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The 2023 NFL season is coming to a close, but several players have raised their profiles heading into the playoffs. Though everyone on this list will not appear in the postseason tournament, their progress as playmakers should help their teams become perennial contenders in future years.
Given some time to pick and choose from a talented field of ascending players, here are my five favorite breakout stars from the regular season:
Justin Madubuike, DT, Baltimore Ravens: The fourth-year pro has quietly become one of the top interior pass rushers in the NFL. Madubuike overwhelms blockers at the point of attack with his quick hands, explosive power, and relentless approach. He routinely wins on extra effort and hustle, as few blockers can match his energy for 60 minutes. As the Ravens befuddle quarterbacks with a simulated pressure scheme that taxes the minds of signal-callers and blockers attempting to decipher which defenders are attacking from the line of scrimmage and second level, Madubuike’s patience, persistence, and pursuit routinely produces a sack or quarterback hit at the end of the play. Given his record-setting streak (11 straight games with at least a half-sack), the veteran’s blue-collar approach has made him climb the ranks as a pass-rushing specialist.
DaRon Bland, CB, Dallas Cowboys: The NFL interception leader (8) has become one of the Cowboys’ most prolific scorers with five Pick-6s on his stat line. Bland’s instincts, awareness, athleticism, and ball skills make him a perfect fit in a “see ball, get ball” scheme orchestrated by defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. Though the second-year pro is ideally suited to play as a No. 3 corner with slot coverage responsibilities, his sticky, man-to-man coverage skills have enabled him to easily transition to an outside position. As Trevon Diggs’ replacement on the island, Bland has shown promise as a CB1 with “shutdown corner” traits and playmaking skills. With 13 interceptions in two seasons, the…
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Publish date : 2023-12-27 21:06:24
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