The Patriots revealed their all decade team today. The team was selected by a 27 person panel consisting of reporters, alumni and staff.
The team itself consists of 29 players and Bill Belichick. Here is the breakdown of the team.
12 offensive players, including a flex player.
12 defensive players
One kicker
One punter
One returner
One special teams player
Head coach
The following players were selected to the team.
OFFENSE
OT Nate Solder
OT Sebastian Vollmer
G Logan Mankins
G Joe Thuney
C David Andrews
TE Rob Gronkowski
WR Julian Edelman
WR Wes Welker
QB Tom Brady
RB James White
FB James Develin
Flex Danny Amendola
DEFENSE
DE Chandler Jones
DE Trey Flowers
DT Vince Wilfork
DT Lawrence Guy
OLB Rob Ninkovich
OLB Kyle Van Noy
ILB Dont’a Hightower
ILB Jerod Mayo
CB Stephon Gilmore
CB Malcolm Butler
S Devin McCourty
S Patrick Chung
SPECIAL TEAMS
K Stephen Gostkowski
P Ryan Allen
RET Julian Edelman
SPT Matthew Slater
I think this list is spot on. The only gripe I have is LeGarrette Blount being left out of the running back spot.
Blount is the Patriots all-time leading rusher in the playoffs. He rushed for 2,917 yards and 34 touchdowns in his career as a Patriot. The 34 touchdowns is fifth all time in team history.
I know White has had some memorable moments as a Patriot, most notably in Super Bowl LI. He should have been named MVP for his performance. However, to put him on this team instead of Blount makes no sense to me. Like White, Blount was an integral part of two Super Bowl teams but in many ways he was more important because he gave the offense balance and a physical presence. Therefore, I think he should be on this team, not White.
As I mentioned, other than that. I think selection committee got it right. They did a good job picking this team.