'07: Exceeding expectations

Biggest thing about Faulk this year was Zero fumbles. In the past he's been a 'just a matter of touches before the balls on the ground' guy. Very valuable, but you expected a bad fumble. This year none of that!! I heard he worked hard on ball security this year and it really paid off. Too bad he wasn't a focus of the superbowl game plan.

I'm not going to say anything bad about Faulk, because he was fantastic, but he's such a team guy, you always knew he'd step up. (Vrabel & Junior, same story)
Welker was outstanding, but I knew he was the perfect fit when I saw him playing for the fins last year.

For me, this prize goes to Randy. Arrived in with all these questions about his character. I was certain he'd play great for seven weeks, then not get as many balls for a few weeks and we'd see him on Sportscenter demanding the ball.

But look at what he did in the post-season, got about 10 balls total in three games thrown to him, and his first reaction was to say he wants to be on this team next year. His performances didn't really exceed my expectations, his attitude absolutely did.

I certainly wouldn't argue too aggressively with giving that honour to K Faulk, but I would personally have to say Randy.

I knew Welker was going to be outstanding, he was just such a perfect fit, and Faulk was outstanding, but again, he's done it before too.

But Randy Moss, "Mr Attitude" and all that. When I saw that trade I thought, seven or eight weeks of being incredible, but one or two weeks where he didn't get thrown seven/eight balls in a row and suddenly, he's on Sportscenter demanding the ball. But he got thrown to about ten times total in the three post-season games, and his first response is, I want to be back here next year. His performance didn't exceed any expectations for me, but his attitude certainly did.

I vote for Teddy Bruski..i expected him to be a disappointment. Instead he played somewhat decently until it counted..then he and the others disappered. another wasted year with old players

I'd have to vote for someone not on your list - Sammy Morris. Until he went on IR he was such a fantastic surprise. As far as Faulk goes he's always been a go-to guy; as solid and dependable as they get.

I'm very distraught you didn't think to mention the nameless running back we got from Miami. tsk tsk tsk

Jabar Gaffney. Of all the guys on the list, Gaffney was the only one that wasn't even a lock to make the team this year. He beat out a lot of competition, and ultimately leaped ahead of Stallworth as the third receiver (yeah, they split time, but towards the end Gaffney was the one out there for more snaps, and was also the red zone option). 21 first downs and 5 TDs. I'd say his feat *exceeded expectations* more than anyone else on the team, except maybe James Sanders.

Other than the fact he was hurt and subsequently went on IR I'd vote for Sammy Morris. Faulk has always been dependable and always made plays. Who knew Sammy was going to be such a great pickup?

Faulks my MAN!

He's become the team's "Troy Brown", hard working, humble, do what's needed, doesn't seek the lime light.

Yet he can produce, and he can help inpire the team (anyone see that side-lines video of him yelling at his teammates on the bench? Ya KEVIN!).

I'm not sure how you can leave James Sanders of your list. He has quietly risen from unknown backup to starting safety and put in a solid season. I think he's an integral, and oft-overlooked, piece of that secondary.

Plus, his nickname is "The Quiet Storm," and how can you beat that?

I think they all are a dissappointment most of all Brady, the very game he needed to be his best he was his worst. Actually most of the second half of the season he was not good. I know in the superbowl he didn't have alot of time but there were instances where he did and he was just awful. The wonder boy of football failed and looked really bad doing it. He should be embarressed, the whole team should be embarressed by that performance, inexplicable losing that game, I take nothing away from the giants they played their very best.
With a chance to make history there is no excuse for them losing that game. I think that was the beginning of the end.

Vrabel, Vrabel, Vrebel!!! What does this guy not do to satisfy you all? Inside, outside, edge, coverage, etc. If only they could clone this guy...ultimate TEAM player

To Annemarie

Tom Brady a disappointment? What game were you watching? Did you see him getting smashed every other play? He did his job by getting us the lead with scant few seconds on the clock. As far as I'm concerned, it was Asante Samuel and Ellis Hobbs who let us down in that game, and I'll throw in the O line for honorable mention of who failed at the key moment. Tom Brady did not have his best game but he certainly did NOT hurt us. The only reason he looked bad was because he was on his back for 1/2 the game. Don't make stupid comments.

to annemarie

You are kind of stupid aren't you. Serious question, do you know anything about football

whether its Faulk or Welker both are deserving....I think we generally expected the performance of Welker a little more than the performance turned in by Kevin Faulk
The reasons are obvious .....we seen what Welker could do when he was with Miami and kind of expected that kind of perfomance when we anticipated him replacing Troy Brown in the slot.....I think because of injuries and sometimes the lack of production from the other backs Kevin Faaulk was asked to go far beyond what he was accustomed to and his performance was outstanding !!!!

FOR THESE REASONS I WOULD GO WITH KEVIN FAULK