Every NFL season is a book of answers. These answers come from the many questions fans, critics, and experts around the globe ask before the first kickoff:

Will the Super Bowl champs repeat?
How will the new rules affect the game?
Is Brett Favre coming back again?

Players will always deal with the media questioning their ability, but it’s their job to prove everyone wrong and lead their team to glory.

In this edition of The Hot Corner, I’ll break down five players who proved their critics wrong, as well as five who caved under the pressure.

(5) Failed to prove anything: DeSean Jackson WR (Eagles)

The dream team was indeed dreaming in 2011 and most the Eagles stars could’ve made this list. To me though, Jackson stands out like sore thumb. Jackson entered 2011 with one thing on his mind, money. DeSean is a free agent this offseason and many believe the Eagles weren’t going to resign him because of his high asking price. Many other teams would’ve locked him up in a heartbeat, well, at least until the first kickoff.

After two straight 1,000 yard seasons, Jackson barely reached 900 this year with only four trips to the endzone for scores. On special teams, Jackson failed to run back a kick the entire season for the first time in his career. But what really makes him a disappointment was his attitude. At times, it seemed like Jackson didn’t care what happened to the Eagles, it was all about him. He was even suspended one game for missing a team meeting, and his excuse was oversleeping. If we don’t accept that at Kings High School, what makes you think the real world will allow it?

The media were wondering how big Jackson’s payday should be this offseason when he signs a new deal.  Right now, things aren’t looking too promising for the Jackson family.

(5) Silenced his critics: Matthew Stafford QB (Lions)

The Lions were a hot topic this offseason as many experts predicted them to take the next step in restoring the roar. After a while though, critics began to sound like a broken record. “If Matthew Stafford can stay healthy, then the Lions will make the playoffs.” Shoulder injuries limited Stafford to 13 games combined in his first two seasons, but that wasn’t his fault. An aging offensive line provided no protection for him, allowing monster defensive ends like Julius Peppers to have a field day with Stafford.

Stafford played all 16 games this season and led the Lions to the playoffs, putting an end to “if he can stay healthy”. As a matter of fact, Stafford was one of three quarterbacks to pass for 5,000 yards this season, putting him right up there with the NFL’s elite.

The media questioned Stafford’s ability to avoid injury and he played a full season to show he isn’t some china doll.

(4) Failed to prove anything: Peyton Hillis RB (Browns)

Madden curse, anyone? Peyton Hillis got a second chance to prove himself in the NFL when he went to the Cleveland Browns. In 2010, Hillis became the centerpiece for an otherwise below-average Browns offense. Many running backs have emerged as potential elite players over the years, only to fall off the face of the earth.

2011 was a contract year for Peyton Hillis, but the Browns front office wasn’t sure if he was an established pro bowler, or another one-hit wonder. Hillis suffered a hamstring injury in week three that put him on the shelf for several weeks to come. The contract extension became less and less likely after each game he watched from the sidelines, and with three weeks until Super Bowl 46, Hillis is about to find himself without a job.

The media didn’t believe Hillis had proven himself worthy of a big time contract, and although he should easily find a new home this offseason, Hillis won’t be bringing home the big bucks when payday rolls around.

(4) Silenced his critics: Reggie Bush RB (Dolphins)

The former Heisman Trophy winner and USC alumnus was traded to Miami this offseason after being replaced by Darren Sproles. In my opinion, Bush was one of the most overrated players in the NFL going into this season. He has failed to impress me throughout his entire career and really doesn’t have the numbers to justify his publicity.

Miami’s mid-season spark was ignited by good overall play by the offense. Quarterback Matt Moore, who had done nothing previously in Carolina, shined in the 305 this season. But the veteran presence of Reggie Bush is what really things got rolling in South Beach. Bush had several 100 yard games this season, including one for over 200 yards. If Bush can repeat these performances in 2012, Miami could cause some trouble for AFC foes next year.

The media wondered if Reggie Bush could redeem himself in Miami, and he did just so while also working with rookie Daniel Thomas.

(3) Failed to prove anything: Kevin Kolb QB (Cardinals)

Kevin Kolb’s status for 2012 is anything but certain at this point. In a deal that sent Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie, Arizona’s top flight corner, the Cardinals acquired a man who they hoped could fill the role of a franchise quarterback, something they haven’t had since Kurt Warner led them to the Super Bowl three years ago.

The previous year, Philadelphia tested Kolb out on under center. When he was hurt in the first quarter of the first game, along came Michael Vick, who re-established himself as a franchise quarterback. When Kolb suffered numerous injuries again in 2011, John Skelton took over and showed potential. If Skelton can be more patient in the pocket and the Cardinals can get him some help on the line, this guy could be the solution to the team’s quarterback woes.

The media wondered if Kolb would take advantage of his second chance, and after another disappointing season, he’s back to warming benches.

(3) Silenced his critics: Cam Newton QB (Panthers)

Auburn’s BCS Championship run in 2010-2011 was phenomenal, consisting of a very solid team on both sides of the ball. Cam Newton, pictured above at Auburn, led this charge, and like many great college quarterbacks, marched down the field by throwing the ball or scrambling himself. The real question was can Cam Newton be a good NFL quarterback?

Many were skeptical of Newton’s NFL ability because in the NFL, you don’t see very many quarterbacks scrambling for first downs, a big part of Newton’s game. The Panthers selected Newton number one overall in the 2011 draft and aren’t looking back. The Auburn product broke nearly every rookie record, including Dan Marino’s passing touchdowns mark set back in his rookie season.

The media didn’t believe Newton was fit for the NFL, but this 6’5” wonder shocked the world and went on to set the tone for what could be a Hall of Fame NFL career.

(2) Failed to prove anything: Dez Bryant WR (Cowboys)

Whenever anything goes wrong with “America’s Team”, Tony Romo always seems to be at fault. Sure, Romo has cracked under the pressure several times, but it’s not all his fault. The guy I have a problem with is Dez Bryant. The second year receiver out of Oklahoma State seems to have problems on the field and off. In one of his first days as a Dallas Cowboy, he refused to carry veteran Roy Williams’ pads, something all rookies usually do to show respect.

Bryant’s numbers improved dramatically in his sophomore year, but his ego is still one of the biggest in the NFL. Aside from his off field issues are the injuries. He has yet to play a full 16-game season and his name has been on the injury report so many times, they might as well engrave it.

The media wondered if Dez Bryant, Tony Romo, and the rest of the Cowboys could finally put things together this year and make a run in January. However, once again, Dallas will be watching the playoffs from the comfort of their couches.

(2) Silenced his critics: Calvin Johnson WR (Lions)

A more appropriate title would be “silenced his critic” as only one man has had the guts to speak badly of the man they call “Megatron” in Detroit. Former Vikings receiver and ESPN football analyst Cris Carter appeared on a segment this summer during the lockout, discussing who he thinks are the top five receivers in the NFL. Calvin Johnson didn’t make this list, to most people’s surprise. Carter explained that Johnson had yet to play a full season in the NFL and he wasn’t using all of his ability.

Johnson’s actions would speak louder than his words. In his first five games of the regular season, Johnson caught nine touchdown passes, leading the Lions to a 5-0 start. Some of his catches were jaw dropping, including one against Dallas where three guys were covering him (as seen below). A sports science segment that aired on Monday Night Football in week five calculated Calvin Johnson could cover 4,009 cubic feet, the equivalent of a two car garage (which includes the attic).

Cris Carter didn’t believe we’d seen enough of Megatron to call him an elite receiver, but after this season, I doubt anyone would argue against Johnson.

(1) Failed to prove anything: Chris Johnson RB (Titans)

Contracts have been a big theme in this article, and what a way to cap off the disappointment list than with a contract that has some people in the Titans front office pulling their hair out. Chris Johnson rushed for over 2000 yards in his second year back in 2009 and had yet another solid season the year after. Like Jackson, Johnson didn’t show up to camp for the first two weeks in search of a new contract, which eventually got to make him the highest paid back in the league.

Tennessee couldn’t get any help from Denver and barely missed the playoffs this year as Cincinnati clinched the final wild card spot. However, the Titans wouldn’t have been in that position if it wasn’t for the lack of production out of Chris Johnson. Matt Hasselbeck deeply improved the pass attack and picked up some of the slack on the ground, but Johnson seemed like a different man this season. He only rushed for four touchdowns and was held under 65 yards rushing in 12 of 16 games (the other four were 100+).

The media wondered if Johnson would live up to his paycheck this season and he clearly fell below the line of expectations. Has the money gotten to his head? Maybe. But there’s a chance this could’ve been a fluke season. Look for Johnson to rebound in 2012.

(1) Silenced his critics: Tim Tebow QB (Broncos)

A new era has dawned on the NFL. Set your clocks, because we’re switching from Deion Sanders “prime time” to Tim Tebow “Tebow Time”. The Broncos 1-4 start this season had many people counting them out early. Von Miller, the rookie linebacker and number two pick in the draft, helped Denver’s defense become one of the NFL’s best.
Meanwhile, Kyle Orton could no longer move the ball down the field, and at the trade deadline, the Broncos dealt their top receiver Brandon Lloyd to St. Louis. John Fox pulled the plug on Orton and finally gave Tim Tebow his shot. Sure, Tebow’s style of play may be painful to watch sometimes, but his miracle comebacks led Denver to the playoffs.

Most of Tebow’s success relied on the defense’s ability to stop the opponent from scoring, and when that didn’t happen, everything fell apart in the Mile High City. We saw it against the Lions, we saw it against the Bills, and we saw it when the Patriots made the Tebow Train come to a dead end. Put it anyway you want though, Tebow found ways to win, and in the end, W’s and L’s are all that count in the NFL.

The media questioned if Tim Tebow could hang with the big boys like Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady. But this season, Tebow’s success was a feel-good story, like something you would see in a movie. Bronco's legend John Elway recently said Tebow has "earned the right" to start next year for the Broncos. It’ll be interesting to see if the magic continues in 2012.

NOTE: I want to hear from you. Please post a comment with any ideas for a future edition of The Hot Corner.

photo sources: fitsnews.com, foxsports.com

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