Disappointment: DE Kony Ealy has one sack after getting three in the Super Bowl in February.
SAN FRANCISCO
ATLANTA
WASHINGTON
Disappointment: RB Devonta Freeman, last season's breakout dual-threat star, has only one game with 100 yards rushing and only one with at least 50 yards receiving as Tevin Coleman has taken some of the workload.
Surprise: WR Jeremy Kerley, picked up in a trade from Detroit just before the start of the season, leads the team as a pass catcher.
Yep, we're looking at you, Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals. Last January, you played for a spot in the Super Bowl. Right now, you're hanging with the mediocrities (or worse) of the NFL.
It's not difficult to pinpoint the teams that have unexpectedly prospered or just as stunningly plummeted halfway through the 2016 season.
Disappointment: K Roberto Aguayo, for whom the Bucs traded up in the second round, saying he was the best kicker in college football history. He's been inconsistent at best.
Surprise: OLB Trent Murphy looked likely to be a backup DE, but Junior Galette tore his Achilles tendon. Murphy molded himself into a pass-rushing LB and he's been terrific.
NEW ORLEANS
Disappointment: WR Kevin White, who missed his 2015 rookie season with a left leg injury and is back on injured reserve with another leg problem.
Disappointment: WR Michael Floyd has struggled mightily in his contract year and fallen behind J.J. Nelson as the No,NFL Jerseys Wholesale. 2 receiver.
Surprise: LB Nick Perry in his fifth season is finally living up to being a 2012 first-rounder. Slowed by various injuries, he came into the 2016 season healthy, and it's paying off.
DALLAS
Surprise: CB Marcus Cooper. Having all kinds of problems at the cornerback spot opposite Patrick Peterson, they traded for Cooper, who intercepted two passes in his first start, returning one for a touchdown.
Surprise: QB Dak Prescott, no questions asked. The Cowboys could have been looking at a repeat of 2015 without Tony Romo, but the fourth-round pick stepped in and they are 7-1.
Disappointment: The entire offense, which has added WRs Victor Cruz, back from injury,Off White Nike Vapormax 2018, and rookie Sterling Shepard. It was one of the best in the league last season.
Surprise: TE Greg Olsen has always been productive, but the 10-year veteran is in the midst of his best season with 45 receptions for 673 yards through eight games.
Surprise: S Landon Collins, the second-round draft pick in 2015, has been the best player on the team after struggling as a rookie.
CAROLINA
Surprise: Rookie Carson Wentz was elevated from No. 3 QB to starter eight days before the season opener after only playing part of the first preseason game. He led the Eagles to a 3-0 record,Cheap Jerseys From China, and he's played well despite four losses in five games since.
Disappointment: RB Mark Ingram had no 100-yard games thru seven weeks, but produced a 158-yard outing Sunday. Still, he has been turnover prone and not the factor New Orleans expects.
Nor is it hard to spot the surprisingly successful teams putting themselves in the championship mix, from the Dallas Cowboys to the Oakland Raiders.
MINNESOTA
Surprise: WR Cordarrelle Patterson was relegated to a kickoff return role for the past two years. He's improved enough as a receiver to factor in as a complementary pass catcher, also excels as the outside coverage man on the punt team.
DETROIT
Surprise: RB Jacquizz Rodgers, who had career-best performances filling in for injured Doug Martin until Rodgers himself got hurt.
Disappointment: LG Alex Boone, although the entire offensive line ought to qualify for this dishonor. Boone was the big-money addition to a group that needed a boost, but the Vikings have been struggling badly up front.
CHICAGO
But what about the individuals who are rising or flopping? The Associated Press sports writers who cover the 16 NFC teams suggest the following.
SEATTLE
Surprise: QB Matthew Stafford, playing without star WR Calvin Johnson for the first time, has the highest passer rating in his eight-year career.
Disappointment: Owner Jerry Jones taking so long to set aside his allegiance to Romo and accept Prescott as the starting QB.
ARIZONA
Surprise: C Justin Britt started his career as a right tackle, moved to left guard and this season took over at center.
Surprise: WR Kenny Britt, has resurrected his career after problems on and off the field, and has become a downfield threat.
Disappointment: DE