Surprises
Francis, I was convinced this guy was roster trash.
Wilfork, I did not think a DT could be so dominant and smart. He makes plays that remind me of Bruschi and Harrison, like anticipating a screen pass and beating the RB to the spot to get the TFL in the open field. At 325#s, no less. Just wow.
Dennard, really solid as a rookie. After so many 2nd round busts in the secondary, having a 7th rounder step right in and shine is refreshing.
McCourty, as a playmaking FS. I did not buy into all the off-season talk about a move to S, but...well, I'm sold.
Stallworth, I was shocked to see him re-signed, and then actually contribute. Gone now, but what a testament to the power of the Shadow Roster.
Woodhead, just when I thought he was being phased out, he elevates his game one more notch. He is Kevin Faulk and more. More reliable than Ridley and more productive than Vereen.
Wendell, I thought we would need to spend an early pick at OC in 2013, with Koppen gone and Connolly at RG. But, I'm totally fine with the guy we got. Color me shocked. Another feather in Dante's cap.
Disappointments
Mankins, not playing to his salary or his pro-bowler status. I hope it's eating at him, and we see a return to form next year.
Gostkowski, wtf?
Hernandez, seems mentally soft in pressure situations. Sloppy dropsies.
Chung, a bad benching. This guy is supposed to be the captain of the secondary, but has been marginalized. Not good to see in a contract year.
Lloyd, a big step up from Ochocinco, but not a guy I have complete confidence in. For as many snaps as he sees, there are too few big plays and too many missed opportunities. Branch and Welker make the tough 3rd down catch, but Lloyd doesn't fight for it. I was expecting more.
Ridley, hold on to the damn ball. Not that he doesn't know how important it is. He can run for a million yards, but if he coughs it up he's going to find himself traded to some team that doesn't care.