Rodgers, Matthews on AP second team
The Green Bay Packers earned a pair of second-team selections on the NFL's AP All-Pro squads released Saturday, as quarterback Aaron Rodgers and outside linebacker Clay Matthews were honored by media members.
Rodgers helped guide Green Bay to an 11-5 regular-season record and another NFC North division title thanks to virtually pinpoint passing. The reigning NFL MVP passed for 4,295 yards and 39 touchdowns while throwing only eight interceptions. Rodgers also completed 67.2 percent of his passes and had a sterling 108 QB rating.
Matthews, Green Bay's fourth-year defensive star, produced 13 sacks during the regular season despite being limited to just 12 games played due to injuries. He also had two passes defensed and one forced fumble.
The AP All-Pro teams are selected annually by a national panel of 50 media members. The full teams are listed below.
FIRST TEAM
Offense
Quarterback--Peyton Manning, Denver
Running Backs--Adrian Peterson, Minnesota; Marshawn Lynch, Seattle
Fullback--Vonta Leach, Baltimore
Tight End--Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta
Wide Receivers--Calvin Johnson, Detroit; Brandon Marshall, Chicago
Tackles--Duane Brown, Houston; Ryan Clady, Denver
Guards--Mike Iupati, San Francisco; Jahri Evans, New Orleans
Center--Max Unger, Seattle
Placekicker--Blair Walsh, Minnesota
Kick Returner--Jacoby Jones, Baltimore
Defense
Ends--J.J. Watt, Houston; Cameron Wake, Miami
Tackles--Geno Atkins, Cincinnati; Vince Wilfork, New England
Outside Linebackers--Von Miller, Denver; Aldon Smith, San Francisco
Inside Linebacker--Patrick Willis, San Francisco; NaVorro Bowman, San Francisco
Cornerbacks--Richard Sherman, Seattle; Charles Tillman, Chicago
Safeties--Earl Thomas, Seattle; Dashon Goldson, San Francisco
Punter--Andy Lee, San Francisco
SECOND TEAM
Offense
Quarterback--Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay
Running Backs--Alfred Morris Washington; Jamaal Charles, Kansas City
Fullback--Jerome Felton, Minnesota
Tight End--Jason Witten, Dallas
Wide Receivers--A.J. Green, Cincinnati; Andre Johnson, Houston
Tackles--Joe Thomas, Cleveland; Joe Staley, San Francisco
Guards--Marshal Yanda, Baltimore; Logan Mankins, New England
Center--Maurkice Pouncey, Pittsburgh Placekicker--Phil Dawson, Cleveland
Kick Returner--David Wilson, New York Giants
Defense
Ends--Justin Smith, San Francisco; Julius Peppers, Chicago
Tackles--Justin Smith, San Francisco; Ndamukong Suh, Detroit, and Haloti Ngata, Baltimore
Outside Linebackers--Chad Greenway, Minnesota; Ahmad Brooks, San Francisco, Clay Matthews, Green Bay, and DeMarcus Ware, Dallas
Inside Linebackers--Daryl Washington, Arizona; London Fletcher, Washington
Cornerbacks--Champ Bailey, Denver; Tim Jennings, Chicago
Safeties--Eric Weddle, San Diego; Jairus Byrd, Buffalo
Punter--Thomas Morstead, New Orleans