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by Digger

From underdogs to favorites, each NFL season is full of surprises. 2008 is no different. Here's a look at a few players and coaches surpassing expectations... a few big time busts.

Thumbs up!

Matt Ryan (QB/Atlanta): Ryan has helped resurrect an Atlanta franchise in post Vick era. Ryan has been sharp and playing near mistake free football. Atlanta is challenging for a playoff birth. Ryan is a top Rookie of the Year candidate.

Kurt Warner (QB/Arizona): There was a great deal of controversy when Warner was tabbed Cardinals starting QB for '08 over Matt Leinart. Warner responded by playing great football. Five 300 yard games heading into today's action vs lowly Seattle. Arizona is running away with NFC West division. All systems go for Arizona. Warner has been leading the way as an NFL MVP candidate.

Michael Turner (RB/Atlanta): This is Turner's first season as a starting NFL tailback. He's helped lead Atlanta to first place. In his first game as a Falcon, Turner exploded for 220 yards. He's now challenging for the NFL rushing title.

Greg Camarillo (WR/Miami): Camarillo was undrafted by NFL teams before landing in Miami. This 2nd year player has been a favorite target of QB Pennington. Camarillo's numbers aren't screaming for attention (only 1 TD & 100 yd game). Yet, his steady play has been moving chains all season while taking aim at 1000 receiving yards.

Steve Breaston (WR/Arizona): Breaston has given QB Warner another big time threat in Arizona's passing game. Cards WR corps (Bolden, Fitzgerald, Breaston) create headaches for defensive coordinators. He's been a big part of Cards success in '08.

Jeff Fisher (HC/Tennessee): Fisher has always been known as a top notch coach. This season, his Titans haven't lost a game. His opening day starting QB (Vince Young) had a mental implosion. Fisher and staff responded by changing up Titans plan... it's worked to perfection.

Mike Smith (HC/Atlanta): First year Falcons coach deserves tremendous credit for bringing cohesiveness to the Falcons. He's kept Atlanta's young players focused and determined. They've responded by challenging for the playoffs. If he can keep it together for the stretch run, Smith will be a serious Head Coach of the Year candidate.

Tony Sparano (HC/Miami): Sparano has been a miracle worker for a Miami team which was lucky to win one game in 2007 (1-15). He installed the "WildCat" offense which has completely confused opposing defenses. Suddenly, this has become Miami's first exciting Dolphins team since the Shula years. Don't look now, but the Dolphins are challenging to win the AFC East.

Thumbs Down!

Tavaris Jackson (QB/Minnesota): Tavaris was to the Vikings QB of the future. His future ended after 2 poor early season performances. He never seemed to grasp Minnesota's game plan and never became a leader on the field. The Vikings started winning immediately after his benching. NFL career now in limbo.

Chad Johnson (WR/Cincinnati): Chad Johnson or Chad Javon Ocho Cinco (his legally changed name)... take your pick. Both loudmouths have stunk it up for Cincy in '08. Johnson's mouth landed him in the Bengals dog house last year. During the offseason his mouth kept sputtering. Singled out his head coach.. singled out his QB... singled out team ownership... this guy was a walking-talking train wreck before the season kicked off. Well, this not so super star has been abysmal. Dropping passes, giving up on routes, lack of leadership and Cincinnati's fall into neverland rank CJ high among NFL busts.

Wade Phillips (HC/Dallas): What more could an NFL Head Coach want? Super star filled offense, young energetic defense, good special teams and an owner dedicated to winning. Problem is, some of Dallas' superstars are head cases which can't get past mini-dramas and injuries. Phillips problems began at the end of 2007 regular season. They've continued into '08 and now threaten Dallas shot at playoffs. Phillips has not handled team distractions well. Poor game planning hasn't helped either. He'll be gone if Dallas gets eliminated.

Norv Turner (HC/SD): Turner inherited a 14-2 team and quickly transformed them into losers. This is one of the NFL's most talented teams on offense and defense. Turner would rather try winning with passing instead of relying on team strength.. RB LaDainian Tomlinson behind a talented offensive line. Turner has a history of wrecking strong teams.

Marvin Lewis (HC/Cincinnati): Lewis had initial success after talking the helm in Cincy. However, the past two seasons have been disasterous to the point of losing control over players. Lewis had a few public run-ins with key players QB Palmer, WR Chad Johnson, RB Rudi Johnson and they haven't been the same since. His lack of authority over personnel decisions doesn't help either. Cincy's front office is one of NFL's worst. Bad timing as this team was once on the rise. Lewis needs to go.