The NFL regular season is officially over and its time to point of the highlights that shined for the nations capitol aside from the beloved home team, Washington Redskins.
Cameron Wake(MIA)- Wake the former Stag has been one of the impressive stories of the season recording 14 sacks and making his first pro bowl in his second NFL season at age 28. He has came a long way to get to this point and so far has proven that he belongs in the league. He was a sack and a half away from taking the sack title this year
Joe Haden(CLE) -6 INT’s came for the youngster out of Fort Washington, MD who many believe is still Learning the position at CB. He was known from area fans as an athletic QB but after making a transition at Florida to CB he has embraced his new position and from the looks of things, mastered it.
Haden didn’t start until halfway through the season when defensive coordinator Rob Ryan had noticed his steady improvement. And in no way did Joe disappoint finishing second among rookies and tied for third in the league with 6 INT’s. He also had 24 Pass deflections, and 1 sack. Great rookie year for the Friendly Patriot.
E.J Henderson(MIN)- Another year, another impact E.J the Terp has been to his Vikings defense finishing the season with 106 tackles, and career best 3 INT’s (one on Romo). This doesn’t come as surprise because at this point his 8th season we have come to expect years like this from E.J. He has continued to do a great job being an elite LB in this league.
Only time will tell when baby bro Erin who watches on the sidelines gets in and starts to make his force known. (Erin Henderson finished the season with 7 tackles)
Arrelious Benn(TB)- The Dunbar HS school recruit finished up his rookie season with 25 rec, 395 yds and 2 TD’s. While this may not seem like much it he worked hard for each stat you see on the line. Benn had been relatively quiet until about midway through the season because I believe the coach just had too many rookies on one team that started and EVERYBODY was being evaluated.
By the time mid-November hit we saw Benn lining up at the slot showing his athleticism. We should look to see a lot more from the D.C product in years to come. The Bucs are a team with a bunch of young guys who are all competing to against each other and for respect by the league.
If Benn wants to stay in this league, this is a perfect opportunity to show what you’ve got.
Isaac Redman(PIT)- He’s not starter, he’s not a third down back….but he is an impact. The Bowie State Bulldog who was quietly signed as an undrafted free agent in April has done a great job fitting in the Steelers offense. He finished the season with 52 car, 247 yds, 2 rec TD’s. Their is still more to be seen from the rookie who I’m sure is going to see action in playoffs coming up in a few weeks after his team’s bye. Look out for him if you haven’t yet.
Kyle Arrington(NE)- Coach Belichick has put his faith in 2 young CB’s this year to man his defense and shut starting wide’s down and so far it’s paid off quite well. While one(McCourty) lead all rookies in INT’s, the other Arrington the Southern Maryland product contributed as well finishing with 71 tackles, 1 INT, 5 Pass Def on the season.
One of his most memorable plays came against Green Bay a few weeks ago taking Aaron Rodgers pick to the house winning his team the game. Though that was his only INT of the season, I’m sure it gave him confidence to go into the post season and try to increase that number.
Vernon Davis(SF)- With all that’s been going on in San Fran Vernon still managed to have a decent season finishing up with 56 rec, 914 yds, 7 TD’s. While his catches and TD’s went down from a year ago he still managed to do something with the ball when he caught it. Vernon is an elite Tight End in this league he just needs a consistent QB outside of Troy Smith and Alex Smith to get him the rock.
Other Notables:
Vontae Davis(MIA)- 54 tackles, 1 INT
Madieu Williams(MIN)- 75 tackles, 1 INT
Darnell Dockett(AZ)- 52 tackles, 5 sacks
Moise Fokou(PHI)- 51 tackles, 1 sack
Visanthe Shiancoe(MIN)- 47 rec, 530 yds, 2 TD’s
Josh Wilson(BAL)- 40 tackles, 3 INT’s
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