Special to Footballguys.com IDP Analysis by Shawn Culcasi AFC East Buffalo Bills Surprise *** DE Aaron Schobel: It looks like it was just a matter of playing time. After a 6.5 sack rookie performance, it looks like he might reach double digits this year, although he's tailed off a bit lately. *** FS Pierson Prioleau: Through nine games he's already posted his best tackle numbers, on pace for 101 total. He doesn't have a pick and, with only one in three plus years, that doesn't look like part of his game (although he did have ten passes defended as a 'Niner rookie). *** DT Pat Williams: On pace for 85 total tackles, which is an amazing number for an interior lineman. Disappointment *** LB Keith Newman: Eight sacks during his sophomore campaign, 5.5 since (1.5 years). *** CBs Antoine Winfield & Nate Clements: I had tabbed these guys as the next superstar tandem. It hasn't happened. The Bills have one of the worst pass defenses in the league (which isn't entirely their fault) and, except for Clements' three pick game, they haven't done squat. Miami Dolphins Surprise *** DE Jason Taylor: He's not a huge surprise, seeing as how a lot is expected from him, but he's on pace for 13 sacks and 70 total tackles, along with a career high 10 passes defended. *** CB Patrick Surtain: Surtain has missed two games but he's on pace for a career high eight interceptions, and could approach his career high of 53 total tackles. His passes defended are down (five this year, 37 over previous two) Disappointment *** DE Adewale Ogunleye: After watching this guy blow up during preseason, I thought he'd surely have more than two sacks at this point. A 2.5 sack performance during week eleven may be a sign that he's turning around his season, but we'll have to wait and see if he's able to produce on a consistant basis. *** LB Zack Thomas: The tackles are there, as he's on pace for 152 total, but the sacks and picks that we're used to have been absent (0.5 sack & 0 int to date). He's usually very active in the passing game, averaging nearly six passes defended through his first six years, but he has none in '02. New England Patriots Surprise *** LB Roman Phifer: Phifer, in the games that he's played, has been outstanding. He's not the same player that he used to be, as he no longer offers much besides tackles, but he's good at what he does do (three of six games with 10+ total tackles). *** CB Ty Law: Law is on pace for a career high in tackles (84), along with six interceptions, which would be the highest total since his nine pick performance of '98. He's also on pace for his highest pass defended total in three years. Disappointment *** SS Lawyer Milloy: When discussion arises about who the top safeties in the game are, Milloy undoubtedly gets mentioned. He's on pace for his worst season in the NFL and hasn't had a "great" season since '99. The only list that he belongs on is the "What if..." list, headed by John Lynch. New York Jets Surprise *** LB Sam Cowart: Cowart is a surprise only in the fact that he was coming off of an injury, into a new defense. He's on pace to approach his career high in tackles (129) but he hasn't posted the sacks/picks that we saw in Buffalo. I was low on him overall coming into this season, thinking it would take him a year on the field to get reacclimated. I guess that's still up in the air seeing as how all he's done is record tackles (one sack, 0 int). *** DT Jason Ferguson: Ferguson is on pace to match his career year of '98 where he posted 63 tackles and four sacks. He's been a very nice surprise considering that he's only started 20 games over the last three years. Disappointment Everyone besides Cowart & Ferguson. This is a long list, and it starts with... *** DE John Abraham. Abraham was considered a top five defensive lineman coming into '02, but a preseason knee injury (is that it?) has limited him to three sacks and 28 tackles. It's going to take a very strong second half for him not to be considered a total bust (this year). *** SS Sam Garnes: Garnes was brought in to replace a stud, Victor Green, and has failed miserably. He's on pace for his worst season since '98 and is actually being outproduced by Green, who's now a backup safety in New England. AFC North Baltimore Ravens Surprise *** LB Edgerton Hartwell: In his first season as a starter, Hartwell is on pace for 120 tackles, although he hasn't offered much else (0 sacks, 0 picks, 0 passes defended). *** CB Gary Baxter: With the Ravens defensive backfield mixup, we weren't sure whether Baxter was going to play safety or corner. Well, also in his first season as a starter, he's become one of the best tackling corner's in the game, on pace for 98 tackles, along with two picks and 18 passes defended. *** SS Ed Reed: Reed has had a fairly productive rookie season, on pace for 76 tackles, two sacks, four picks and 14 passes defended. Disappointment *** DE Adalius Thomas: When the Ravens decided to switch to a 3-4 defense, Thomas was penciled in as one of the starting outside linebackers, and we smiled. Well, he wasn't fit for the position and is now entrenched as a non-productive 3-4 defensive end. We frown. Cincinnati Bengals Surprise *** CB Artrell Hawkins: Hawkins looks like he's on pace for his best of five NFL seasons with 45 tackles, two sacks and two picks at the halfway point. Coming off of a decent season last year, it looks like he may have turned the corner. Disappointment *** DE Justin Smith: As a rookie, Smith spoiled us with 8.5 sacks and two picks in only 11 starts. This bright star has quickly dimmed as he's on pace to only match last years tackle total (54) and record four sacks (0 int). *** LB Takeo Spikes: Spikes is on pace for his worst all-around season with only 50 tackles and one sack (0 int) through eight games. *** FS Lamont Thompson: This rookie second round pick was expected to step in as an immediate starter and add some big play potential to a defense lacking just that. He missed much of training camp because of an "injury waiver" issue and never quite caught on, posting only eight tackles on the year. Cleveland Browns Surprise *** CB Anthony Henry: While starting only five games (for the injured Corey Fuller), he's almost matched last years tackle total (46). For some who fell for the trap, Henry could be considered a huge disappointment. His 10 interception, 17 pass defended '01 campaign came while starting only two games. So, while he's having a great year in regards to tackles, he will not come close to last years pick total. Disappointment *** DE Courtney Brown: Just when you get close to writing Brown off, he comes through with a 10 tackle, two sack performance (actually, he was written off long before last week). His monster game v. Pittsburgh can either be looked at as a turning point, or an aberration. I tend to look at it as the latter and've marked down Brown as my biggest mistake of the year, having him ranked as the number one defensive lineman. *** LB Darren Hambrick: Hambrick had some big shoes to fill when he was asked to step in for the injured Jamir Miller and replace his 13 sacks from a year ago. Through nine games (all starts), Hambrick barely has 13 tackles (28 actually). No sacks, no picks. Ouch. Pittsburgh Steelers Surprise *** LB Joey Porter: Of course Porter isn't a hidden gem, he's been a stud for a couple of years now. His increased tackle numbers are a surprise, as he's already matched his total (almost) from the last two years. When the team talked of moving him inside on third downs to take advantage of his coverage skills (and Kendrell Bell's pass rushing ability), you knew that he had the opportunity for more interceptions, but this has been ridiculous. He's on pace for unprecedented numbers. *** CB Chad Scott: Scott is on pace for a career high in both tackles (100) and passes defended (20). 100 tackles for a corberback is quite an accomplishment. It's not all positive though. His interceptions are down. After picking off five in each of the last two seasons, he's only gotten one so far this year. He needs to catch a couple more of those "intended" passes, but he's had an impressive first half nonetheless. Disappointment *** LB Jason Gildon: What happened here? Your guess is as good as mine. After averaging 11 sacks over the the last four years, he's been held to one so far this year. He's only 30. I suppose we'll just mark it off as a slow start.***Gildon has had two of his best games of the season over the last two weeks, totaling 12 tackles and two sacks. Pittsburgh has a very favorable schedule down the stretch and Gildon may pay off huge for those that held on. AFC South Houston Texans Surprise *** LB Jamie Sharper: I'm not sure if he belongs here or not, but we'll list him anyhow. Tackle wise, he's on pace (140) to blow away anyhting that he's previously done (career high 108 last year). That's good, right? Unfortunately, his game has taken a hit in the other areas. While he recorded six sacks and 12 passes defended last year with Baltimore, he's only on pace for three & six this year. Still an awesome season. *** LB Jay Foreman: Like Sharper, Foreman has drastically improved his tackle numbers from a year ago (on pace for 130). After being acquired from Buffalo in a trade for KR Charlie Rogers, he seemed to get lost in the shuffle. He recorded only 18 tackles through the first four games, but has come on through the last four totalling 47. If he keeps up this pace, he'll approach 160 tackles this year (along with 10 passes defended. *** CB Aaron Glenn: Glenn, playing in his ninth NFL season, is on pace to set a career high in tackles (68) and is already approaching his high in passes defended (12/15). Throw in two picks and Glenn is on his way to a very fine season. Disappointment *** FS Matt Stevens: The preseason hype surrounding Matt Stevens fell apart after Eric Brown was signed, essentially moving Stevens from a very productive strong safety position, where he was projected to start, to free safety, where he's only been able to come up with 33 tackles. *** LB Keith Mitchell: Mitchell had a couple of very nice seasons with the Saints, and was signed during the off season to add some playmaking ability to the Texans defense. Stepping in as a starting outside linebacker, he seemed destined for a craeer year. It hasn't happened. He's on pace for his lowest tackle total in five years (50) and hasn't offered much else. Indianapolis Colts Surprise *** DE Dwight Freeney: After taking over as a starter during week ten, Freeney has been a monster. With 11 tackles, three sacks and four forced fumbles over those two starts, his first two in the NFL, coupled with a nice remaining schedule for the Colts, Freeney should see continued success down the stretch. *** LB Mike Peterson: Coming off of last years knee injury, there was a little uncertainty surrounding Peterson. So far this year, he's posted pretty close to identical stats to last year (9 games) and looks to be showing no ill effects. He probable won't approach his '00 tackle total (158) but he's making up for it in other ares (on pace for four interceptions). Disappointment *** LB Rob Morris: Considered to have a ton of potential, Morris has been a fantasy wasteland. Last year he at least gave owners a decent amount of tackles (114) and a sack. This year, he's offering nothing, on pace for 86 tackles (0 sacks, 0 int, four passes defended). *** LB Marcus Washington: While playing the "Derrick Brooks" position in Tony Dungy's defense, Washington was expected to have a breakout season. Matching last years numbers would be a nice start (isn't gonna happen). He's on pace for 82 tackles, two sacks (which is supposedly his strong suit) and two interceptions. *** DE Chad Bratzke: During preseason, there was talk about moving Bratzke all over line in order to maximize his sack havoc potential. Well, he may be moving along the line, but his numbers stink. He's on pace for his worst overall season in five years (52 tackles, six sacks). This Dungification that was supposedly going to choke the offense, while allowing the defense to roam free, seems to have thrown a blanket over every aspect of the Colts. It's unfortunate, as they have the players to make plays. Expectations were obviously much much higher. Jacksonville Jaguars Surprise *** DT John Henderson: Since taking over as a starter in week five, Henderson has posted 28 tackles and five sacks (five games). at this pace, that'd put him at 80 tackles and 13 sacks by seasons end. How's that for a rookie defensive tackle? Not bad, I'd say. *** DT Marcus Stroud: Henderson's linemate hasn't been bad either. In his second year, first as a starter, Stroud has already surpassed last years totals (across the board) and is on pace for 62 tackles, six sacks, six forced fumbles and eight passes defended. Very respectable. *** FS Marlon McCree: Now in his second year as the Jaguars starting free safety, McCree has pretty much matched last years stat line, and we're only half way through. It concerns me that both of his picks and all three of his passes defended came in an early game against the Chiefs, so we'll have to see if he can perform on a more consistant basis. Disappointment *** DE Tony Brackens: The writing was on the wall early with Brackens. His knee was not healthy, but there were some still high ranking him high based on past preformance. When he did play this year, he didn't offer much. Now on the IR, his final stat line reads 11 tackles, one sack, one pass defended. A far cry from his three year average of 50 tackles, 10 sacks and seven passes defended. *** LB T.J.Slaughter: This was supposed to be Slaughter's break out season, but, because of a "banned substance" suspension, he's played but three games. He could make a huge impact during the second half of the season, as the Jaguars really didn't find a suitable replacement, but the first half of '02 has been a wash. Tennessee Titans Surprise *** LB Keith Bullock: Bullock has certainly had the talent since being being a first round pick out of Syracuse ('00). In his first year as a starter, he's on pace for 130 (45 last year). His sacks and picks are down from last year, as he's yet to record either, but he seems to have a very bright future in Tennessee. *** FS Lance Schulters: Schulters looks to be having his best all around season. His pace of 102 tackles and two sacks would both set career highs, while his four interceptions would only be bettered by his six pick campaign of '99. *** DE Kevin Carter: After last years two sacks performance, it would've been hard for Carter not to rebound, somewhat. With 25 tackles and seven sacks, he's on pace for possibly his best all-around season and it makes you wonder "what if" had JeVon Kearse not been injured. Disappointment *** CB Samari Rolle: Rolle is on pace to set a career high in tackles (70), but that's not what he's known for. What we expect from Samari Rolle are interceptions and passes defended, and he's yet to offer much in either category (0 int, five pd). *** DE Carlos Hall: It's hard to expect much from a rookie seventh round pick, but if you were lucky enough to have started him during week one (0% a fantasy footballers worldwide), he had you very excited about his prospect this year filling in for JeVon Kearse. Since week one's seven tackle, three sack, one forced fumble and two passes defended performance, he's totalled 14 tackles, one sack and two passes defended (with a surgery of his own mixed in). *** DT Albert Haynesworth: While his college teammate John Henderson is lightin' it up, Haynesworth has been battling injuries and has yet to wrestle the starting tackle job from Henry Ford. With ten tackles (nothing else) on the season, hopefully you didn't expect much. AFC West Denver Broncos Surprise *** LB Al Wilson: Wilson has been impressive this year as he's on pace to set career highs in both tackles (118) and sacks (six). He's definitely stepped above the other two in Denver's "fabulous" linebacker trio (Ian Gold hasn't been bad either). *** DE Trevor Pryce: It looks like the decison to switch Pryce to defensive end was a pretty good one. After a subpar '01 in which he only recorded seven sacks, he has already matched that through eight games. Disappointment *** DE Kavika Pittman: Pittman has started all eight games across from Trevor Pryce and has done absolutely nothing. Kansas City Chiefs Surprise *** CB William Bartee: In his first year as a full time starter, Bartee has excelled, having already set a career high in tackles (49). He hasn't recorded a sack or pick, so it's yet to be seen how much he has to offer in that regard. *** SS Shaunard Harts: Harts exploded on the scene when Greg Wesley went down and started three games in his place, recording 29 tackles and two forced fumbles in those games. This rookie 7th round pick has shown that he has a nose for the ball and is now entrenched in the starting free safety spot, replacing veteran Jason Belser. *** LB Mike Maslowski: Another first year starter, Maslowski has had a very nice first half of the season. His current pace would total 118 tackles & 12 passes defended. *** DE Eric Hicks: After posting 14 sacks in '00, Hicks was a huge disappointment last year when he tallied just 3.5. He looks to be back on pace with five through the first half of this year. Disappointment *** DE Duane Clemons: Clemons is on pace for his worst season since '98, when he recorded just 25 tackles and 2.5 sacks. While Hicks has broken out of his funk, Clemons hasn't been so lucky. *** LB Marvcus Patton: Patton, a 12 year veteran, is now 35 years old and it looks like time may have caught up. His pace of 78 tackles would be his lowest total in nearly a decade. Oakland Raiders Surprise *** LB Eric Barton: Barton, a first year starter in his fourth season, has taken full advantage of the situation. He's on pace to lead the team in both tackles (116) and sacks (eight). *** LB Napoleon Harris: Harris, the rookie first round pick, is on pace for near 100 tackles (96) and has made the preseason release of Greg Biekert look like a wise move (stat wise, at least. They could certainly use his "Raiderness" right about now). *** LB Bill Romanowski: Romanowski is quietly having a nice season. He's on pace for 94 tackles, which would his highest total since '93 and the second highest total of his career. *** SS Derrick Gibson: Being a first year starter, it's to be considered a surprise. That's the case with Gibson. Last years first round pick in on pace for 94 tackles and should be a fixture in the Raiders defensive backfield for many years to come. Disappointment *** For a team that's been so bad lately, it's hard to find a defensive player that can be considered a disappointment. CB Charles Woodson doesn't get interceptions, but that's to be expected. Also expected, DE Trace Armstrong has been a wasted roster spot since signing before last season. Their problem is definitely between the ears and not in the boxscore. San Diego Chargers Surprise *** LB Donnie Edwards: Already a certified stud, it's hard to see Edwards as a surprise, but he deserves mention. He's on pace for possibly his best all-around season with 60 tackles, four interceptions and seven passes defended at the half way point. *** CB Alex Molden: In Molden's quest to hold off rookie Quentin Jammer he's recorded 46 tackles, which, at this pace, would easily best his career high of 68 and is very respectable for a cornerback. *** DE Raylee Johnson: While linemate Marcellus Wiley has missed a couple of games because of injuries, Johnson has been a steady force at defensive end. He's on pace to set career highs in both tackles (48) and sacks (11). Disappointment *** FS Rogers Beckett: Coming off of a 94 tackle season, Beckett was supposed to take the next step into stardom. It hasn't happened, as he's posted just 27 tackles so far. What happened here? Did Rodney Harrison's absense last year have that much of an influence on Beckett's production? *** LB Junior Seau: Seau has been battling injuries this year and is on pace for his lowest tackle numbers ever. His overall game has been fine and he'll certainly build on his tackle numbers if he's able to remain healthy through the second half. *** SS Rodney Harrison: Harrison deserves some slack because of the injuries, but his lack of tackles in the games that he has played has me a little concerned. In the six season before this year he's averaged 7.7 tackles per game. This year, in the five games that he's played, he's averaging 3.8. NFC East Dallas Cowboys Surprise *** LB Dexter Coakley: Now in his sixth year, Coakley has been solid. He's on pace to post career highs in both tackles (98) and passes defended (11). *** SS Roy Williams: He's on pace for 92 tackles and four sacks. Very impressive for this highly touted rookie. *** CB Derek Ross: Ross, a rookie third round pick, has been a very nice surprise. He's worked his way into the starting lineup and is on pace for 48 tackles, seven interceptions and 12 passes defended. Disappointment *** CB Bryant Westbrook: Not that much was expected from Westbrook, but he was horrible until losing his starting spot and being released. Mixed Emotions *** LB Kevin Hardy: Hardy is having a fine season and is on pace for 106 tackles, which would be his highest total since '98. The preseason talk was that, if healthy, Hardy would be unleashed on the quarterback with the possible goal of 10 sacks. He's been healthy, but he only has one sack so far. *** DE Greg Ellis: Through the first four games, Ellis was on pace for a career year (15 tackles, six sacks). His last four have been average, at best (16 tackles, 0 sacks). New York Giants Surprise *** LB Michael Barrow: Barrow gets listed because he'll more than likely come up short from matching last years outstanding numbers (135 tackles, six sacks). He's on pace for 114 tackles and one sack. Disappointment *** DE Michael Strahan: Coming off of a record setting sack performance, how could Strahan not disappoint? He's on pace to come up short across the board (tackles, sacks, forced fumbles). I was grasping here, as Strahan has recorded at least one sack in eight consecutive games. *** DT Cornelius Griffin: Griffin has shown flashes of becoming a star over the last two years, but has taken a turn for the worse in '02. Like Strahan, his numbers will all come up short. *** DE Kenny Holmes: Holmes had eight sacks in his last year with the Titans, '00. Since signing as a free-agent with the Giants, he's recorded 4.5 (23 starts), with only one coming this year. Philadelphia Eagles Surprise *** FS Brian Dawkins: Dawkins has stepped up his game and is officially an "elite" safety. He's on pace this year to match or set career highs in tackles (96), sacks (4) and interceptions (4). *** LB Shawn Barber: Having been injured during portions of the last two seasons, all that Barber had to do to impress was stay healthy. He's done just that. He's having his best all-around year (with the possible exception of '99). *** DT Darwin Walker: In his first season as a starter, Walker, in his second year, has been outstanding. He's on pace for 44 tackles and 11 sacks and recorded a sack in six consecutive games (streak broken last week). Disappointment *** CB Troy Vincent: Over the last couple of years, Vincent has been one of the few cornerbacks that could statistically hang with the safeties. That certainly isn't the case in '02 as his numbers are down across the board. His pace of 58 tackles and two interception would be his lowest total in each over the last five seasons. His pace of 10 passes defended would be his lowest total ever. *** MLBs LeVon Kirkland & Barry Gardner: Gardner opened the season as the starting middle linebacker but Kirkland has since taken over. Neither has filled the void left by Jeremiah Trotter (who's stunk in his own right). *** DT Corey Simon: Simon's problem is that he can't stay healthy. He's a warrior, playing hurt much of the time, but points aren't awarded for intent. He recorded 9.5 sacks during his rookie year and only 8.5 since (22 starts). Washington Redskins Surprise *** LB Jessie Armstead: Armstead, in his tenth season, has had a bit of a rebirth in Washington. He's on pace to post his second highest tackle total (126), along with four sacks. This coming off of a season in New York where it looked like his career was on a downslide. *** CB Champ Bailey: Bailey has been great this year and is on pace to set career highs in both tackles (68) and interceptions (6). Not a huge surprise, as he's been fairly consistant through his first three years, but an improvement nonetheless. *** CB Fred Smoot; Like Bailey, Smoot is on pace to set career highs across the board (64 tackles, six interceptions and 18 passes defended). Disappointment *** DE Renaldo Wynn: Wynn has started all eight games and is on pace to set a career high in tackles (48...40 last year). His lack of sacks (zero) is a big disappointment. *** SS Sam Shade: Shade used to be a big time playmaker, but he is toast. He provided nothing while starting and has been replaced by second year player Ifeanyi Ohalete. Mixed Emotions *** LB Jeremiah Trotter: Trotter, in his first season with the Redskins, is on pace to match his career high tackles (122). He's also on pace to not record either a sack or pick, which would be the first time since his rookie year (when he didn't play much). *** LB LaVar Arrington: His tackles are about the same as last year. Sacks up, interceptions down. With his current pace of 14 sacks, he's definitely had a better season this year than last, but how much better is left to be seen. He has been on fire over the last four games. If he keeps up that pace, he'll total 102 tackles and 17 sacks. Group smile. NFC North Chicago Bears Surprise *** LB Brian Urlacher: My only concern with Urlacher has been his lack of interceptions and passes defended. He had five picks and 13 passes defended combined in his first two seasons. That's dropped to zero and one this year. Otherwise, he's on pace to set a career high in tackles (166) and match last years sack total (six). Awesome, awesome player. *** SS Mike Green: This former Mr.Irrelevant and first year starter has been very impressive with 60 tackles through eight games. *** LB Rosevelt Colvin: Though he's been flat over the last three games (16 tackles, 0 sacks), he's still on pace to set career highs in both tackles(80) and sacks(14). Disappointment *** DEs Bryan Robinson & Phillip Daniels: Last year this defensive end tandem combined for 99 tackles and 13.5 sacks. This year, they've combined for 11 starts, 31 tackles and three sacks. *** CB R.W.McQuarters: Like the two above, injuries have eaten away at McQuarters effectiveness this year. He had a career year in '01, posting 79 tackles, three interceptions and 15 passes defended. He's only played in three games this year. Detroit Lions Surprise *** CBs Chris Cash & Todd Lyght: Cash, an undrafted rookie, and Lyght, an eleven year veteran, have near identical stats through eight games. Both are on pace for 100 tackles and 12 passes defended, but neither has recorded an interception. Disappointment *** DE James Hall: Last year in spot duty, Hall recorded four sacks. This year, after starting all eight games, he's recorded one. He's on pace to better his tackle numbers, but the lack of sacks has definitely been disappointing. *** DE Robert Procher: Who knows. We really shouldn't be surprised by his lack of production as he pulled the same thing two years ago. Disappointing nonetheless. He's capable of posting 50+ tackles and double digit sacks but seems inclined to give us much less. *** DT Shaun Rogers: He had an incredible rookie year, posting 81 tackles and three sacks. The injury concerns that caused him to fall in the draft seemed to be distant memories. Well, they are concerns once again, pretty much washing away the first half '02 (14 tackles in five starts). Green Bay Packers Surprise *** LB Nate Wayne: This year, Wayne has shown what he's capable of when healthy. He's on pace to set career highs in tackles (124), interceptions (4) and passes defended (12). He'll have a tough time matching last years total of five sacks, but his other numbers have more than made up for it. *** SS Marques Anderson: Anderson, a rookie third round pick, stepped in as a starter when Antuan Edwards was injured and hasn't given up the spot now that Edwards has returned. In his three starts, he's posted 30 tackles, a pick and three passes defended. Disappointment *** LB Hardy Nickerson: Nickerson, now in his 16th season, is nowhere near the player that he was in Tampa Bay and will almost assuredly fall short of the numbers that he posted in Jacksonville last year (117 tackles, three picks, nine passes defended). *** CB Tyrone Williams: After having a fantastic '01 season (89 tackles, four interceptions, 12 passes defended), Williams has fallen to earth. He's on pace for 78 tackles, no picks and six passes defended. *** DEs Vonnie Holliday & Joe Johnson: Holliday and Johnson, who combined for 136 tackles and 16 sacks last year, were supposed to dominate. Injuries have ended both of their seasons (Holliday may return in a month) and their final stat line will read 23 tackles, three sacks. Minnesota Vikings Surprise *** CB Corey Chavous: Chavous' tackle numbers have increased in each of his first four years, and he's on pace to do the same in '02. At this rate, he'll total 84 tackles and a career high four interceptions. *** DE Kenny Mixon: During the previous two seasons, Mixon has posted near identical numbers (44 tackles, 2-2.5 sacks). This year, the light has been turned on. He's on pace for 82 tackles and eight sacks, far exceeding career highs in both. *** DE Lance Johnstone: After two forgetable seasons, Johnstone has had a rebirth of sorts. He's on pace for a career high 62 tackles and 10 sacks. Disappointment *** SS Willie Offord: Expectations were too high for this rookie third round pick. He started off the year strong with six tackles and a pick during week one, but has since underperformed and lost his starting spot to Corey Chavous. NFC South Atlanta Falcons Surprise *** No surprises. Besides a few (Brooking & Kerney), they've been a sad bunch much as expected. Disappointment *** CB Ray Buchanon: Buchanon's disappointing season was brought on by a four game suspension. Over the last five years he's averaged 66 tackles, 5.4 interceptions and 18.8 passes defended. This year, he'll fall well short of those numbers, though he has played well during his four games. *** DE Brady Smith: Smith is on pace to match his career high in tackles (34), but this pace would also be his lowest sacks total in four years (two). They're lucky that Patrick Kerney has been strong this year bacause Smith and DT Travis Hall have offered nothing. Mixed Emotions *** LB Keith Brooking: We were unsure how Atlanta's switch to the 3-4 would affect Brooking, and halfway through the season, I'm still unsure. He's on pace for 130 tackles, which is awesome, but he has yet to record either a sack or interception after posting 3.5 and two last year, respectively. Carolina Panthers Surprise *** LB Dan Morgan: Many will consider Morgan a disappointment so far this year, but his numbers, when playing, have been nice. Unfortunately, he's out right now, and it's hard to project the remainder of the season, but he's on pace for 100 tackles, two sacks and four interceptions. *** CB Reggie Howard: In his third year (first as a starter), Howard has put together a decent first half. He's on pace for 66 tackles and four interceptions after posting 15 and one last year. *** DE Julius Peppers: As a rookie, we had high hopes but really didn't know what to expect from Peppers. He's put together an outstanding season with a pace of 52 tackles, 18 sacks, eight forced fumbles, two interceptions and eight passes defended. An impending four game suspension will certainly put a damper on Peppers' rookie season, but it's been outstanding nonetheless. *** DT Kris Jenkins: Jenkins seems to have clearly benefited from playing between Mike Rucker and Julius Peppers. In his second year, he's on pace for 48 tackles and 14 sacks. Disappointment *** LB Lester Towns: Hopefully you weren't relying on Towns for much this year. After starting at linebacker the last two years for the Panthers, he's been relegated to backup and doesn't see the field much. New Orleans Saints Surprise *** LB Darrin Smith: Smith has had big years years in the past, but he's come up huge in '02. He's on pace to set career highs in tackles (116), sacks (six) and passes defended (10). Throw in two picks and he's been a fantasy star this year. *** CB Ken Irvin: In his first year starting for the Saints, Irvin has put together a nice first half. He's on pace to set career highs in both tackles (70) and passes defended (20), while matching his career high in interceptions (two). Disappointment *** LB Charlie Clemons: Clemons set the world on fire last year with 93 tackles and 13.5 sacks. The only stat that he'll match or exceed this year is passes defended, falling short in tackles, sacks and interceptions. Mixed Emotions *** LB Sedrick Hodge: I wanted to put Hodge in the disappointment category, because I expected much more. In his first year as a starter he's been decent, I guess, on pace for 82 tackles (no sacks, no picks). Tampa Bay Buccaneers Surprise *** LB Shelton Quarles: Quarles has started 43 games over the last three seasons and totaled 129 tackles. This year, he's started all nine games and is on pace to not only record 116 tackles, but to also set or match career highs in sacks (two), interceptions (two) and passes defended (six). *** LB Derrick Brooks: By just looking at tackles, you may view Brooks' season as quite a disappointment. He's set to record his lowest total (103) since '95, his rookie year. BUT, he's aleady got four interceptions and three touchdowns. Remarkable numbers for a linebacker. *** CB Brian Kelly: Starting in place of the departed Donnie Abraham, Brian Kelly has been big. He's on pace for 78 tackles, two sacks, five interceptions and 21 passes defended, all career highs. *** DLs Warren Sapp & Simeon Rice: They are both having awesome years and putting up impressive numbers, but they haven't really been surprises considering that they've been there before (just not consistantly). Disappointment *** FS Dexter Jackson: Expectations were high for Jackson this year, hoping that he would build on last years fine season, but he hasn't made the plays. He's on pace for more tackles (76-65), but his sacks and interceptions will both fall short. NFC West Arizona Cardinals Surprise *** CB David Barrett: As a second year corner (first year starter), Barrett has been huge. You would assume that he's benefited from playing alongside Duane Starks, who teams may shy away from, from Starks has only played five games. I guess you should assume that Barrett is just good. He's on pace for 103 tackles, four interceptions and 14 passes defended. *** SS Adrian Wilson: Coming into the year, we knew that Wilson had talent, but no one could have imagined the season that he's having. In his second year (first as a starter), he's on pace for 98 tackles, two sacks and five interceptions. Borderline "elite" numbers. Pat Tillman who? Oh yeah, and he seperated his shoulder in preseason, causing him to miss the first game of the year. Disappointment *** FS Kwamie Lassiter: I hate to say I told you so, but...Kwamie Lassiter doesn't perform consistantly on a year to year basis. That's been the story of his career, and unfortunately, he's sticking to it this year (and stickin' it to his owners as well). After posting career highs last year in tackles (11), interceptions (nine) and passes defended (15), he's on pace for only 80, 2 and 11, respectively. He has had his best two tackle games of the year during the last two games (10 & 8), so he may make me eat my words. We can only hope. *** LB Ronald McKinnon: Over the last three years, McKinnon has risen to stud status, averaging 148 tackles, two sacks, a pick and four passes defended. He's fallen to the ranks this year with a pace that'll leave him at 114 tackles with no sacks or interceptions. His worst year since his rookie season in '96. *** DE Kyle Vanden Bosch: A healthy Vanden Bosch was supposed to help revive the Cardinal's pass rush. He's been healthy (somewhat), but we've yet to see any sort of revival. He's on pace to lead the team with four sacks. He's also on pace for 57 tackles, so it's not all bad. San Francisco 49ers Surprise *** LB Julian Peterson: Peterson has finally remained healthy (for half a season at least) and has shown what he's capable of. We knew that he could get to quarterback, but his tackle numbers have been a very nice surprise. He's on pace to nearly double his career high in tackles (52) with 91, and match his highs in both sacks (four) and interceptions (two). *** DE Andre Carter: Now we know what the 'Niners saw when they selected Carter seventh overall in the '01 draft. After recording 6.5 sacks during his rookie year, he has blossomed, on pace for 57 tackles and 14 sacks, including a sack in each of the last five games. Disappointment *** CB Ahmed Plummer: I feel like I'm a bit too hard on Plummer at times, but that's because I had such high expectations for him. He's on pace to match his tackle numbers from the last two years, but his interceptions and passes defended totals from a year ago (seven and 18) are far out of reach. He's on pace for two interceptions and 12 passes defended. His sidekick, Jason Webster, has posted a lot of tackles this year, but I don't see it as a case where teams are throwing away from Plummer. He just hasn't taken the step that we had all thought (hoped) he would. *** DT Bryant Young: Young, after posting subpar numbers last year, he has gotten worse. He's on pace for the least productive season of his career with only 34 tackles and two sacks. He's only 30 years old, but it looks like the injuries and "dings" have taken their toll. Seattle Seahawks Surprise *** LB Isaiah Kacyvenski: Who knew? The Seahawks obviously did when they made the decision to let LeVon Kirkland go. After starting zero games and recording but 24 tackles during his first two seasons, IK has flourished as a starter and is(was) on pace for 128 tackles and two interceptions. Don't expect much from him as a pass rusher, since he's without a career sack, and don't expect much from him at all since he's out for a while with a high ankle sprain. *** LB Marcus Bell: Like Kacyvenski, Bell has produced well since given the opportunity to start. After starting zero games and recording but 25 tackles during his first two seasons, Bell, replacing the injured Anthony Simmons, is on pace for 117 tackles and two sacks. With Chad Brown's recent injury, Bell shouldn't be in trouble of losing playing time down the stretch. Disappointment *** DE Lamar King: Like Kyle Vanden Bosch for the Cardinals, King was supposed to be healthy and ready to bust out this year. Well, at least he's been healthy. He's on pace for 32 tackles and no sacks. The entire Seahawk defensive line deserves mention as disappointments, as they've provided no pass rush this year (and we all know how bad their rush defense is). The four starting linemen have combined for 89 tackles and four sacks through nine games. The most productive lineman, rookie fifth round pick Rocky Bernard (29 tackles, four sacks), has only started two games. Mixed Emotions *** FS Marcus Robertson: Robertson is on pace for 92 tackles, which would be the second highest total of his career (111 in '94). After last years 63 tackle performance, he should be considered a nice surprise, right? Probably, but he's offered nothing else to the boxscore (zero sacks, zero int) and in that regard, he's been a disappointment. St.Louis Rams Surprise *** SS Adam Archuleta: Expectations were high for Archuleta so it's not really a surprise that he's performed so well. He posted decent numbers as a rookie (56 tackles and three sacks in 12 starts), but he's on pace to blow that away with 112 tackles, along with three more sacks and two interceptions. With the success of Archuleta and Brian Urlacher over the last couple of years, I look forward to seeing more "transition" players coming into the league. *** DT Ryan Pickett: One of last years three first round picks, and in his first year as a starter, Pickett has been a pleasant surprise. He hasn't offered much in the pass rush with only 0.5 sacks on the season, but he is on pace for 60 tackles, an impressive number for a defensive tackle. Disappointment *** LB Tommy Polley: The teams that are playing the so-called "Tampa Bay" defense are forgetting one thing...the players. As with Marcus Washington in Indianapolis, Tommy Polley is nowhere close to being the player that Derrick Brooks is. Our expectations were obviously too high here, as Polley is on pace for 68 tackles (zero sacks, zero int), but the preseason hype was too much to overlook. He's only started seven games, and even some of those he's played hurt, so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt, although that does nothing for us fantasy wise. *** LB Jamie Duncan: Did I mention the "Tampa Bay" defense? Forget about it. Duncan has stunk this year and has produced nowhere near the level that we had expected. He's on pace for his least productive season in three years with 59 tackles (zero sacks, zero int). London Fletcher anyone? *** DE Grant Wistrom: Wistrom has been one of the bigger disappointments of the year. After posting two highly productive years in which he averaged 59 tackles and ten sacks, he's on pace for only 44 and four. Wistrom reminded us this past Monday night why we have such high expectations for him (two sacks). Hopefully he can build on that performance and turn his season around.