Explanation:

Earlier we put together a 2010 offense squad comprised of the best current NFL players. This time, we’re looking at the defense.

Our defensive formation is a lot trickier than offense based on personnel. We’re going to do something crazy here and come out of the gates with a 5-2-4 defense, which gets the best players on the field, even though a 4-3 or 3-4 is more typical in the NFL.

Lineup/Formation:

Aaron Ross — — — Michael Griffin — — — Earl Thomas — — — Cedric Griffin

Derrick Johnson — Sergio Kindle

Brian Orakpo — Casey Hampton — Shaun Rogers — Lamarr Houston — Cory Redding

Alternatives worth considering:

• There are a lot of other options here, especially with formations. We’re a little thin at lineback, but Kindle and Orakpo’s versatile ability gives us options. Orakpo could shuffle back to a LB position and Brian Robison could fill in at DE over DT Houston for more of a 4-3 lineup
• With depth at defense back, a 4-2-5 (nickel) formation could be used with Michael Huff or Quentin Jammer seeing the field over Houston.
• There’s also good depth on the defensive line, so Robison, Henry Melton and Roy Miller could rotate in and give the starters a breather.

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The NFL issued a $400,000 fine against Cleveland’s Shaun Rogers, but is not suspending him after Rogers was arrested for carrying a semi-automatic handgun into Cleveland Hopkins International Airport in April.

The fine, equal to one game’s pay, falls under the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy.

Commissioner Roger Goodell likely took into account the fact that Rogers recently assisted police in stopping a drunk driver near the Browns’ training grounds. Police praised Rogers for his action.

Charges were dismissed soon after the incident, upon Rogers’ completion of a volunteer and gun class program. Rogers initially faced a felony charge and up to 18 months in prison before charges were dropped.

Rogers, who has not practiced this summer since injuring his leg last season, is appealing the NFL’s decision.

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