The two combined for over 9,800 yards last season along with 84 touchdowns — Rodgers 45, Brady 39 — while Rodgers set an NFL single-season record for highest quarterback rating ever with a score of 122.5.
Close behind the quarterback-combo, among the league's elite, were defensive extraordinaires Darelle Revis and Patrick Willis.
As a starting cornerback for the New York Jets, Revis has given the Patriots an incredibly tough challenge over the past few seasons so it will be no surprise to New England fans to see their arch enemy near the top of the list. Willis checks in at No. 4 on the list, earning his fifth straight Pro-Bowl appearance by leading the San Francisco 49ers to the leagues best run defense of 2011 and their deepest playoff run in recent history.
A little further down on Bleacher Report's Top 1,000 NFL Players List, New England fans can find their favorite little wide receiver, Wes Welker at the No. 27 spot. Not far behind Welker is Tom Brady's second favorite target, Rob Gronkowski. Gronk had an absolutely outstanding season, shattering two NFL records — most touchdown receptions (17), as well as the most receiving yards (1,327) by a tight end in a single season — leaving many fans wondering how Gronk didn't crack the top 25.
Gronkowski wasn't the only NFL player that might feel a bit cheated with their rankings, as star running backs Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings and LeSean McCoy of the Philadelphia Eagles wound up with the No. 101 and 102 rankings.
Held out of four games due to various injuries, Peterson failed to crack the 1,000 yard mark (970) for the first time in his five-year career, although his yards per game average was the second best of his career (99.8 Yards/Game).
While it is somewhat understandable for AP's low ranking due to injury and career lows, the reason for McCoy placing so low is somewhat of a mystery. As McCoy finished the regular season with career highs across the board, while leading the NFL in most 20-plus yard rushes (14), and most rushing touchdowns with 17.
NFL 1,000 is an extensive ranking of the best overall players in the NFL. Check it out for yourself to see if any of your favorite NFL players made the list.
More NFL 1,000 Rankings: Quarterbacks I Fullbacks I Left Tackles I Right Tackles I Centers I Right Guards I Tight Ends I Left Guards I Punters I Kickers I Strong Safeties I Free Safeties I Defensive EndsI Defensive Tackles I Inside Linebackers I Outside Linebackers I Wide Receivers I Running Backs
