Peterson runs hard and he finishes every play

It did provide weakness in the rushing game, ala Maurice Jones Drew, but when they needed major third down stops they were able to get them whether it was through the passing or rushing defense, something they weren't able to do during the pummel, kill, and bury games.With the improved defense, the offense started with better overall field position, and even if the offense's drive fizzled out, they weren't getting back on the field with a larger deficit on the board.For the Titans to make the playoffs this year would be amazing, and this team has shown that they have that potential as seen last year. Unfortunately, they may have to win 10 games straight after going 0-6 in order to make the playoffs.However, in order for them to beat the Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts, and the Houston Texans, Michael Griffin will have to contribute like Finnegan and Hood. To help Griffin regain last year's form, new Defensive Coordinator Chuck Cecil will need to continue to adjust and develop his schemes.If the defense continues to improve, they very well could finish 10-6 or 9-6 and no one in the NFL would want to meet them in the playoffs.. In a day and age in which professional athletes are often depicted as criminals or greedy, grown up babies, I feel the need for specific role models in sports is absolutely critical.While the media often only highlights the negative aspect of off-field activity, there are plenty of players and coaches who spend a considerable amount of time off the field doing charity work, promoting foundations, going into the community, or creating a cause of their own.Whenever I have kids, I want them to share my passion in sports, particularly football.If they don't, I will love them just the same, but for those growing with their kids right now, I raise the question:Whose uniform do you let your child walk around wearingBeing a Bronco fan, I will use myself as an example. 6 hanging on his wall.Our good friend Tanner Thoms, who writes here on B/R, received a white Cutler jersey from my family for Christmas.I also bought a blue Cutler jersey for my little nephew for his birthday.We were a Cutler family.Then, it happened.Jay Cutler displayed arguably the most childish acting I have ever seen from a quarterback, and unless you have been living under a rock, you saw it too.

He forced a trade out of Denver and is now a Chicago Bear, where he leads the NFL in interceptions.Talk about a bad case of karma.And so, the moral of the story is:Get to know a player before you spend hundreds upon hundreds of dollars on his jersey.Here are ten sure-fire bets of players who exemplify not only greatness on the field, but integrity and respect off of it.. Talk about a guy who has quietly been one of the better receivers over the course of this decade.For so long, Wayne played second fiddle to Marvin Harrison in Indianapolis, and justifiably so.Harrison is a Colts legend, but many considered Wayne No. 1A to Harrison's 1.The Colts' star receiver is on pace to break 1,000 yards receiving for the sixth straight season, and in his first year as the numberone receiver in Indianapolis, he is leading the league in touchdown grabs.. I love the retro-ish San Francisco jerseys, so I had to include a 49er on my list.Patrick Willis is, in my mind, the best defensive player in the game today.He is second in the NFL with 88 tackles, and has also registered 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions.In his two-and-a-half years in the league, he already has 403 tackles, and is learning from probably the best coach for that position in Mike Singletary.. Have you ever seen an NFL United Way commercial in which Brees was not featuredA former second round pick who was considered undersized by NFL standards has burst onto the scene with the New Orleans Saints as an elite quarterback in this league.Brees is a guy who has brought hope to New Orleans football, and given them arguably the greatest show on turf in 2009.. Orange has never looked so good.Aside from the fact I am a Broncos fan, I do not believe any player in the NFL looks as good in his uniform as Dawkins does in the orange No. 20.His dark visor may make him a mysterious figure on the field, but there may not be a better vocal leader in the league, especially defensively.Dawkins is a spiritual warrior, a family man, and a hall of fame football player..

Adrian Peterson is the best back in the league today, and he does it with a varying style of football.One play, he is a power back who can run through the toughest defenders.On the next play, he is a speed back who can blaze by anybody.Peterson runs hard, and he finishes every play. For those young running backs, take notes on this guy.He is phenomenal.. I don't know that there is a player in the NFL who better defines his position.When I think of "linebacker", Brian Urlacher is the one who comes to mind.He is fast, instinctive, and mean.Urlacher is the ideal size for an NFL linebacker, and is just as capable against the pass as he is against the run.He was the leader, captain, and MVP of the best defense in recent memory, and he is the heart and soul of the Chicago Bears.. Ohio State bounced back after a scrappy performance against North Carolina last night by defeating No 12 California, 76-70. The Buckeyes dominated the paint, something they couldnt do last night, on their way to a win in Madison Square Garden.Dallas Lauderdale was the catalyst for this defensive performance with eight points, five rebounds, and a career-high seven blocks. Evan Turner once again put on a clinic with another double-double. He had 26 points and 14 rebounds, along with six assists.Last night he had 10 turnovers in a frustrating performance for the Buckeye guard; tonight he held it to four, all of which were in the second half.The Buckeyes' starters did their part of the scoring tonight.