One fourth of the NFL season has come to an end (a week ago), and it is a bit late now that week 5 has almost finished, but it's still something that has to be reported on. Who are this year's most surprising teams? Who has disappointed everyone? Who is playing in MVP shape so far? All these questions are answered.
1) Which teams have surprised this year?
In the AFC, it is without a doubt that the Denver Broncos have turned heads. This off-season proved to be a disastrous-looking one for the Broncos personnel and fans. Long time head coach, and legendary coach Mike Shanahan , was fired after failing to produce a playoff team yet again. Who replaced him? A 33-year-old by the name of Josh McDaniels took over, and right off the get-go, it was determined that not a lot of players on the team liked his coaching style. Jay Cutler for one, who was their franchise quarterback and definitely one of the game's brightest, voiced his disliking of McDaniels, prompting the Broncos to trade him away to the Chicago Bears in exchange for Kyle Orton, who was known for his horrendous play during his stay with the Bears. Just in case that wasn't enough, star receiver, Brandon Marshall voiced his opinon about a contract and his troubles with the law affected his play. On top of that, he didn't give it all during practice, focing the Broncos to suspend him for 2 pre-season games.
All of that, and the Broncos still found a way to go 4-0, and now, 5-0, after a heartbreaker OT win against the almighty New England Patriots. Somehow, someway, McDaniels, Orton, Marshall and co., have found a way to surpass all expectations.
Drew Brees and the Saints have always been known for their fiery, explosive offense, and boy, have they shown what they can do until this point. The same team as last year for the most part, they have posted
a 4-0 record and continue to put teams in a strangle hold with their unpredicable offense. First in points per game, third in total yards per game, second in rushing yards per game, third in first downs per game, seventh in rush defense, first in interceptions and am I boasting about the Saints' defense? Yes, the offense and defense has been clicking on all cylinders to help the Saints bolster to their outstanding start.2) Which teams have been the most disappointing to start off?
The Tennessee Titans were definitely one the game's top defenses last year, putting a target on opposing team's players and having one goal: to kill them. Other than losing Pro Bowl defensive tackle, Albert Haynesworth, the team has for the most part stayed the same way. However, losing Haynesworth has proved to be costly for the team that went 13-3 last year, starting off the season 0-5. Other than the season opener against the reigning Super Bowl champions, Pittsburgh Steelers, the Titans defense has showed no signs of life, giving up TDs all over the board. They give up the fourth most amount of points in the NFL with 27.8 as opposed to giving up 14.6 last year, which was good for 2nd. Kerry Collins has been horrible as well, throwing interceptions almost regularily. He's thrown more INT's (7) than TD's (5). He's allowed lots to wonder whether Vince Young, who's had a rough start to his NFL career, should be the starter instead.
For teams who have records like 0-4, or something of that sort, it is widely expected by critics and sports fan alike, but when a team like the Titans or Tampa Bay Buccaneers go without a win, it is definitely a disappointment. The Bucs, who have a defense that tore through NFC last year, answer back with a defense who cannot support the team in any means necessary. They have given up 28 points per game, which is good for third last in the NFL (0.2 points more than the Titans), they have given up the fifth most amount of yardage per game at 379.8, and their rush defense is good for fifth last in the league as well. On the other hand, the offense, is just as bad. They have scored the fourth least (13.6 ppg) in the league and they have an icky quarterback situation, where both Byron Leftwich and Josh Johnson do not stand out in any category.
3) Who is playing like they are the MVP?
Sure, there are many players out there who perform their heart out to maximize their team's success, but only one of these players play on the field every single game, and make their teams that much better, therefore, they are handed out the MVP award. So far, the quarter-season MVP goes to Indianapolis Colts quarterback, Peyton Manning. The 33-year-old QB, who is one of two players in NFL history to win the MVP three times, is cleary posting up numbers that suggest that he sould have another added to his repertoire. He has started the season throwing for 5 straight 300+ yard performances, and only Kurt Warner and Steve Young have dones this before him. He leads the league in passing yards by a margin of nearly 200 yards, he has boosted his teammates' play as well, as receiver Reggie Wayne and tight end Dallas Clark are 2 of the top 3 in receiving yards in the NFL and he has propelled his team to a quick 5-0 record.
In terms of statistics, he has thrown for the most touchdowns, he has the highest passer rating amongst all quarterbacks, he has the second highest pass completion percentage and has thrown for the most amount of yards per game at 329. There is no one within the vicinity of play and consistency as Peyton Manning.
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