Looking at this patriots team their are a lot of players who have impressed unexpectedly. Take a look
Impressed
Alfonzo Dennard --- Dennard has essentially been another number one corner playing the number two wide receiver. He has shown excellent ball skills swatting down many passes and only lets up passes that thread the needle. Has been especially important because Arrington can't play outside.
Chris Jones --- I don't think anyone this year would have expected the fourth DT to make some impressive plays but Jones has been effective. He may not be the best run stopper but he is a very good penetrating DT and who can forget that great sack where he literally barrel rolled to the qb
Devin Mccourty --- I have been a huge fan of McCourty since he has been on the team but for some reason he lost his ability to turn around at corner. So naturally safety would make it easier on Mccourty but I certainly didn't think he would have such a great season. He has been terrific covering the deep portion of the field and over the top coverage on wide outs. And to my surprise he has been a great tackler this year.
Don't'a Hightower ---- many people will cite his poor performance in the game directly after Mayo went down. But he has cleaned up a lot of his coverage and covers the flats really well. He also has absorbed most of the tackles that mayo would normally make.
Aaron Dobson --- I love the kid. And the fact that he has had a lot of drops is a rough start. But not many people realize welker dropped many passes as well. Nonetheless Dobson has shown great improvement and consistently gets open. Highlighted by him torching Ike Taylor for 81 yards.
Steve Gregory --- Last season I refered to him as the punter because he had high socks and always was trailing the play. But this season with Mccourty emerging Gregory has been able to step up and play the robber role as a safety. Effectively containing the middle of the field and delivering some pop on receivers over the middle to break up plays.
Stephen Gostkowski ---- after looking very bad last year at times and having questions of confidence he has been nearly perfect. Can't ask for better then that out of your kicker.
Nate solder --- The offensive line has been a large criticism this year but Solder has been solid particularly in the run game. Plays run to the left have many times ended with huge holes and chunk yardage.
