Vs Series: Takeo Spikes vs Vontaze Burfict

[samhain]

Both players are tragic figures in Bengal history. Burfict for his role in the game that shall not be named, and Spikes for leaving right before the team became decent again. There's so much woulda, coulda, shoulda with Vontaze. He could take over games when he was available, Unfortunately, he missed a shitload of time due to suspension or injury.

Burfict also had a penchant to come into seasons fat. He was a super-instinctive player with a ton of football smarts, but being overweight definitely hindered him in more than one season. Sometimes he was flat-out sluggish. The greats don't come in fat. Not at that position. Dude that spent that much time off the field for various reasons has no excuse not to be in tip-top shape when he finally gets back into the game.

Spikes was reliable and a good soldier. He did his time and left, playing exemplary football in his time as a Bengal. He had some bad luck picking free agent destinations throughout his career. Escaping the Bengals did him little good in the end.

I'd take Takeo in this one. Both of these guys were excellent, but only one managed to stay on the field. Availability can't be overlooked as a consideration, especially here. Burfict missed some time for injuries, but most of his absences were due to his own lack of discipline. If I'm picking one to build a team, I'm picking the one that's going to more than likely be on the field.