The biggest surprises and disappointments at the midway point of the 2016 NFL season
We are at the half way point of the 2016 season and there are always some surprises and disappointments along the way, so lets get a glimpse of these teams/ players who are overachieving/underachieving.
Surprises:
Dallas Cowboys
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Dallas has been quite entertaining this season and they're riding the back of two rookies that are committed to winning and becoming the best. I had them going 4-12 due to injuries and suspensions, but they have surpassed that already and shut me up in the process.
Philadelphia Eagles
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Another NFC East team that is playing well after some interesting moves before the season opener as they trade away Sam Bradford and go with rookie QB Carson Wentz. It has paid off so far and given new coach Doug Pederson a nice start in Philly.
Atlanta Falcons
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The Falcons could be unbeaten at this point in the season but they got off to a bad start this season with a loss at home and two come from behind losses in back to back weeks. Atlanta has the toughest schedule in the league this season, so they have to get back on track to avoid getting by it.
Joey Bosa LB/DE San Diego Chargers
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
This rookie held out as long as he could and missed valuable time in the film room and reps on the field, but could you tell it? Bosa has shown the instincts and motor he was known for in college, but when he puts it all together watch out!
Matthew Stafford QB Detroit Lions
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The Lions lost Megatron to retirement and thought it would be the beginning of the end for Stafford, but actually it has been a blessing in disguise as Stafford has learned to spread the ball around and read coverage, not just relying on his arm strength. He keeps at his current pace he'll be in the MVP race.
Disappointments:
Carolina Panthers
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The Panthers were one won away from becoming world champions but that seems so long ago as Cam has been rattled and the team hasn't been on the same page all season. Ron Rivera has to be on edge and looking forward to the offseason, If he still has a job.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
This season was suppose to be promising for the Jags, it's the season they were supposed to get over the hump, but it's been far from that as their high price acquisitions haven't panned out. Gus Bradley may not make it out of 2016 as the coach, so expect for the organization to do a clean overhaul this offseason.
Arizona Cardinals
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The Cards were a super bowl contender a season ago and may have to look to the past to see how they put everything together because they are just as lost as the Panthers. Carson Palmer is aging so finding a replacement will be on the offseason to-do list. They also have holes on defense to mend before they can put their team on a championship level.
Ryan Tannehill QB Miami Dolphins
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Miami has put the necessary talent around the $90 million dollar man but he has yet to capitalize. Their defense has not played up to expectation either, but as long as they kept their part talent wise on offense, Tannehill has to start producing.
Brock Osweiler QB Houston Texans
If you have fans starting a GoFundMe account to get you outta town, yea you aren't doing too good
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
John Elway looks like a genius after letting the young QB walk in free agency and we see why he took his chances. Osweiler has not developed under O'Brien like he should have by now and the Texans may regret giving him that big pay day. We will see how the rest of this season pans out to make a final decision, but it's not looking good.
Todd Gurley RB Los Angeles Rams
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The Rams young stud running back has been struggling to get on track and follow up an amazing rookie season. He is averaging under 3 yards per carry this season and can't get it going against teams stacking the line. The Rams can't get their passing game under control which is putting the weigh on Gurley's shoulders.
