Fleece & Flog's Week 15 NFL Top Five

So the Pro-Bowl starters were announced yesterday, and appropriately seven Chicago Bears were named, including three special teamers. Perennials Brian Urlacher and Olin Kreutz join two timers Lance Briggs and Tommie Harris as starters. Voted by their play rather than their reputations were kicker Robbie Gould, special teamer Brendon Ayanbadejo, and rookie kick returner sensation Devin Hester.

I can't argue about any of these selections, even Tommie Harris, cuz they've led the best team in the NFC all season long. In fact, maybe the Bears have some complaining about the lack of offensive selections. Des Clark is definitely deserving, Berrian possibly, Tait certainly, and maybe Moose, but injury replacements have yet to be selected, so we'll see where things stand in a month or so.

Congrats go out to the Bears for consecutive double digit win seasons and back-to-back division championships. Jerry Angelo, the true architect of the team, needs commendations for his draft. While the fans and critics were crying out for the selection of a TE, and even after trading down Anthony Fasano was available, Angelo had the foresight to target defense first. Rookie Danieal Manning has been capable in replacing Todd Johnson, and Devin Hester, well, he has won 2-4 games for the Bears all by himself.

Unlike the luckiest team I've ever seen the 13-3 2001 team, this team has shown growth and progress. They have matured, learned from mistakes and found a QB to rally behind. Yes, I still have faith in Rex. He was the best player in last year's playoff loss to the Carolina Panthers, and he has the fearlessness to lead the team to the promised land.

With that said, it's on to F&F's NFL Top Five for the week........................

1. San Diego Chargers (12-2): This is the only team, as a Bears fans, I fear. I watched LT go untouched on a 15 yard TD and a 85 yard TD. I was very impressed. And here's one more stat to scare any team: they lead the league in sacks. Scary.
2. Da Bears (12-2): Minus five defensive starters, the Bears had a brain cramp. Oh, well. The offense was back to its winning ways, and Rex, despite being sacked for a season high four times, threw no interceptions.
   
3. Baltimore Ravens (11-3): Brian Billick had better hope Steve McNair's injury isn't serious cuz Kyle Boller leading a team into the playoffs doesn't ring with confidence
4. Dallas Cowboys (9-5): So how does a team survive a change in QB, a circus like Terrell Owens and a middle of the pack defense? Bill Parcells, that's how.
5. Indianapolis Colts (11-3): So Peyton to Marvin is the most prolific passing tandem of all time by a wide margin. Marino to Duper is on that list too. And I'm actually starting to feel bad for Peyton.

ChicagoCubbin and I are in a little disagreement about our top five, but since I'm the main administrator, it's my call. And he's also a Cowboys fan so the heck with him. His top five: SD, BAL, CHI, DAL, IND. So we aren't that far apart in our choices.