The NFL's Biggest Surprises of 2008

[Swish14]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/9614 ... ody_451326

Thoughts?

[SportsWorld]

Don't have a problem with any on the list.

[lpsevier]

In terms of being an actual surprise, I don't think anyone tops what Cassel has done this year.

[Da Schwab]

I don't really think Michael Turner or Matt Cassel were surprises at all, but for different reasons.

Michael Turner really isn't a surprise to me, because we all (well, most of us) were expecting him to be a good full-time back. Maybe we didn't think he'd be this great, but its really a product of how well the Falcons O-line has been playing all season long. They should be the surprise on that list.

As for Matt Cassel, I don't see him as a surprise, but more of a revelation. Cassel didn't necessarily step into the same situation that Chad Pennington did, he had a boatload of weapons at his disposal and a coach who is proving that he can adjust in the face of huge adversity. I think what would've been more of a surprise, is if Cassel didn't play well with the talent he has around him.

[Celtics_Champs]

I don't really think Michael Turner or Matt Cassel were surprises at all, but for different reasons.

Michael Turner really isn't a surprise to me, because we all (well, most of us) were expecting him to be a good full-time back. Maybe we didn't think he'd be this great, but its really a product of how well the Falcons O-line has been playing all season long. They should be the surprise on that list.

As for Matt Cassel, I don't see him as a surprise, but more of a revelation. Cassel didn't necessarily step into the same situation that Chad Pennington did, he had a boatload of weapons at his disposal and a coach who is proving that he can adjust in the face of huge adversity. I think what would've been more of a surprise, is if Cassel didn't play well with the talent he has around him.

I understand your points, I feel that Kevin O'Connell can do what cassel is doing with moss and welker and the NE system. But, Cassel was almost cut in training camp. Fans were calling for it. He looked like he couldn't even hold a QB's jockstrap. Plus he didn't really hit his stride until the denver game, so I would call it a surprise.

[Basketball Jesus]

As for Matt Cassel, I don't see him as a surprise, but more of a revelation. Cassel didn't necessarily step into the same situation that Chad Pennington did, he had a boatload of weapons at his disposal and a coach who is proving that he can adjust in the face of huge adversity. I think what would've been more of a surprise, is if Cassel didn't play well with the talent he has around him.

See, I’d disagree. While the surprise regarding Cassel’s success should be tempered somewhat due to the talent (player and coaching) surrounding him, he has never looked the part of a competent QB at all prior to this season. Whether it was during garbage time minutes last year or his annual preseason endeavors, he looked extremely raw in every aspect. Even the things he excelled at, namely mobility and speed, were never on display. There’s a reason his nickname was Rusher McFumbles; that’s essentially what he did every play: rush and fumble.

Even in the first few games of the season he looked really, really bad. To think that he would progress to the point where, system be damned, he’s in the middle of the pack statistically (17th in DYAR, 23rd DVOA) is pretty damn surprising.

[Basketball Jesus]

Aside from Turner (who I thought would be yet another part-time to full-time bust) and Cassel, the one player that truly surprised me this season is Samson Satele. If I had to list the best centers in the league at the start of the season, he probably would have ranked no higher than 20th. Like I said in another thread, I really think he’s playing at an All-Pro level this season.