Earlier this week, the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 2010s was unveiled to a mixed reception from fans.
Broncos Country was well represented with the likes of Chris Harris Jr (formerly) and Von Miller, but the likes of Peyton Manning were absent from the list. Another former Denver Bronco was snubbed by this list and deserved at least some consideration: Cornerback Aqib Talib.
Talib, an integral part of the “No Fly Zone” secondary, who, along with Harris, made up arguably the best cornerback tandem in football at one point, is very often left off of the list when talking about the great corners in the game.
In his tenure with the Denver Broncos, Talib was an All-Pro, a Pro Bowler, named the top defensive back in the league, part of a legendary defense, a Super Bowl champion and was the winner of two golden chains.
Although Talib is a big and physical corner, his brain is the biggest upside of his game and is truly where he is the most talented. Talib has an uncanny ability to read a wide receiver’s route before it is ran, and this gives him the ability to jump the route.
Talib’s instincts have resulted in many interceptions and even quite a few pick sixes. When the No Fly Zone was at the top of its’ game, the secondary was recording pick sixes nearly every week.
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Talib’s instincts and game smarts are a big reason he should be given All-Decade consideration, especially considering that the prime of his career happened in the 2010s.
There is also one small factor that should be taken into consideration when discussing Talib’s career: he currently sits in fourth place on the all-time pick-six list, the only active player currently in the top 10, although Janoris Jenkins is currently tied for 11th.
Even better, Talib had the ability to surpass his childhood idol, Deion Sanders, who finished with nine pick sixes in his career. Talib currently sits at 10 and needs just one more to tie with Darren Sharper and Charles Woodson.
Talib is not only a transcendent player, he is a guy you want to have on your defense. He is mean and will go to war for his teammates any day.
He has the ultimate “dawg” mentality and deserved a spot on the All-Decade list. Unfortunately, there will always be players who will be snubbed as long as these lists are made. Perhaps, someday, Talib can be shown some love with a Ring of Fame induction.