Each NFL Team's Unsung Hero

Unsung?

Unheralded?

Underrated?

Or simply unknown?

The NFL is loaded with its share of stars, but it is filled with players who do their jobs and don’t get the notoriety or attention many of them deserve.

These days, roughly 100 players are named to the Pro Bowl, which means there are an awful lot of good players out there getting the job done minus the publicity, per se.

So here’s a list that the diehard football fan will know in terms of name recognition. In some instances, they have wound up garnering some All-Star honors and in others, they are known as much for who they play for than their own performance. But many of the 32 players listed perhaps deserve a little more credit than they’re getting, and who are we to deny them any kind of extra praise?

Arizona Cardinals: RB/KR LaRod Stephens-Howling

Along with being one of the top kickoff returners in the league, the former seventh-round draft choice adds depth in the backfield (finishing second on the team with 147 yards rushing in 2011) and is the occasional factor in the passing game, witness his 73-yard screen pass that resulted in the game-winning touchdown in last season’s overtime win over the Cowboys.

Stephens-Howling is also an important part of the kick coverage units and has made his share of heady plays there as well. 

Atlanta Falcons: PK Matt Bryant

The specialist has bounced around the league with stints with the Giants, Colts and Dolphins. After four solid seasons with the Buccaneers, Bryant latched on with Atlanta for the final five games of 2009 and he’s been with the Falcons ever since.

In his two full seasons with the club, Bryant has missed only five of 60 field goal attempts and in recent years, including his days in Tampa, has connected on his share of clutch kicks. And given the highly-competitive NFC South where no team ever repeats as division champion, a kick can make all the difference in the world.

Baltimore Ravens: ILB Jameel McClain

Another great find by Ravens’ executive Ozzie Newsome as the former undrafted free agent became the full-time starter next to traditional all-star Ray Lewis in 2010 and has finished third and second on the team in tackles, respectively, in 2010 and ’11. The former Syracuse Orangeman also totaled three takeaways last season and managed a pair of special teams stops as well.

Simply put, McClain can only learn and get better playing alongside Lewis, a plus for any young player.

Buffalo Bills: SS George Wilson

Buffalo’s defense, a sore spot for too many years, will look a lot different this season with defensive ends Mario Williams and Mark Anderson as the pass-rushing factors in Dave Wannstedt’s 4-3 scheme.

A year ago, Wilson ranked second on the team with 104 tackles and led the Bills in interceptions (4) and total takeaways (5). And you could see the former numbers go down and those two latter statistics increase if Williams and company circle (and knock down) the quarterback enough times.

Carolina Panthers: OLB James Anderson

Last season, the former third-round pick from Virginia Tech (2006) set a team record with 174 tackles and totaled five of the club’s 24 takeaways.

And while some may point to the fact that his production was the product of the absence of Pro Bowler Jon Beason, Anderson’s 2010 performance was pretty impressive as well, finishing second on the team with 154 stops and forced a pair of fumbles while totaling five more takeaways. Now teamed with Beason and promising rookie Luke Kuechly, this could be an interesting trio.

Chicago Bears: DE Israel Idonije

Is it the Bear or the egg?

All kidding aside, it’s hard not to notice that Idonije’s best two seasons in terms of tackles and sacks since joining the Bears in 2004 have come since bookend defensive end Julius Peppers signed with the club in 2010. But what you may not know is that the athletic performer has also blocked eight kicks (4 field goal attempts, 4 PATs) over the last six seasons.

Add rookie Shea McClellin to the defensive line mix and Chicago hopes to up its total of 33 sacks in 2011.

Cincinnati Bengals: DT Domata Peko

While not a pass-rushing threat from his inside spot, you can usually find Peko near the top of the Bengals’ tackle charts, finishing fourth on the team in total stops in each of the last two seasons.

Despite taking a few free agent hits this offseason, Cincinnati’s defensive front remains talented and deep and a big reason for the team’s success under coordinator Mike Zimmer. And there could be bigger things ahead for Peko and company.

Cleveland Browns: SS T.J. Ward

As a rookie in 2010, the rangy safety not only led the Browns with 105 total stops but paced Cleveland’s kick coverage units with 18 tackles. Last season lasted only eight games for Ward, but he is an important part of Dick Jauron’s unheralded defensive unit as only four teams in the league surrendered fewer points in 2011.

If Ward’s offensive teammates can muster some more points this season, perhaps a healthy Ward can play all season and have far fewer tackles for all the right reasons.

Dallas Cowboys: ILB Sean Lee

These days, trying to earn a Pro Bowl invite in the NFC at inside linebacker is quite simply easier said than done with Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman in San Francisco alone. But Lee could be headed in the right direction.

After opening some eyes with his play as a rookie in 2010, the former Nittany Lion enjoyed a banner sophomore year, leading the team with 131 tackles, tying for the team lead in interceptions while totaling six of the Cowboys’ 25 takeaways last season. Things should only get better with a new-look secondary.

Denver Broncos: RG Chris Kuper

Left tackle Ryan Clady gets the majority of the publicity for Denver’s offensive front but Kuper has been a reliable part of this unit for five seasons, moving into the starting right guard spot in 2008 after opening 11 games on the left side the previous season.

The former fifth-round draft choice has a reputation as a sturdy pass-blocker and that notoriety may even increase with new quarterback Peyton Manning at the controls. But on Tuesday, Kuper suffered a left forearm fracture that is expected to sideline him four to six weeks, a blow for the Broncos' line.

Detroit Lions: MLB Stephen Tulloch

In his first season in the Motor City, the former Tennessee Titan enjoyed a very complete campaign, leading the Lions with 111 tackles, while totaling three sacks, a pair of interceptions and three fumble recoveries—the latter three numbers all career highs.

The middle man in Detroit’s aggressive defensive unit (and on occasion that’s putting it mildly), Tulloch brought a steady presence to a group that is not only expected but needs to be more consistent if Jim Schwartz’s team is planning on returning to the playoffs.

Green Bay Packers: DE Ryan Pickett

It wasn’t all that long ago that the one-time first-round pick went somewhat unnoticed in St. Louis due to the headlines the Rams’ offense earned on a weekly basis.

But the former Buckeye has enjoyed his time in “Titletown” and while he doesn’t wow you with amazing numbers, his steady performance and versatility makes him an important mainstay on the Packers’ defensive front. His veteran presence will be counted on even more this season as Dom Capers’ unit got a little younger via the draft.

Houston Texans: LT Duane Brown

One of the big question marks or possible concerns for the Texans this season is the right side of the offensive line what with the departures of guard Mark Brisiel (Raiders) and tackle Eric Winston (Chiefs).

There are no such issues on the other side of this unit as Brown has more than lived up to being the 26th overall pick in 2008 and seems to make major strides each season. A Pro Bowl invitation could be in the not-too-distance future.

Indianapolis Colts: RB Mewelde Moore

With the Colts’ roster overhauled this offseason, this is more of a forecast rather than an analysis.

The veteran running back was a jack-of-all-trades and master of many during his playing days with the Vikings and most recently, the Steelers. And the fact that he’s very familiar with offensive coordinator Bruce Arians’ system via his recent stint in Pittsburgh eases the transition to the Colts. When rookie quarterback Andrew Luck finds himself struggling he’ll find Moore a reliable receiving option when called upon.

Jacksonville Jaguars: C Brad Meester

Raise your hand if you knew this starting center was the franchise’s all-time leader in seasons (12) and games played (177).

Since the Jaguars came to be in 1995, the team has always been known for its solid play in the trenches and Meester continues that tradition. If you’re wondering why Meester has never earned a trip to the Pro Bowl, it may have more to do with the caliber of centers in the AFC over the years (Kevin Mawae, Nick Mangold, etc.) rather than any shortcomings by the veteran blocker.

Kansas City Chiefs: CB Brandon Flowers

Now that there’s just one Brandon in town (former secondary mate Brandon Carr signing with the Cowboys), perhaps there may be a little more recognition headed for Flowers, who led the team in interceptions and passes defensed a year ago. But the talented defender suffered a foot injury a few weeks ago that continues to keep him sidelined.

Flowers’ presence on the defense is important as Romeo Crennel would like to avoid another season like 2011, when former Pro Bowl safety Eric Berry was lost for the season in Week 2. The Chiefs’ secondary intact could present big problems for opposing receivers.

Miami Dolphins: WR Davone Bess

The former undrafted free agent has caught at least 50 passes in each of his four NFL seasons and always seems to be the player Dolphins’ quarterbacks are looking for in order to keep the chains moving. A year ago, Bess hauled in 51 receptions and just over half of them (26) came on third down.

This season, his role could be even bigger now that Brandon Marshall is in Chicago and recent newcomer Chad Johnson was just let go.

Minnesota Vikings: OLB Chad Greenway

It seemed like it was a long time coming for Greenway, who wound up in the Pro Bowl for the first time last season. Because he doesn’t put up big numbers sack-wise, the former first-round pick in 2006 (who missed his entire rookie season) is sometimes overlooked by the voters.

But how does one not notice a performer who has totaled 100 or more tackles each of the last five seasons and led the Vikings in stops four consecutive years? Perhaps it’s easy when one of your teammates (Jared Allen) is one of the game’s premier pass-rushers.

New England Patriots: C Dan Koppen

Although 2011 proved to be a lost season for the standout pivot (injured in the opener at Miami) and while he does have a Pro Bowl appearance on his resume, somehow Koppen seems under-appreciated on an offense loaded with talent.

And when your offensive line features the celebrated left-side tandem of tackle Matt Light (now retired) and four-time Pro Bowl guard Logan Mankins, it’s understandable how the veteran center has gotten somewhat lost in the shuffle. But look for a bounce-back season from the Boston College product.

New Orleans Saints: RB Pierre Thomas

It wasn’t that long ago that former Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush was the big name in the New Orleans’ backfield. Not to mention, last season free agent pickup Darren Sproles and another Heisman winner Mark Ingram joined the team.

But Thomas gives the Saints a certain toughness via his running style both as a ball-carrier and a pass-catcher and few make more out of a screen pass. There’s little doubt quarterback Drew Brees will put up big numbers again, but a healthy Thomas in the backfield is essential.

New York Giants: CB Corey Webster

The preseason loss of 2010 team tackle leader Terrell Thomas was a big blow for the secondary as the Giants’ cornerback enjoyed a monster season. But Webster is used to rising to any challenge, witness his play in the 2007 postseason during New York’s NFL championship run.

Last season, the seven-year veteran led Big Blue with a half-dozen interceptions while knocking down a team-high 15 passes defensed. If the Giants’ pass rush can remain healthy this season, who knows what kind of numbers Webster could put up?

New York Jets: RG Brandon Moore

Although we’re still talking New York, it’s hard to garner a lot of attention on an offensive line that features perennial Pro Bowlers left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson and center Nick Mangold.

But Moore, an undrafted free agent who joined the team in 2003, has been a steady force on the right side of the front (121 consecutive starts dating back to ‘04). Last season, however, he did manage to earn a trip to Hawaii as an injury replacement. Look for more frequent invitations in the coming seasons for Moore.

Oakland Raiders: SS Tyvon Branch

I’m wondering how many people hear the name Branch and immediately flash back to the 1970s and early ‘80s, when a speedy wide receiver named Cliff wore the Silver and Black and torched nearly every secondary he faced.

This Branch, designated the Raiders’ franchise player this offseason, has quietly led the team in tackles two consecutive seasons. And while the Oakland secondary had its issues a year ago, Branch’s play gives new head coach Dennis Allen something to build on.

Philadelphia Eagles: RT Todd Herremans

You’re almost tempted to cross out RT and simply put OL next to Herremans’ first name.

As a rookie, the versatile performer had a brief stint at left tackle filling in for injured starter Tra Thomas. The next season, Herremans began a solid five-year run at left guard. But in 2011, Andy Reid and company made an unusual move as the interior blocker suddenly found himself the starting right tackle. And after some good on-the-job training last season, look for the Eagles’ veteran to up his game this season.

Pittsburgh Steelers: TE Heath Miller

While the name is hardly unrecognizable, the former first-rounder (and one-time Pro Bowler) has been a steady cog in the Steelers’ offense ever since his arrival in 2005, the first of the Steelers’ three Super Bowl appearances in a six-year span.

While the sure-handed Miller has made his share of key catches, his blocking has been a big part of the success formula as well. And he may be doing even more of the latter this season in Pittsburgh’s new-look offense, one that by any stretch of the imagination will miss the crushing blocks of wideout Hines Ward.

St. Louis Rams: MLB James Laurinaitis

Okay, so perhaps it’s a stretch to refer to a former Ohio State standout and the Rams’ leading tackler each of his first three seasons as unsung. But given the turnover on the St. Louis’ roster this offseason and the lack of recent success by the club, there were few options.

New, but veteran, head coach Jeff Fisher will need another productive season from the middle linebacker who has totaled at least 120 stops each year in the league. With some new faces on the defensive front, it could be an even better year for Laurinaitis, as well as a team starved for victories.

San Diego Chargers: OLB Antwan Barnes

The well-traveled defender, who began his career with the Ravens, was dealt to the Eagles in 2010 and was cut loose in October. That year he found a home in San Diego and he responded with a big-time showing a year ago in a reserve role, totaling more than one-third (11.0) of the Chargers’ 32 sacks.

In 26 games with the Bolts the last two seasons, Barnes has totaled 15.5 sacks and more could be on the way with an assist from not only incumbent Shaun Phillips but rookie outside backer Melvin Ingram.

San Francisco 49ers: ILB Larry Grant

When a player the caliber of perennial Pro Bowler Patrick Willis is out of the lineup for three games, it’s difficult not to notice.

But when you get the kind of play Grant delivered in the all-star’s absence, it’s hard to ignore. For the season, the key reserve totaled 30 tackles, a pair of sacks and also excelled against the pass as the San Francisco defense turned in one of its best performances in recent memory. Given the physical nature of Jim Harbaugh’s team, depth at inside linebacker is a very good thing to have.

Seattle Seahawks: CB Brandon Browner

From undrafted free agent to Grey Cup champion to unexpected Pro Bowler fill-in a year ago, Browner first appeared with the Broncos in 2005 but spent the season on injured reserve.

Fast forward to 2011 when the Seahawks opted to give him a shot after a four-year stint in the CFL, and all Browner did was total 54 tackles, team-highs in interceptions (6) and passes defensed (23) and brought back two of those thefts for scores. To prove last season was no aberration, he was at it again in the preseason opener, returning a Matt Hasselbeck pass back for a touchdown last week.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: WR Preston Parker

This is a new-look Buccaneers’ team but by all indications Parker will be sticking around and with good reason. In 2011, he finished fourth on the team in receptions (40), good for 554 yards and three scores. He also led Tampa in both punt and kickoff return yardage and for good measure added four tackles on special teams.

The headliners in town at wideout these days are free agent pickup Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams, but Parker is a key part of an emerging receiving corps.

Tennessee Titans: RT David Stewart

After not seeing any action during his rookie campaign in 2005, the former fourth-rounder from Mississippi State has been the primary fixture at right tackle for the past six seasons, starting 92-of-96 games and teaming with left tackle Michael Roos to form one of the steadiest tandems in the league.

Besides helping to pave the way for running back Chris Johnson the last four years, only the Bills allowed fewer sacks in 2011 than the Titans, who have been annually amongst the league leaders in this department in recent seasons.

Washington Redskins: S Reed Doughty

The former sixth-round draft choice (2006) was thrust into the spotlight in his second NFL season following the tragic death of teammate Sean Taylor. A year ago, he started a career-high 11 games, finished third on the team with 87 tackles and second on the club in special teams stops (13).

There appears to be a new starting safety tandem in Brandon Meriweather and Madieu Williams, but you can bet the heady Doughty makes his presence felt in Jim Haslett’s defense again.