One of the biggest honors for an NFL player from the 1980s until the early 2000s was the All-Madden Team. Yes, the All-Pro teams and Pro Bowl were still around, but if you made the All-Madden Team, that was a different type of special.
The legendary John Madden would name his All-Madden Team after every season. And in an era where Washington was a consistent winner, numerous players, the “Hogs,” to Gary Clark, Darrell Green and others were All-Madden regulars.
Players even received an All-Madden jacket.
Sadly, the All-Madden team is no more. But for players who received the honor in the 80s and 90s, it meant more than the Pro Bowl.
While no one can replace the All-Madden Team, Cris Collinsworth of NBC now does his All-Collinsworth Team. Again, Collinsworth is no Madden — no one will ever replace Madden — but as the majority owner of Pro Football Focus, he offers a different approach in naming his All-Collinsworth Team.
Collinsworth, using PFF grades and his role as the color commentator for Sunday Night Football, has a unique perspective in naming his “best in the NFL” team.
How many Washington players made the All-Collinsworth Team in 2021? Two, both on defense in Jonathan Allen and Kendall Fuller. Here’s what Collinsworth had to say about Allen and cornerback Fuller.
3. JONATHAN ALLEN, WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
Allen ranked second among interior players this year in pressures and first in quarterback hits. While his run blocking was subpar, he tallied a 90.9 pass-rushing grade that ranked third at the position.
3. KENDALL FULLER, WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
Fuller is quite possibly the best tackler at the cornerback position, with a league-leading 64 tackles in coverage. He also regularly forced tight-window throws, allowing a 35.6% open target rate that ranked 20th among cornerbacks. His stick coverage and sure tackling helped him allow only three touchdowns in coverage this season.
Fuller is a bit of a surprise. He struggled at times earlier in the season but played much better in the second half of the season. Allen continues to prove he is one of the best in the NFL at his position.