Every year there are surprise players throughout the league; players who, for whatever reason, soar beyond their expectations and impress even the most fickle of fans.
So, who are this year's surprise players?
I'll go a step beyond doing a "Top Ten" or even "Top Twenty", and instead I'll break down surprise players team-by-team (yes, even the lowly Lions...)
Arizona Cardinals: Steve Breaston, WR
Stats: 46 receptions, 624 yards, TD. 1 carry, 4 yards
It was very tough for me to not pick Tim Hightower here, but the Cardinals expected big things from Hightower right from the get-go. Breaston? Not so much.
Breaston was the number three receiver, a role which was not very generous stat-wise to last year's contestant, Bryant Johnson. In 2007, Johnson had 46 catches for 528 yards and 2 TDs.
If Breaston continues on his current pace, he is set to finish with 82 catches, 1109 yards, and 2 TDs.
Breaston's play in Anquan Boldin's absence also cannot be overlooked. In the two games Boldin missed, Breaston notched 15 receptions for 179 yards and a TD.
Atlanta Falcons: Erik Coleman, FS
Stats: 52 tackles, 5 passes defended, 3 INTs, 2 forced fumbles
Coleman didn't even start for the New York Jets last year. Considering how desperate the Jets were for a free safety last season, that says a lot.
Then he comes to Atlanta. And things change. He currently ranks 7th among all defensive backs in tackles, 9th in interceptions, and 3rd in forced fumbles.
Those are some impressive numbers. He looks rejuvenated this season, and is playing well enough to warrant Pro Bowl consideration. Don't believe me? Let's re-rank his stats, using only NFC free safeties instead of all NFL defensive backs:
- Tackles: 52 (1st)
- Interceptions: 3 (3rd)
- Forced Fumbles: 2 (1st)
The numbers don't lie. Coleman is playing out of his mind this season.
Baltimore Ravens: Jim Leonhard, SS
Stats: 36 tackles, 2 passes defended, 1.0 sack
Anyone want to guess who's 4th on the Ravens in total tackles? It's not Ed Reed, it's not Dawan Landry, and it's not Jarret Johnson. Nope, it's Jim Leonhard.
Leonhard has been the starter since the forth week and hasn't disappointed.
After Dawan Landry's injury, the team decided to turn to Leonhard over rookie Tom Zbikowski (to the dismay of many fans), and it proved to be a good decision.
Buffalo Bills:
4 comments Last one added 7 months ago — Leave a Comment
Zach Kruse 8 months ago
Couple things...I love the article! Must have taken a lot of work, so good work there.
On the Packers—Tramon Williams is a great pick. But....he isn't the return man, Will Blackmon is. So other then that, good stuff from a Packer stand point!
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Greg Haefner 8 months ago
Thanks! Glad you liked it. It took a little bit of research, but nfl.com makes it really easy to find everyone's stats.
Duly noted on the Williams vs. Blackmon thing. Must have gotten those two mixed up, thanks for pointing that out.
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Zach Kruse 8 months ago
It's a common mix-up, Tramon was the returner last year, but Blackmon beat him out this season.
—also love the Jim Leonhard pick, he went to UW—where I go now—and he was great. Good to see him doing so well in the NFL
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Greg Haefner 7 months ago
Could not agree more about Leonhard. Being a Buffalo Bills fan, I always loved the guy. Played with a ton of heart and I was sad to see him leave, so it's great to hear he is having success, especially as part of a top-notch defense like Baltimore.
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