Five players unanimous selections for All-Pro Team
Five players, including dynamic pass catchers Cooper Kupp and Davante Adams, were unanimous choices for The Associated Press 2021 NFL All-Pro Team.
Joining the Rams’ Kupp and the Packers’ Adams in receiving votes Friday from all 50 members of a nationwide panel of media members who regularly cover the league are Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt and Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald.
While Donald is a perennial pick — the three-time Defensive Player of the Year makes the team for the seventh time in his eight pro seasons — Watt is on it for a third time. He tied the NFL record for sacks with 22 ½. Adams makes it for the second time, and the other two are newcomers as All-Pros. Kupp led the NFL in receptions (145), yards receiving (1,947) and TD catches (16). Taylor was the top rusher by a landslide with 1,811 yards and scored 18 touchdowns on the ground, two as a receiver.
“Obviously, it’s an honor to be recognized, and it wouldn’t be possible without my coaches and incredible teammates, but the awards and accolades aren’t what drives me,” said Watt. “It’s competing with and for them, this franchise, and this city, that drives me. My coaches and teammates are the people that put me in a position to make splash, help us win, and this recognition honestly doesn’t come without them.”
Like Donald, although not nearly as often as the offensewrecking DT, several players are making another appearance on the All-Pro Team. Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers is on for the fourth time, as is Philadelphia center Jason Kelce — one more than his brother, Chiefs’ star tight end Travis. One better than them: Dallas right guard Zack Martin and Baltimore placekicker Justin Tucker at five.
Three-time All-Pros are Colts linebacker Darius Leonard, Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey, and Steelers defensive tackle Cam Heyward. Double All-Pros are Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett and Titans safety Kevin Byard.
The other 14 2021 All-Pros are making their debuts.
PLAY IT AGAIN >> Five of the six games this weekend are rematches of 2021 regular-season games. That’s the most for the wild-card round in league history, though it must be remembered that the 2020 season was the first with six games in that round.
In Weeks 4 and 14, the NFC West rival Rams and Cardinals faced off. Arizona won 37-20 at Los Angeles, then it was the Rams winning 30-23 at Arizona.
Skip to Week 11, when the host Bengals routed the Raiders 3213. That same week, the Patriots won a blustery, cold Monday night game at Buffalo 14-10. But three weeks later, the Bills went to Foxborough and won 33-21 to grab first place in the AFC East, which they held on to.
The Buccaneers went to Philadelphia in Week 6 and won 2822, while the Steelers were hammered by the Chiefs 36-10 in Kansas City in Week 16.
Eight teams in the previous five years have rebounded from at least one regular-season loss against an opponent to win in the wild-card round. Last season alone, Baltimore beat Tennessee, Cleveland knocked off Pittsburgh, and the Rams beat Seattle in such scenarios.
CHIEFS WILL GO WITHOUT STARTING RUNNING BACK >> The Chiefs will not have starting running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire for the first round of the playoffs, Sunday against the Steelers at Arrowhead Stadium.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire is still recovering from a shoulder injury.
“He tested it out a few days ago and it wasn’t quite as good as what we thought it might be, and he thought it might be, so he’ll be listed as out,” coach Andy Reid said.
While Edwards-Helaire is out, running back Darrel Williams (toe) and wide receiver Tyreek Hill (heel) should both be ready.
Williams will be the starter at running back, with Derrick Gore and Jerick McKinnon backing him up.