The Biggest Losers: NFL Players That Deserve to Win in 2008

It happens every season.

At least two or three of the NFL's premiere players have a preeminent season, but there's only one problem with that. They played for a bad team.

The players, along with their teams, miss the playoffs by just a hair, while the others had no chance from week one. They also have the type of talent you can build a team around.

Those plethora of players that play for bad teams sacrifice their bodies every week, only to end the season with negative results. In other words, you can call their season a big waste.

I personally think those players deserve better. No, not by trading them to a team that has a better chance of winning.

But by putting the right pieces around them in order for them to succeed. 

Last season, there were several of the league's top tier players who produced by putting up great numbers, but had to live with the fact that they would be taking an early and unprecedented vacation back to their homes.

Let's take a look at who belongs in this category:

Carson Palmer, QB, Cincinnati Bengals

Team Record in 2007: 7-9

Year Drafted: 2003

Without a question, Carson Palmer is one of the league's top five quarterbacks. Since he was appointed to the starting position in 2004, Palmer has only reached the postseason once.

And in that one playoff game Palmer played in, he suffered a left knee injury that was potentially career-ending. Palmer has bounced back from the knee injury, and has had two great season in which he has thrown over 4,000 passing yards for the season.

Not only that, but he has had to deal with controversy in the locker room.

His best receiver, Chad Johnson, has been a cry baby since February demanding a trade, and another receiver, Chris Henry, was released after continuing to get into trouble off the field. Also, just in: former Bengal Odell Thurman has just received an indefinite suspension for a failed drug test.

Not to mention that his defense has more holes than a slice of Swiss cheese. Discipline has probably been one of the main problems why Palmer's team hasn't been able to succeed, and changes need to be made.

Patrick Wills, ILB, San Francisco 49ers

Team Record in 2007: 5-11

Year Drafted: 2007

Willis has only played two seasons in the NFL, but his talent alone spells winner.

In a article that I wrote last month, I stated that the 49ers will have a quarterback controversy heading into training camp. Despite the QB situation last season, Willis still managed to do his job and led the league in total tackled.

He is only a second year player, so he has a little time to wait for his team to put more pieces together and form a winning team.

Steven Jackson, RB, St. Louis Rams

Team Record in 2007: 3-13

Year Drafted: 2004

Jackson's rookie season was the only year he reached the postseason, and in that season the Rams lost in the Divisional Playoffs 47-17 against the Atlanta Falcons.

Since his arrival, Jackson has been one of the league's best running backs. But due to the lack of building blocks around him, Jackson's production has gone unrewarded.

Last season, St. Louis owned the second worst record in the NFL, which resulted in the second overall pick in this year's draft. Defensive End Chris Long was the pick and is a good step toward the future.

Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona Cardinals

Team Record in 2007: 8-8

Year Drafted: 2004

Arizona has failed to reach the postseason the last nine seasons, so you already know Larry Fitz has no playoff experience. But actually, his team wasn't that bad last season in going 8-8.

The Cards were second in the NFC West, but barely missed the playoffs. And similar to San Francisco, the Cardinals also had a small quarterback controversy to deal with.

But that problem was solved, as coach Ken Whisenhunt has named Matt Leinart the starter.  Kurt Warner will still practice with the starters although.

Now back to Fitzgerald. Fitz has his best season as a pro, catching 10 touchdowns along with 1,409 receiving yards.

You can put him right up there with Chad Johnson, Reggie Wayne and Terrell Owens as some of the league's elite receivers.

Jared Allen, DE, Minnesota Vikings

Team Record in 2007: 4-12

Year Drafted: 2004

In his four seasons, Allen has only smelled the postseason once. But Allen might get his wish of winning now that he is Minnesota Viking.

Allen spent the past four seasons in Kansas City before being traded to Minnesota earlier this year. The All-Pro Defensive End has plenty to look forward to heading into this season.

He will be surrounded by two talented running backs in Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor. Plus, Allen joins an already established defense.

If any one of these guys can look forward to winning this season, it's Allen. By the way, he led the league in sacks last season.

Jason Taylor, DE, Miami Dolphins

Team Record in 2007: 1-15

Year Drafted: 1997

Heading into his eleventh season, Taylor has been to the playoffs five times. But last season alone can make you feel bad for Taylor and the rest of the Dolphins.

Taylor defines professionalism in sports despite not having the success I'm pretty sure he has hoped for. And now to make matters worse, Dolphins' GM Bill Parcells has exactly become friends with Taylor because of his stint with Dancing With the Stars.

Michael Whittenberg is a senior writer for bleacherreport.com