Some teams, i.e. the Packers, Steelers and Patriots, are meticulously constructed prior to the season and play the way we expect them to play throughout the year.
Other teams, like the 49ers, Cowboys and Bengals, are more surprising and/or enigmatic. To get where they are at this point in the season, they've needed incredible contributions from players that were projected and expected to do little to nothing.
This post is an ode to those players.
RB DeMarco Murray and WR Laurent Robinson, Dallas Cowboys:
Murray, a rookie, was behind Felix Jones on the depth chart from the get-go. The argument could also be made that, initially, he was behind Tashard Choice as well.
Now, after Jones' annual battle with injury and Choice's departure to the Redskins (and now Bills), Murray has taken over the reins and emerged as one of the most explosive and productive running backs in the NFC.
The rambunctious rookie has displayed the ability to shoulder the load between the tackles, but also bounce to the outside with speed. His pass catching has been a welcome development too.
Robinson, once well regarded by the St. Louis Rams franchise, was an oft-injured scrap heap pick up for Jerry Jones and the Cowboys.
Now, believe it or not, he's Tony Romo's favorite target...particularly in the redzone. Laurent (pronounced "Law-ron" not "Law-rent") picked up two more touchdowns in today's Thanksgiving nail-biter victory over Tony Sparano's never-say-die Dolphins.
Robinson has showcased blazing, raw speed on fly patterns, but his ability to create separation under pressure -- on third down and in scoring position -- has been the most impressive aspect of his improved repertoire.
DeMarco Murray and Laurent Robinson...from bench players buried on the depth chart, to star performers on a potential division champion. A nice story for the Cowboys and their devoted fans.
QB Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals:
The Rookie of the Year voters are going to have an awfully tough time this season...
Dalton, like his teammate and favorite target A.J. Green, is another rising star rookie. "The Red Rifle" has provided energy and excellence for a Bengals franchise that was faltering under fading veteran Carson Palmer in recent years.
I don't want to give all of the credit to Dalton though; Marvin Lewis' defensive unit has been superb this year as well.
The Entire 49ers Franchise:
I can't say I'm surprised that they're in first place in the NFC West (because of the Rams, Cardinals and Seahawks), but I am incredibly surprised that Jim Harbaugh's boys boast the second-best record in the entire NFL.
I considered the 49ers a possible playoff team because they inhabit the weakest division in the league, but I never thought they'd be in the discussion with the Packers, Steelers, Ravens, Patriots and others of the like.
The Niners have top-tier players in LB Patrick Willis and RB Frank Gore and solid receiving options in WR Michael Crabtree and TE Vernon Davis; so their true surprise is QB Alex Smith.
Smith isn't spectacular -- he doesn't display the ability to stretch the field effectively -- but he's been efficient and effective. The strength of his game is likely his mobility and extension of plays both inside and outside of the pocket.
When it comes down to it, I don't believe this team can beat the Packers in a playoff game, but there's a possibility they'll reach the NFC Championship game. A credit to Harbaugh and his improved coaching staff.
Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers:
DeMarco Murray...Andy Dalton...A.J. Green...and Cam. Who will take home the rookie hardware?
The Panthers haven't been finding ways to win, but Cam's been nothing short of spectacular, especially relative to his experience level. Sky's the limit for this kid.
His accuracy and understanding of the position have far surpassed early expectations, and he's one of the top scrambling QBs in the game.
In the world of fantasy football, he's been a real-life superhero. Racking up ridiculous points as a rookie. Yes, that's alliteration.
Ben Tate, RB, Houston Texans
Willis McGahee, RB, Denver Broncos
Tim Tebow, QB, Denver Broncos (winning, and not much else -- but does anything else matter?)
Jimmy Graham, TE, New Orleans Saints (deserves his own paragraph but I'm getting lazy.)
Victor Cruz, WR, New York Giants
Pat Angerer, LB, Indianapolis Colts (leading the NFL in tackles)
Kyle Arrington, CB, New England Patriots (leading the NFL in interceptions)
I considered the 49ers a possible playoff team because they inhabit the weakest division in the league, but I never thought they'd be in the discussion with the Packers, Steelers, Ravens, Patriots and others of the like.
The Niners have top-tier players in LB Patrick Willis and RB Frank Gore and solid receiving options in WR Michael Crabtree and TE Vernon Davis; so their true surprise is QB Alex Smith.
Smith isn't spectacular -- he doesn't display the ability to stretch the field effectively -- but he's been efficient and effective. The strength of his game is likely his mobility and extension of plays both inside and outside of the pocket.
When it comes down to it, I don't believe this team can beat the Packers in a playoff game, but there's a possibility they'll reach the NFC Championship game. A credit to Harbaugh and his improved coaching staff.
Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers:
DeMarco Murray...Andy Dalton...A.J. Green...and Cam. Who will take home the rookie hardware?
The Panthers haven't been finding ways to win, but Cam's been nothing short of spectacular, especially relative to his experience level. Sky's the limit for this kid.
His accuracy and understanding of the position have far surpassed early expectations, and he's one of the top scrambling QBs in the game.
In the world of fantasy football, he's been a real-life superhero. Racking up ridiculous points as a rookie. Yes, that's alliteration.
Honorable Mention
Ben Tate, RB, Houston Texans
Willis McGahee, RB, Denver Broncos
Tim Tebow, QB, Denver Broncos (winning, and not much else -- but does anything else matter?)
Jimmy Graham, TE, New Orleans Saints (deserves his own paragraph but I'm getting lazy.)
Victor Cruz, WR, New York Giants
Pat Angerer, LB, Indianapolis Colts (leading the NFL in tackles)
Kyle Arrington, CB, New England Patriots (leading the NFL in interceptions)
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