It's not so much that Ray Lewis makes all the plays, it's how he makes those plays. For a few years, everybody thought the quality of tackling in the NFL had slipped a bit. Ray Lewis and the Ravens defense have brought good old tackling back to the NFL. Lewis at middle linebacker is reminiscent of Jack Lambert and Dick Butkus; not comparing ability, but just comparing the fire and the aggressiveness with which they play. I was brought up in the tackling school of thought that you drive through the man, plant him into the ground, and if he doesn't get up, so be it. Many are taught that at a young age, but very few can do it. Lewis can do it and he does it better than anyone; this man will try to pummel his opponent every single time he makes a tackle.

Michael Strahan has turned into a technician from a physical standpoint. He's not particularly big for a defensive end, but he's become a student of the game; the prime example of that was in the NFC championship game against the Vikings. Korey Stringer had Strahan by almost 100 pounds but Strahan still managed to bull-rush Stringer -- he picked him up and carried him back to the QB. Strahan has a quick first step and studied enough of Stringer to know how to use Stringer's own weight against him. The NFL has become a game all about specialists, and Strahan has become a specialist at the DE position. He can play the run and rush the passer, which is extremely valuable and makes him one of the best ends in the league.