses thanks in part to Goodwin. By continually winning at the point of attack, Goodwin helped everything else fall into place.
Offensive Guard: Jahri Evans, New Orleans Saints
Casual fans probably don’t appreciate Evans as much as they should, but the guy is probably going to end up in the Hall of Fame when all is said and done. His technique is flawless, and he rarely makes mistakes. More importantly, he consistently wins at the point of attack and is a big reason why Drew Brees led the NFL in touchdown passes this season.
Offensive Guard: Mike Iupati, San Francisco 49ers
Iupati is the second member of the San Francisco offensive line to make the cut, and it goes back to the 49ers’ ability to run the ball straight at opponents and a consistent basis. Iupati is strong and nasty in the trenches, and he anchored what was probably the best interior line in the NFL this season.
Kicker: Blair Walsh, Minnesota Vikings
The rookie had a stellar season. He connected on a league-high 35 field goals on 38 attempts, finishing with the second-best success rate. He also set an NFL record by going a perfect 10-for-10 on field goals of 50-plus yards.
Kick Returner: Darius Reynaud, Tennessee Titans
Reynaud had a solid season returning kicks and punts. His 1,240 kickoff return yards were the second most in the NFL, and his 410 punt return yards were the third most. He also had three scores in the return game.
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