I have to go with Coles. He's been taking shots all year and still comes back and plays in every game. Mangold is at a close second. Look what he did his rookie season, against some of the best defensive lines in the league week in and week out.
It's tough between Coles and Martin but I said Coles and the reason is because of the differences in expectations between the two positions. In the RB position, no matter the offense you are expected to throw blocks and get smacked when the ball is in your hands. At the WR position you are not always expected to get smacked. For example wideouts don't always go over the middle for the ball and they don't always stay in bounds. Coles tends to do both these things and do both of them well. Combine this with the fact that he isn't afraid to throw down to block somebody and you got yourself an unusually tough WR. Now if only he and Chad could hookup a little more in the endzone... but that's another story.
I have to agree with the many people on here saying Nick Mangold. He's so strong, talented, and resistant to injury, and he reminds me a lot of a young Kevin Mawae on the field minus the smacking people with casts and other trash talk. I know in week 11 or 12 one of the announcers said that he had played every single snap at center on the season, and I think that held up until last week (did he miss any?). Truly Mr. Tough Guy.
Curtis Martin: I think his toughness is overlooked in this question because of its timing. If this question was asked after the 2004 season he would have been the definite answer. Before 2005 he was never injured at a position where players always get injured. He put together many consistent seasons and more importantly stayed on the field through anything. He played seasons injured until he couldn't do it anymore.
Martin didn't even play this year but meh.... Anyway I picked Coles. The guy just got up after so many shots. Chad has been tough this year too. He proved himself in alot of ways.
1) Great question. Makes you realize how strong the character of this team is and how lucky we are to have players worth cheering for (and finally a coach to properly manage and bring the best out of them) 2) I voted for Pennington, going against the grain. Here's why: Pennington, in last years Jax game, reinjures his shoulder, leaves the game, AND RE-ENTERS IT WHEN FIEDLER GOES DOWN. That is a situation where Pennington recognizes a potentially career ending situation, yet still gives it his all for the team's benefit. Above that, he still plays balls out and plays every play like his last. Above that, he does it even though he is quite the cerebral type and is consciously aware of the risks. This is nothing against Coles or Mangold or Martin. They all play hurt and bounce back from everything. They too would probably risk it all for their team. However, Pennington has proved that he will play through pain, risk his career and rehab in unprecedented situations. That is why I put him ahead of the others.
anyone whos been around for that long and has only played 1 full season is not tough. whenever hes hit, every jet fan cringes because hes not tough. the general opinions seem to be either mangold or coles. i have no problem with either
That's a bit unfair, since being injury prone and not tough are not at all the same thing. Toughness won't make you overcome a broken wrist, and in 2004 Pennington did play through a torn rotator cuff, and at a decent level also. Having said that, it's not 2004, so I vote Coles for all the reasons already given, and have Mangold #2, also for all the reasons already given.
Agree. I picked Coles because he was the toughest of the picks, but Mangold is rock solid. What a great pick for the first draft of a new regime.
