NFL Insider: All-Sunshine State Offense
With three NFL franchises in Florida, there is a good amount of talent spread around the state. We will pick the best players at each position from the Dolphins, Buccaneers and Jaguars for the 2011 season. We will begin with the offense.
Quarterback- Matt Moore, Dolphins
Although Moore might be the least talented of the three starting quarterbacks in the state he was the most consistent. It’s not likely you can win a playoff game or even get to the postseason with Moore so this pretty much tells you all you need to know about the quarterback play in Florida in 2011.
Running back- Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars
This was the easiest selection as MJD led the NFL in rushing. There’s really nobody else you can make a case for.
Fullback- Greg Jones, Jaguars
If you have the league’s leading rushing behind you, you’re obviously doing something right. Greg Jones is a punishing blocker and probably should have received more Pro Bowl consideration.
Wide receivers- Brandon Marshall, Dolphins; Mike Williams, Buccaneers
Brandon Marshall is certainly a no-brainer, but after him it’s on open field. Jacksonville might not have two NFL caliber wideouts, much less an all-star team starter so we went with Mike Williams. Williams caught barely over 50 percent of his targets (65 of 124) and wasn’t nearly the force he was in 2010 as a rookie.
Tight end- Kellen Winslow, Buccaneers
Winslow had far from a career year with 75 catches for 763 yards and just a pair of touchdowns, but he was the best tight end in the state. Anthony Fasano caught more touchdowns, but really isn’t a big play threat and Marcedes Lewis fell apart in 2011.
Left tackle- Jake Long, Dolphins
Although Long missed some time with injuries, he’s clearly the best left tackle in the state and one of the very best in the NFL.
Left guard- Uche Nwaneri, Jaguars
Although Uche played mostly on the right side, he can play anywhere on the interior line and is a better player than both Jeremy Zuttah and Richie Incognito.
Center- Mike Pouncey, Dolphins
After a so-so senior season at Florida, Mike Pouncey had a fantastic rookie campaign with the Dolphins. Although he may not be the best center in his family he’s clearly the best in the Sunshine State.
Right guard- Davin Joseph, Buccaneers
There isn’t a ton to like on the Bucs team but one spot to love is right guard with Pro Bowler Davin Joseph. Joseph is a road grater and adequate pass protector and should be a fixture in Hawaii.
Right tackle- Jeremy Trueblood, Buccaneers
Instead of picking a pair of left tackles like most all-star teams we decided to go with the players that actually play the position. Jeremy Trueblood isn’t great but he was better than Jacksonville’s Guy Whimper and Miami’s Marc Columbo in 2011.
Charlie Bernstein is the NFL Insider for ESPNFlorida.com and ESPN 1080 and 1040 in Orlando/Tampa and Editor-in-Chief of Sports Media Interactive, covering the National Football League, NCAA, and National Basketball Association. Charlie covers the Jacksonville Jaguars for FoxSports and has been featured on the NFL Network and Sirius NFL Radio. Charlie is also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America. You can follow Charlie on Twitter @nflcharlie
Tags: Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, NFL, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
