5 NFL players who were simply unplayable at their peak ft. Calvin Johnson, Lawrence Taylor

The greatest NFL players of all time are judged in a variety of different ways. The totality of their careers, including statistics and accomplishments, is important for their overall legacy. However, their true dominance can sometimes be determined by the peak of their careers.

Some NFL superstars were so incredible during the peak years of their careers that they were basically unstoppable for opposing teams. Here are five players from NFL history that have had some of the most dominant peaks of all time.

#1 - Barry Sanders

Barry Sanders is one of the greatest running backs to ever play the game. The incredible part of Sanders' peak is that it included his entire career from start to finish.

He exceeded 1,100 rushing yards in all 10 seasons of his career, while surpassing 1,700 scrimmage yards seven times, including his first and last season.

Barry Sanders
#Lions https://t.co/2y06s0mNmj

Sanders led the league in rushing yards four times during his 10-year career and is one of only eight running backs ever to eclipse 2,000 rushing yards in a single season. He won the NFL MVP award and was also named the Offensive Player of the Year three times.

#2 - Lawrence Taylor

Lawrence Taylor is widely considered the most dominant pass rusher in NFL history, and for good reason. He is one of only three players ever to be named the Defensive Player of the Year three times, while also being one of only two defensive players ever to be named the league MVP.

The last defensive MVP was Lawrence Taylor in 1986...

Taylor dominated that season 👇

20.5 Sacks
105 Tackles
5 PDs
2 FFs

Every MVP since then has been a QB or RB https://t.co/r8e6a994OQ

Taylor was the first player ever to exceed 20 sacks in a single season, setting a then-NFL record when he recorded 20.5 sacks during the 1986 season. This earned him the MVP award. He also started his career with 10 consecutive All-Pro team selections.