NFL 2015: Finding the best player from all 32 teams
This was one of the tougher calls to make across the league. There was really nobody to talk about on the defensive side of the ball, but the Steelers have an embarrassment of riches at the skill positions offensively speaking. The trio of Le’Veon Bell, Antonio Brown and Ben Roethlisberger is lethal, but Roethlisberger still stands apart from the rest.
So why Big Ben? Last year, Roethlisberger threw for 4,952 yards, a career-high and tying Drew Brees for the league passing title. Roethlisberger is 33 years old, and seemingly improving. While Pittsburgh could survive for a month or two without Bell and Brown, it would be absolutely sunk with Roethlisberger.
Honorable mention: Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown
Another one of those teams with plenty of solid candidates, but the choice has to be Marshal Yanda. On the defense, there are men like Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil, even rookie sensation C.J. Mosley. However, Yanda might be the best guard in the game today, showcasing his incredible skills throughout the last eight years.
Yanda was the top-ranked guard by Pro Football Focus, allowing only 10 quarterback hurries and one sack the entire year against Joe Flacco, a man not known for his mobility. Baltimore loves to run screens, making Yanda one of the most important pieces of the team. He has also helped to develop Kelechi Osemele, a terrific young left guard.
Honorable mention: Terrell Suggs, Elvis Dumervil
Next: Bengals & Browns