After 9 games each, let's revisit those predictions, and sift through the good, the bad, and the ugly...
Kevin Walter - WR - Houston Texans
What we said:
"Even without elite speed, he has enough to get open, though perhaps his best attribute is quite simply his ability to adjust and catch the ball in situations where lesser receivers will give up on the catch. It has endeared him to coach Gary Kubiak, and it should finally mean that the team is not completely reliant on (Andre) Johnson in the passing game."
How he's doing:
So far so good. Walter leads the Texans in Touchdowns (6) and is on course for a career year, with nearly a thousand yards. Most importantly, he has been a reliable target for Matt Schaub and Sage Rosenfels, and his emergence as a legitimate threat has given Johnson the freedom to pile up 900yds, which obviously equates to a huge season if he carries on at this level. Either way, Walter will likely be a big part of the Texans offence for the forseeable future.
Ernie Sims - LB - Detroit Lions
What we said:
With the kind of motor that keeps him involved in almost every play, Sims
will be guaranteed some big statistics this year, but as we say, statistics
alone will not be the only way that Sims contributes to a defence in sore need
of someone to step up and establish himself as the true leader of the
team.
How he's doing:
Sims has been average so far this year in a D that has struggled mightily against... well against everybody. Hampered by injuries, he has had only three games where he has reached double digits in tackles - something that will disappoint him more than the lack of big plays. The Lions as a whole are in a whole lot of trouble on his side of the ball, which is not his fault particularly, but he hasn't maintained his high level of play from 2006 and 2007.
Cortland Finnegan - CB - Tennessee Titans
What we said:
With the intelligence and physical ability needed to progress to the
next level, Finnegan has a golden opportunity at the age of just 24, to
establish himself in the upper echelon of NFL Defensive Backs.
How he's doing:
Oh yeah, this was right. Watching a bunch of Titans games at the end of last season was enough to show that Finnegan had the skill set to be a playmaker at the top level of the NFL, and with a lack of quality at the position, he has slotted comfortably in with Nnamdi Asomugha and Charles Tillman as the true masters of their art. Players like Champ Bailey, Chris Mcallister, and Ronde Barber will continue to get the plaudits, but the mark of a good DB is generally that you rarely here their name called on a Sunday.
Jerry Porter - WR - Jacksonville Jaguars
What we said:
It would be easy to dismiss Porter's chances of repairing his tarnished image, but the guy is not done in this league just yet. If he can stay healthy, Porter has all of the tools to be resuscitate his career.
How he's doing:
Injured for much of the year, Porter has had a poor season, but has shown signs of life in the last two weeks, including catching his first TD against Detroit last week. Is it a sign he's about to become the focal point of the Jags? No, but Matt Jones's upcoming suspension should see Porter get more looks, so there is no reason to believe he will continue his lack of production. I was wrong on Porter, but I still think he has one last sting in the tail end of the season.
Haloti Ngata - DT - Baltimore Ravens
What we said:
Any successful Defence needs a guy to cause disruption up front, and Ngata should build on a solid 2007 season to become the player that the Ravens need.
How he's doing:
If a good indicator of a DT's effectiveness is the team's run-stopping ability, then Ngata is in the top two DT's in the league. The Ravens rank first against the run and have given up just one TD and one rush over 20yds all season long. Incredible numbers from a team that was considered in decline. Ngata somehow has managed two interceptions this year, which is curious in itself, but consider that Terrell Suggs also has two INT returns for TD's from his spot at Defensive End, and you appreciate exactly how good the individuals on the Baltimore defence are.
Chad Jackson - WR - New England Patriots
What we said:
With the ball in his hands, Jackson can be a star. If he is injured again, his time in New England could be up.
How he's doing: The man with the best middle name in football (Wolfegang) is currently the 5th receiver on the Broncos official depth chart, and has yet to see any time since being signed at the end of October. He was released from the Patriots the day after I posted the prediction that he would have a breakout season, thus providing my first 'head in hands' moment of the season. The emergence of Eddie Royal is likely to curtail his adventure in the Rockies, but I still believe that he will land on a few rosters before he is done. He's certainly better than some of Oakland's receivers, for example - On the other hand, so am I.
Roddy White - WR - Atlanta Falcons
What we said:
With Vick gone, White will thrive. He showed much more promise last year, and this year, we could be about to see the next Manning-Harrison combination in the NFL. Seriously. Matt Ryan has the ability and mentality to bring on the talented receiving corps, and White should be the main beneficiary.
How he's doing: Again, White has justified my faith with a great season so far, racking up 801yds receiving and 6 touchdowns. More to the point, he has developed into the unquestioned number one in Atlanta at a time when they are resurgent. I've mentioned it elsewhere on the site, but Atlanta are a couple of years away from mounting a serious push for the Superbowl. Unlike Oakland, who have hit rock bottom but crucially have made no fundamental changes, Atlanta changed everything from GM to QB, and they are reaping the rewards with players like White finally showing the desire to win.
DeAngelo Williams - RB - Carolina Panthers
What we said:
A big, bruising back who will be the thunder to Williams's lightning, (Jonathan) Stewart should wear down defences much more effectively than Foster ever could, and in turn. we could see more carries and more big plays from Williams
How he's doing: A strong middle section of the season has seen Williams cement his place as the starter in the Panthers' two-back system, and it remains to be seen how Stewart will fit back into the dynamic now that he is recovered from a hell injury that handed Williams the majority of carries in the last few weeks. I say that purely because Williams has proven he can shoulder a heavy workload, rushing for 100+yds in both games Stewart missed. The schedule has been favourable to Carolina, and Williams will likely break the 1000yd mark for the first time, and at least set a new career best for rushing yards and TD's in a season.
Nate Burleson - WR - Seattle
What we said:
With Deion Branch looking unlikely to play early in the season, Burleson is the natural go-to guy for Matt Hasselbeck. If he gets on the board early, this could be the season that Burleson breaks out and becomes the number two in Seattle.
How he's doing: Difficult call. Burleson was placed on injured reserve after just one game this season, therefore he is realistically no better off than last year, however, considering that Burleson had 5 receptions and a TD in that game, and number one wideout Deion Branch has been constantly injured, it's easy to see how Burleson could have taken the next step this year. As it is, we'll call this one our 'mulligan' as far as predictions are concerned.
Eric Weddle - S - San Diego Chargers
Weddle's athletic ability is rare, and this means that he is able to stay on the field in almost any situation. Not only should Weddle be the starter at Strong Safety by the end of the season, but expect him to become one of the leaders on the NFL's most talented roster.
How he's doing: A consistent performer all season, Weddle has locked down a starting role, and in fact he and Clinton Hart have developed into one of the more reliable Safety combinations in the league, with Weddle strong against the run, and Hart more of a freelancing playmaker. Weddle has just the one interception, but like many young players, his ball skills will develop as he plays.
