Honors fitting for Gore, Jackson

January, 20, 2010
1/20/10
7:45
PM ET
By Mike Sando | ESPN.com
Steven Jackson had the better season, but Frank Gore also seemed worthy of acclaim.

That's why we put both on the All-NFC West Offense. The NFL found room for both as well, with Jackson's withdrawal from the Pro Bowl creating a spot for Gore.

I'll republish our all-division teams for those who missed the previous items.

2009 All-NFC West Team: Offense

Position Player Team Comment
WR1 Larry Fitzgerald Cardinals 97 receptions, 13 TDs make him an easy choice
WR2 Anquan Boldin Cardinals Sideline grab against Vikings was a defining catch
LT Joe Staley 49ers A tough choice only because he missed seven games
LG Jacob Bell Rams Was healthier much of this season and it showed
C Jason Brown Rams Powerful inside presence helped running game thrive
RG Deuce Lutui Cardinals Cut down penalties and became more consistent
RT Levi Brown Cardinals Inconsistent and heavily penalized, but still division's best
TE Vernon Davis 49ers Went from enigmatic to dominant with 965 yards, 13 TDs
RB1 Steven Jackson Rams Put up dominant numbers despite no help from passing game
RB2 Frank Gore 49ers Fourth consecutive 1,000-yard season and first with 10 TDs
QB Kurt Warner Cardinals Missed 4,000 yards only because he missed nearly two games


2009 All-NFC West Team: Defense

Position Player Team Comment
DL Justin Smith 49ers Tough, consistent player and usually a difficult matchup
DL Aubrayo Franklin 49ers Should have gotten Pro Bowl recognition this season
DL Darnell Dockett Cardinals One of the more disruptive players in the division
DL Calais Campbell Cardinals Finished first season as starter with 7.0 sacks in 3-4 scheme
LB Karlos Dansby Cardinals Value became apparent when he missed end of Titans game
LB Patrick Willis 49ers Arguably the best inside linebacker in the NFL
LB Gerald Hayes Cardinals Tough inside run defender affected by injuries late in year
CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie Cardinals Six interceptions helped him earn Pro Bowl honors
SS Adrian Wilson Cardinals Set career highs with 13 passes defensed, five interceptions
FS Dashon Goldson 49ers Edged out Cards' Antrel Rolle, who was also worthy
CB Shawntae Spencer 49ers Started 16 games and played well in return from surgery


2009 All-NFC West Team: Specialists

Pos. Player Team Comment
P Ben Graham Cardinals Tied NFL record for punts downed inside the 20
K Olindo Mare Seahawks Set franchise record for consecutive FG tries without miss
LS Brian Jennings 49ers Division's best snapper year in, year out
PR/KR Danny Amendola Rams Averaged 24.5 yards on kickoffs, 11.6 yards on punts
ST Michael Robinson 49ers Consistently the best special-teamer in the NFC West
ST LaRod Stephens-Howling Cardinals Made huge plays in coverage and in the return game

Mike Sando | email

NFL
  • NFC West Blogger
  • Joined ESPN in 2007
  • Lives in the Seattle-Tacoma area with his wife and two sons
Tags:

San Francisco 49ers, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams, all-NFC West team, Pro Bowl, Frank Gore, Steven Jackson

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Mike Sando

Sando joined ESPN.com in 2007 after nine seasons covering the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma (Wash.) News Tribune. He lives in the Seattle-Tacoma area with his wife and two sons.

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