NFList

Hearst top surprise; DEs Rice, Carter biggest disappointments

By Joel Buchsbaum, Contributing editor
Nov. 16, 2001

49ers RB Garrison Hearst

At midseason, we asked NFL insiders which players they considered to be the biggest surprises and biggest disappointments this year.

Biggest surprises

1. RB Garrison Hearst / 49ers — Had almost no chance to come back but now is not only back but playing well.

2. QB Tom Brady / Patriots — Over his first six games he has played better than Drew Bledsoe ever had and looked like a taller Brian Griese.

3. DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila / Packers — Has gone from an afterthought to a top pass rusher and impact player in one year.

4. CB R.W. McQuarters / Bears — Was written off as a first-round bust years ago but now is playing like a first-round pick.

5. WR David Patten / Patriots — A free agent nobody else wanted has turned into a solid player and big-play maker.

Biggest disappointments

1. DE Simeon Rice / Buccaneers and DE Kevin Carter / Titans (tie) — Both were picked up to be top pass rushers but instead have not provided much in that area.

3. WR Terry Glenn / Patriots — More excuses, suspensions and hamstrings than catches.

4. DT Darrell Russell / Raiders — Lots of hype, not much production.

5. RB Eddie George / Titans — It’s not his fault because he is hurt, but he is not producing.

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2001 - 2002 Season