- Joined
- Sep 13, 2004
- Messages
- 43,496
- Reaction score
- 21,687
EXCEEDED WHAT ANYONE EXPECTED OF THEM
EXCEEDED WHAT THEY HAVE EVEN DONE
That were the standards of the OP
I agree that all the listed 11 players have done very well indeed. I would add Sands to the list. He has contributed in his first week and exceeded alomost all expectations.
WRIGHT and GREEN
Let's be real. Belichick certainly hoped that there wouldn't be a huge loss in effectiveness with these guys getting lots more reps. There were at least SOME posters who agreed. Green has been just what he has always been: a solid performer. Wright has surprised most, but not those who saw the confidence by Belihick is his expectation to count on Wright long-term.
BODDEN, SPRINGS and BUTLER
For some, these three are producing as expected (and for more as hoped for). Bodden is a potential all-pro who insisted on a no-franchise clause in his contract. Those who laughed are likely no longer laughing. Springs was considered by most as a solid starter. Many disagreed.
McGOWAN and BANTA-CAIN
Some of us try not to say "I told you so". There are at least a couple of posters who are getting what they expected from these two.
GUYTON
Many thought that Guyton was ready to be depended on as a starter (not me )
PRYOR
Pryor was a pleasant surprise in camp and the preseason. What an awesome pick!
EDELMAN and VOLLMER
It is interesting that all we can mention on offense is a couple of 2009 bit players. Edelman was an OK substitute for Welker (great for a rookie 7th rounder). Vollmer is finding ways to get reps, but is unlikely to be much of a contributer unless there is an injury at OT. Even then, he may or may not be ahead of Levoir. I don't see how Vollmer is much of a surprise.
SANDS
Are you kidding? Contributing in his first week!
BOTTOM LINE
The defense has lots of players performing better than MOST expected. They are certainly gelling as unit earlier than most expected.
EXCEEDED WHAT THEY HAVE EVEN DONE
That were the standards of the OP
I agree that all the listed 11 players have done very well indeed. I would add Sands to the list. He has contributed in his first week and exceeded alomost all expectations.
WRIGHT and GREEN
Let's be real. Belichick certainly hoped that there wouldn't be a huge loss in effectiveness with these guys getting lots more reps. There were at least SOME posters who agreed. Green has been just what he has always been: a solid performer. Wright has surprised most, but not those who saw the confidence by Belihick is his expectation to count on Wright long-term.
BODDEN, SPRINGS and BUTLER
For some, these three are producing as expected (and for more as hoped for). Bodden is a potential all-pro who insisted on a no-franchise clause in his contract. Those who laughed are likely no longer laughing. Springs was considered by most as a solid starter. Many disagreed.
McGOWAN and BANTA-CAIN
Some of us try not to say "I told you so". There are at least a couple of posters who are getting what they expected from these two.
GUYTON
Many thought that Guyton was ready to be depended on as a starter (not me )
PRYOR
Pryor was a pleasant surprise in camp and the preseason. What an awesome pick!
EDELMAN and VOLLMER
It is interesting that all we can mention on offense is a couple of 2009 bit players. Edelman was an OK substitute for Welker (great for a rookie 7th rounder). Vollmer is finding ways to get reps, but is unlikely to be much of a contributer unless there is an injury at OT. Even then, he may or may not be ahead of Levoir. I don't see how Vollmer is much of a surprise.
SANDS
Are you kidding? Contributing in his first week!
BOTTOM LINE
The defense has lots of players performing better than MOST expected. They are certainly gelling as unit earlier than most expected.
