Ok, it's the beginning of the year and I'm thinking back to all the times that I've been wrong about a guy. Here's are my lists:
Guys that I thought were stiffs that turned out to be good:
1. Jojo Lafell. I thought the guy was the biggest piece of trash in history after his first few games as a Patriot. When I complained to my buddy, he famously said "don't even let him get on the bus to go home. Cut him now."
Turned into a major contributor on a championship team.
2. Cordarell Patterson. When I first started watching him play, I only saw his limitations. Not a great route runner, fell down a lot, hands were average.
Turned out the guy was tough as nails, fought for extra yards with tenacity only seen by maybe Edelman from the wide receiver position, and had big play ability.
3. Marcus Cannon. Honestly I thought he couldn't even play in the league at one point. Has turned himself into a very good football player.
4. (the bad one) Sony Michel.
I was the idiot that said in the game thread that I'd be the first one to say that Michel can't play. I then almost got figuratively lynched by the other members, and rightly so. I observed a lack of explosiveness (he was probably hurt), and a tentativeness that he eventually overcame.
For the record, I could not have been more wrong. He is a great football player. And I think he's going to be even better this year than he was last year.
Guys that I thought would be good that turned out to be stiffs:
1. Dan Klecko.
Always seemed to be around the ball. Was one of the few rookies that got praised early by Belichick. Had hall of fame pedigree. I thought he would be great- he sucked.
2. Ras-I Dowling.
I loved what I saw when I first watched him. Ok, maybe he wasn't a total stiff, just a guy that could not stay on the field. I thought we were getting a pro bowl player for years to come. I was wrong.
3. Aaron Dobson.
Seemed to get great separation when they first drafted him. Seemed to have great talent. Turned into a complete bust.
4. Jermaine Cunningham.
Athletic, big, strong, and seemed to make big plays in big spots. Couldn't even stay in the league.
Guys that I thought were stiffs that turned out to be good:
1. Jojo Lafell. I thought the guy was the biggest piece of trash in history after his first few games as a Patriot. When I complained to my buddy, he famously said "don't even let him get on the bus to go home. Cut him now."
Turned into a major contributor on a championship team.
2. Cordarell Patterson. When I first started watching him play, I only saw his limitations. Not a great route runner, fell down a lot, hands were average.
Turned out the guy was tough as nails, fought for extra yards with tenacity only seen by maybe Edelman from the wide receiver position, and had big play ability.
3. Marcus Cannon. Honestly I thought he couldn't even play in the league at one point. Has turned himself into a very good football player.
4. (the bad one) Sony Michel.
I was the idiot that said in the game thread that I'd be the first one to say that Michel can't play. I then almost got figuratively lynched by the other members, and rightly so. I observed a lack of explosiveness (he was probably hurt), and a tentativeness that he eventually overcame.
For the record, I could not have been more wrong. He is a great football player. And I think he's going to be even better this year than he was last year.
Guys that I thought would be good that turned out to be stiffs:
1. Dan Klecko.
Always seemed to be around the ball. Was one of the few rookies that got praised early by Belichick. Had hall of fame pedigree. I thought he would be great- he sucked.
2. Ras-I Dowling.
I loved what I saw when I first watched him. Ok, maybe he wasn't a total stiff, just a guy that could not stay on the field. I thought we were getting a pro bowl player for years to come. I was wrong.
3. Aaron Dobson.
Seemed to get great separation when they first drafted him. Seemed to have great talent. Turned into a complete bust.
4. Jermaine Cunningham.
Athletic, big, strong, and seemed to make big plays in big spots. Couldn't even stay in the league.