Who makes the all-decade team for the 1980s — the decade of Montana-to-Rice, the ’85 Bears and the West Coast offense? Here is the starting nine, picked by their rating in 17-0 — the free game where you draft an all-time roster and simulate whether it can go a perfect 17-0 season. Walter Payton (Bears) leads the decade at 99.
The starting lineup
1980s all-decade team · rating out of 100
- QBJoe Montana
49ers97 - RBWalter Payton
Bears99 - WRJerry Rice
49ers97 - WRSteve Largent
Seahawks90 - TEKellen Winslow
Chargers92 - OLAnthony Munoz
Bengals97 - LBLawrence Taylor
Giants98 - DBRonnie Lott
49ers96 - DLReggie White
Eagles97
Depth of the decade
The next-best of the 1980s at every position
Quarterback
Dan Marino (Dolphins, 95) · Dan Marino (Dolphins, 95) · John Elway (Broncos, 92)
Running back
Eric Dickerson (Rams, 94) · Eric Dickerson (Rams, 93) · Marcus Allen (Raiders, 90)
Wide receiver
James Lofton (Packers, 88) · James Lofton (Packers, 88) · James Lofton (Packers, 88)
Tight end
Ozzie Newsome (Browns, 88) · Todd Christensen (Raiders, 88) · Ozzie Newsome (Browns, 88)
Offensive line
Mike Webster (Steelers, 92) · John Hannah (Patriots, 92) · Dwight Stephenson (Dolphins, 91)
Linebacker
Mike Singletary (Bears, 92) · Mike Singletary (Bears, 92) · Jack Lambert (Steelers, 92)
Defensive back
Darrell Green (Commanders, 92) · Mike Haynes (Raiders, 89) · Kenny Easley (Seahawks, 88)
Defensive line
Bruce Smith (Bills, 95) · Randy White (Cowboys, 93) · Howie Long (Raiders, 90)
Draft your own 1980s team
Nine picks, offense to defense. Can your roster go a perfect 17-0?
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