Falcons Defense Overlooked on NFL’s Top 100

Nov 29, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons free safety Thomas DeCoud (28) congratulates strong safety William Moore (25) after Moore made an interception during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Saints 23-13. Mandatory Credit: Josh D. Weiss-USA TODAY Sports

A couple days ago, the NFL network released the top 100 players of 2013 countdown from 50-41

On this section, the very first Falcon made their appearance.  Tony Gonzalez came in at 47.  My first question is if this is a fair spot?  I can honestly say that Tony Gonzalez is most likely the best tight end in the history of the NFL without sounding like a simple fan boy.  I don’t think that Tony Gonzalez performed as the best this year.  Although a great season, Jason Witten broke Tony’s record for receptions in a season, but I still believe Tony would have to be placed higher on the list.

The players that are still on the list for the Falcons should be Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, and Roddy White.  Obviously the key players on one of the most explosive offenses should be high on the list and are rightfully so in the top 50.  But what about the best safety duo in the league?  Both of them made the pro bowl, how come neither of them made the top 100?  Or even Sean Weatherspoon?  He is the leader to a vastly improving defense.  Is there really 100 other players better than these guys?  Even Jon Abraham wasn’t on the list. 

Considering that this list is composed of other players, I can only assume that the people who were judging didn’t get hit by William Moore, picked off by Thomas Decoud, or eaten by Spoon.

Perhaps next year, after another year under Mike Nolan, will players know how much talent is actually on this underrated defense.