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Putting together my list of was fun and a great challenge. But executing this task on the offensive side of the ball was even more interesting -- because of a twist ...No quarterbacks allowed.In 2015, the QB is the most important player on the team. That's indisputable. So instead of just providing a "Captain Obvious" list -- chock full o' no-brainer signal-callers like , , and -- I excluded the position from consideration in an attempt to keep things interesting.Still, just like with the defensive list, there were some very tough omi sions.This column is called "The Schein Nine." Of course, if my last name rhymed with "ten," would've made it. The wideout was the most difficult player to leave on the cutting room floor. I also truly agonized over not highlighting the ultra-talented . But I couldn't justify his inclusion because I think the 2015 would struggle with or without their most versatile weapon.Initially, my gut instinct was to include . I'm just so damn impre sed with the ' second-year guard. But then my editor and I got into a nasty, heated exchange ... OK, fine, it was one polite email where he reminded me that I not only voted for Martin on my first-team All-Pro ballot last season, but also included two more from the best offensive line in football ( and ). Plus, Dallas added talented rookie this offseason. All of that disqualifies Martin from being indispensable.I toyed with the idea of spotlighting , but ultimately Ben Braden Jersey decided not to, partly because I believe Carolina is mi sing the playoffs regardle s of who's lined up out wide. I think Green Bay needs for supreme balance and to win a . But then again, is . Lastly, is quite a presence, but he was the second-best receiver on his own team last year.Remember, this is not a list of the best offensive players, but the most indispensable (sans quarterbacks). And like with the defenders, surrounding rosters and individual effects on the win-lo s record are taken into account.So after major debate, here's the list, Schein Nine style:1) Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota VikingsAfter Peterson , that compared these rising to the Golden State Warriors. No, I don't think Minnesota is going to 50, but I do think this is an exciting young bunch that's ready to make a splash -- especially with No. 28 back in the fold.Peterson's a bona fide star in this league, a generational talent who impacts everything. With him, the can win games in the playoffs. Without him, they can't make the playoffs. No other non-quarterback on an NFL offense has that kind of impact. Last year's team showed promise, but with Peterson logging just one game (), the Vikes didn't make the playoffs. No coincidence there.Yes, Peterson just turned 30 this offseason, but a) this guy isn't your typical physical specimen, and b) he's well-rested after basically having a year off. Peterson's imposing presence will take the pre sure off second-year QB while also keeping Minnesota's Adrien Nunez Jersey defense fresh.2) Rob Gronkowski, TE, New England PatriotsWith 's four-game suspension still looming (pending the results of his forthcoming appeal), Gronk's game-changing ability becomes even more crucial in the opening month of the 2015 campaign. Fill-in QB will definitely lean heavily on the mismatch nightmare -- because, after all, that's exactly what Brady himself does.Brady might be the greatest quarterback of all time. But in recent years, Batman hasn't been the same without Robin. That's what Gronk has come to represent for his all-world quarterback. He's an unstoppable force at tight end. You can't cover him. You can't tackle him. You can't contain him. When Gronkowski's healthy, the Pats' offense puts points on the board. When he isn't? All bets are off.Outside of , New England's wide receivers are far from special. Gronk gives the Pats a terrifying threat in the red zone and over the middle. He's unique and flat-out amazing.3) Julio Jones, WR, Atlanta FalconsIn 2013, Jones went down with a season-ending foot injury in Week 5. proceeded to set a career high in interceptions and saw his quarterback rating dip below 90. Meanwhile, the posted their lowest win total since the short-lived (and disastrous) Bobby Petrino era.When Julio's hurt, Atlanta can't compete. It's just that simple.4) Odell Beckham Jr., WR, New York GiantsThis cat is Joe Kerridge Jersey a freak. The are flawed, with major questions all over the place, but they po se s one of the most enticing young stars in the NFL today. With Beckham, they have a chance to compete. Without him, hope dies.In his neophyte campaign, Beckham was absolutely majestic, routinely making incredible catches that elicited oohs and aahs from sports fans acro s the country. He drew the admiration of everyone, including . In just 12 games, Beckham posted an eye-popping stat line: 91 catches for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns.Of course, the reason he only played 12 games was that he mi sed the first month of the season with a nagging hamstring injury. And therein lies the only concern with this transcendent wideout: health. Beckham is currently being treated for another hamstring ailment and . For the sake of fans (and, really, football fans), here's hoping OBJ's body doesn't thwart his immense talent.5) Le'Veon Bell, RB, Pittsburgh SteelersI love stats, but in putting together a list like this, I also think it's important to gauge feel and factor in the eyeball test. And these days, the ' offense just looks different with Bell in the backfield.After Bell suffered a hyperextended knee in Week 17, in the wild-card round. I felt Bell was just that important. And the game played out as expected, with .The third-year back is a beast. He gives the an edge and a balance to complement 's play from the pocket.With Bell facing a three-game suspension to start the season, we'll again see the impact of his absence. I think the GO BLUE Jersey could get off to a rough start. Once he gets back on the field, though, watch out.6) Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City ChiefsEarlier this week, backup running back was asked about the difference between himself and Charles. His response? With all due respect to Davis, who has shown fine promise in limited action, that's ludicrous.Over his seven pro seasons, Charles has averaged 5.5 yards per carry. That's the second-highest career average by a running back in NFL history. And the guy's not too shabby as a receiver out of the backfield, either. While wideouts infamously recorded zero touchdown receptions in 2014, Charles notched five -- and that's two le s than he recorded in 2013.Bottom line: This guy's everything for Andy Reid's offense. I'm an fan and supporter, but I'm not nave when it comes to his limitations. Charles, who somehow remains underrated, is the straw that stirs the drink for Kansas City.7) A.J. Green, WR, Cincinnati BengalsI've written -- , -- that I don't trust the /Marvin Lewis combination in Cincy. Yet, the continue to rack up double-digit wins.Credit Green, who might not get enough praise for being flat-out brilliant; he's clearly the best player on a team that's become a playoff regular during his tenure. Four years, four 1,000-yard campaigns, four nods -- this guy's consistently spectacular. Who knows where this team would be without him?8) Joe Thomas, LT, Cleveland BrownsHe's the rock and the leader of a team that, for years, was so desperate for a rock and a leader. And he still tops the charts among franchise left tackles.Since entering the league in 2007, he's started 128 straight games and made the every season (compiling five first-team All-Pro nods, as well). Quite simply, the most indispensable offensive lineman in the game today.9) Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seattle SeahawksYes, Seattle has a fantastic defense and a young quarterback () who has everything you Chad Henne Jersey want at the position. But could you actually imagine the being dominant sans Lynch? "Beast Mode" has been the definitive hammer in Seattle's rise under Pete Carroll, averaging 1,339 yards and 12 touchdowns over the past four seasons.And that is why I still can't believe !Follow Adam Schein on Twitter . |
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