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Even before the explosion in popularity of Fantasy football, players on the defensive side of the ball have rarely been placed in the spotlight. And it's not often that people tune into a game just to watch a linebacker or defensive lineman.
Now with such an emphasis on Fantasy stats, many people actually hope for poor defense and root against big plays on that side of the ball.
Viewers tune into games looking to see how their Fantasy lineup is performing and how many points have been put up on the board.
Somewhere along the line, our love for Fantasy football has decreased our appreciation and love for great defense. But the league is stacked with plenty of defensive specialists well worth the price of admission.
From freakishly-athletic defensive lineman, track-star defensive backs and tackling machines at linebacker, the NFL is loaded with talent on the defensive side of the ball.
So the next time you're at the sports bar, scanning your DirecTV lineup or checking out the game your local cable company stuck you with, keep an eye out for these 10 players.
Even if you don't have any interest in the two teams or any Fantasy implications on the line, you won't be disappointed. These gladiators will make sure you're entertained, and they might even remind you of how great it is to watch a hard-nosed, low-scoring game.
(With all respect to Bob Sanders, who would clearly be on this list any year, I have to go with players you'll be able to check out this weekend and the rest of the 2008 season.)
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Patrick Willis, No. 52, LB, 49ers: After leading the league in tackles in his rookie season, Willis is no longer an unknown commodity. But he does play for the 49ers, which keeps him from getting the full respect he's due.
Willis returned an interception 86 yards for a touchdown in Week 2 in a divisional win over the Seattle Seahawks. As the best player on a struggling team, Willis won't find the spotlight until the 49ers can revert to their glory days of the '80s and mid-90s.
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Champ Bailey, No. 24, DB, Broncos: Bailey has been the best cover corner in the league for at least eight of the 10 years he has been in the league. His speed has diminished slightly at 30 years old, but there is still no defensive back closer to being a true "shutdown corner."
Like Deion Sanders did is his day, Bailey effectively cuts the field in half for opposing quarterbacks. Unfortunately, this keeps Bailey from nabbing many picks, which in turns keeps us from watching him race the ball back to the house.
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Troy Polamalu, No. 43, SS, Steelers: Finding Polamalu on the football field is exactly the opposite of finding where Waldo's hiding at. If the flowing mane isn't easy enough to follow, just keep your eyes on the football.
Chances are, Polamalu will either be there to make the tackle or he'll be flying in just as the ball carrier is taken down. Polamalu has the least concern for his own health since Ronnie Lott; he literally throws himself into the play -- every play.
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Mario Williams, No. 90, DE, Texans: In order to make an entire city and fan base forget about your team passing on Reggie Bush, you have to be pretty damn good. Luckily for the Texans and their management, Williams has more than proven himself worthy of the first overall pick in the 2006 draft.
Much like Willis, Williams is a supremely talented player on a sub-par team. Until Williams is making his impact in a playoff game (or a game with playoff implications), he'll continue to go fairly unnoticed.
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Ed Reed, No. 20, FS, Ravens: After being overshadowed by Ray Lewis' personality for years, Reed is now the Ravens best defensive player by far. With the speed to play free safety and the ability to hit like a strong safety, Reed has always been the true hybrid defensive back.
Reed and his boys will continue to be the reason for any and all success in Baltimore in a division known for tough defense. Unfortunately for the Ravens, the Steelers also have an offense.
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John Abraham, No. 55, DE, Falcons: In his third year with the Falcons, Abraham is off to his best start since leaving the New York Jets. Abraham has four sacks and a forced fumble through the first two weeks of the season.
Against the Detroit Lions in the season opener, Abraham got to Jon Kitna three times and hurried throws about a dozen more times. With a rookie quarterback leading the offense, Abraham and the defense will have plenty more to do if the Falcons are hoping for playoff run.
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Jonathan Vilma, No. 51, LB, Saints: With a league-leading 25 tackles after two weeks, Vilma took no time to fit in with his New Orleans teammates. Following three great seasons to start his career with the Jets, Vilma played just seven games in 2007.
Once again healthy, Vilma has already reverted back to his 2005 form when he finished with 169 tackles. Expect Vilma and Willis to battle for most tackles all season in a very entertaining -- and painful -- competition.
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Justin Tuck, No. 91, Giants: In case you didn't hear, the New York Giants were supposed to have issues on the defensive line this year. They had a future Hall of Famer retire and lost an All-Pro to injury, so of course they're gonna struggle. Right?
Well someone forgot to tell Mr. Tuck, who has already racked up nine tackles, three sacks and an interception return for a touchdown. Obviously, if the Giants hope for a return trip to the 'ship, Tuck's long-term health is a top priority.
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Julian Peterson, No. 98, LB, Seahawks: Peterson has been one of the league's best all-around linebackers since his days with the 49ers. With the size and strength of a defensive end and the speed of a nickel back, Peterson is the perfect linebacker for the 3-4.
But even with a four-lineman set, Peterson can cover slot receivers and tight ends. Peterson is also the perfect run stopper with the strength and tenacity he plays with for four full quarters.
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Antonio Cromartie, No. 31, DB, Chargers: There was a time in which a pair of Chargers defenders would grace this list, but Shawne Merriman's injury leaves him on the sidelines. Still on the field and always dangerous, however, is the multi-talented Cromartie.
Last season the third-year defensive back matched the longest touchdown of all-time, returning a missed field goal the entire length of the field, all 109 yards of it. Battling a hip injury early in 2008 has temporarily slowed down what will surely be a big year for the 6-foot-2 speedster.
