But I can’t overlook Deuce’s turnaround. Only 4 penalties vs last year’s almost one a game. Wow. Truely amazing. I was personally calling for his head. Don’t forget about Timmy’s 2.8 to 4.2 ypc either.

CC way exceeded my expectations for replacing Antonio Smith. Not only did he get pressure on opposing quarterbacks but he also used his 6’8 frame to knock down passes and field goals. What’s scary is that he is just going to get better.

I’m sorry but I don’t agree with Calais being the most improved player. He had a terrific season worthy of all the praise. However, we don’t really know that he wouldn’t have had a great season last year because he didn’t get the opportunities to really make an impact. As a rookie, he spent most of the year on the bench learning. It’s the same as saying Haggans is the most improved because his stats were so much better one year after he is on injured reserve. Of course his stats will be better, he played! Calais was an impact player this year and he did a terrific job. However, there’s no telling how much he’s really improved over last year because, as it was pointed out, he was a special teams player mostly.

The only two I really see as a realistic IMPROVED player, as it should be, would be either Lutui or Branch. Between those, it’s hard for me to pick Lutui because his position is situational. What I mean by that is that his stats are determined by the actions of others. If Kurt holds onto the football too long, Lutui may get charged with a sack. However, if Deuce misses block after block after block, but Kurt still manages to see the blitz and gets the ball out in time, it will never show up on the stat sheet as a sack or a missed block. So, Deuce can thank Kurt’s quick decision making, in that instance, for improved stats. I’m not saying that is entirely the case, but he was in no way dominating this year. His lack of penalties was great and I can’t take that away from him. That is definitely improvement.

Branch, on the other hand, is quite certainly in charge of his own stats. Defensive penalties, tackles, sacks, etc. It is all determined by his play and that play was much more inspired than last year. His stats were much better. He became an assett on the field more times than a liability. That was a big turnaround! He also received playing time so, unlike Calais, we can see the obvious improvement.

Just my opinion. :)

I love what Calais, did and he will hopefully keep improving, same for Lutui, not only did he protected Warner, he opened good holes for the running game… but the biggest surprise for me is Branch, many fans expected him to be released after training camp, and ware already talking about Branch being a bust, so from what I saw his first two seasons to this season it has to be a big improvement, and he looked terrific against the run, remember that we were the number one running defense for some weeks… either way both Calais and Branch are great choices, I can only hope they keep improving along with Gabe Watson and Keny Iwebema to form a great defensive line… GO CARDS

But if Hightower was on here I would have thought about going with him.

Definately stepped up on defense with the loss of Antonio Smith.

Simply because I saw CC’s potential last season, whereas Branch had shown absolutely nothing, before actually contributing successfully this season. I had pegged him for being cut.

I would also +1 Doucet. The way he played at the end of the season opened my eyes, I am really excited to watch him next season

I also agree that Doucet deserves a mention, but probably not a nomination. His end-of-season play has many of us thinking it’s finally time to move Q, which says something.

What about Ware for a mention? Didn’t do a lot on paper (aside from his first career interception — regular season, at least, not sure about the play-offs) but he finally got noticed for his play and his absence was noticeable…