Every week, the "Top 100: Players of 2012" comes out. And each week, we wind up ripping a piece of it to shreds. There was nothing as offensive this week as ranking John Kuhn (!) or Vince Wilfork's criminally low ranking, so let's hand out some awards for players No. 71-80.
Didn't fall far enough award
DeSean Jacksonfell 42 spots to No. 71, but how is he on this list at all? Jackson was one the worst punt returners in the league last year. His effort seemed to go up and down, and he still hasn't learned to be a complete receiver. (Jackson is an incredible deep threat, but can't run that many routes. Like the ones over the middle.)
Like too much of the Top 100 list, Jackson's placement was based on previous performance. In no way could Jackson be seen as a top-10 receiver. Based on last season, he doesn't belong.
Honorable mention:Nnamdi Asomugha. It just was a rough year. Don't try to justify it.Â
Inexplicable drop award
By all accounts, New Orleans Saints guard Carl Nicks was better in 2011 than he was in 2010; maybe considered to have had the best season of any guard in the league, and certainly better than his teammate. So naturally, Nicks fell 21 spots on the list. Once again, the rankings look arbitrary.Â
Best newcomer award
Let's give it to Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph. Four cornerbacks rank higher than Joseph on the list. We'd argue that Joseph should be the No. 2 cornerback of last season, but at least he's getting recognized here. Derrick Johnson's honor was well-earned, and rookie A.J. Green is ranked too low. It's a joke that Jackson is higher than Green on this list.Â
