The big guys never get the credit they deserve. My heart was warmed when the New York Giants announced that they'd be retiring Chris Snee's number and inducting him in their ring of honor. Snee probably won't be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but he was an instrumental part of two Super Bowl-winning offensive lines that kept Eli Manning upright and paved the way for countless successful running backs.
Speaking of paving the way, it pains me every day that Jerry Kramer doesn't have a bust in Canton. He was a crucial member of some of the best teams in not just Green Bay Packers history, but NFL history. He also made the critical block on one of the most famous plays from the "Ice Bowl" -- Bart Starr's game-winning quarterback sneak.
Come on, Hall of Fame voting members. Get your act together. If only so they create video montages of Kramer and Fuzzy Thurston rolling out on that iconic Packers sweep when Kramer is enshrined. Those never get old.
So, it's time to see which offensive linemen actually earned their due respect in the upcoming Madden ratings. Joe Thomas clocks in as the top-rated offensive lineman at 98 OVR, which shouldn't surprise anyone. From ratings czar Donny Moore:
"Johnny Football should love every minute of protection from Joe Thomas and his Madden-best 99 Pass Block rating."
Careful there, Donny. That's if Manziel starts. Don't forget -- things are earned in Northeast Ohio. Back to Thomas, he hasn't missed a start in seven years, and has made the Pro Bowl every year as well, so I'd say he earned the top spot.
The rest of your top five includes Evan Mathis (97 OVR), Josh Sitton (97 OVR), Trent Williams (94 OVR) and Joe Staley (94 OVR). Wait a second -- no Seahawks in the top five? What gives?! They just won the Super Bowl for crying out loud. See what I mean? It's like Rodney Dangerfield always said: "I tell ya, I don't get no respect at all." The Seahawks feel your pain, Rodney.
-- Follow Alex on Twitter @AlexGelhar
