One 4-0 team is the Indianapolis Colts (like we didn't see that coming) largely to the spectacular play of NFL golden boy Peyton Manning. The other 4-0 team, the Denver Broncos, has shocked everybody. With a new coach and losing franchise quarterback Jay Cutler and all the controversy surrounding Brandon Marshal, I was sure that the Broncos would struggle at least through the first half of the season but they have done the exact opposite of struggle, they've flourished.
On the opposite side of the AFC leader board may be the most shocking team so far this season. The Tennessee Titans are 0-4 after having the best record in the AFC last year (13-3). After a good year last year, quarterback Kerry Collins looks and plays his age. Is it time for Vince Young to make a comeback? The Titans aren't alone in the cellar though, they are joined by Chiefs and the Brown.
Only slightly ahead of the cellar dwellers are the 1-3 teams consisting of the Buffalo Bills, Oakland Raiders, and Miami Dolphins. Miami may have tough times ahead after losing quarterback Chad Pennington for the season and TO hasn't seemed to have been able to do much of anything in Buffalo. "WHO SCORES TOUCHDOWNS!?!" Not you TO, at least not this year.
The 3-1 teams are also somewhat surprising. The Baltimore Ravens look like one of the teams to beat in the AFC. There is no sophomore slump for Joe Flacco. Tom Brady is back and has led the Patriots to a 3-1 record so far this year. Along with the Patriots and Ravens are the Jets with rookie signal caller Mark Sanchez and the edge of your seat Bengals led by comeback king Carson Palmer.
We'll finish the AFC in the middle. The 6 time Superbowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers are 2-2 along with the Texans, the Jaguars, and the Chargers.
The AFC makes up an almost perfect bell curve. Now on to the NFC.
Drew Brees has led the high powered Saints offense to a 4-0 record. Along with the New York Football Giants. The Vikings are 3-0 with their new (old) quarterback Brett Farve and they will defend their undefeated record at home tonight against Brett Farve's old team, the Green Bay Packers who are 2-1.
On the opposite side of the NFC are Buccaneers, Rams, and Panthers who haven't won a game yet. Notice, the Detroit Lions aren't in this group, not that they are that much better.
The Lions finally snapped their ridiculous losing streak and put a check in the win column. They sit at 1-3 along with Seahawks. Slightly ahead of them is one of the NFC's biggest surprises. The Arizona Cardinals, last years NFC champs, are only 1-2 (bye week in week 4).
Another big surprise in the NFC is the San Fransisco 49ers with 3-1 record with signal caller Shawn Hill and no first round pick Michael Crabtree. Tough Mike Singletary seems to be doing a good job. The Bears with their new franchise QB Jay Cutler share the 3-1 pedestal with the 49ers.
At 2-1 are Packers, Falcons, and Eagles. Much like Joe Flacco in Baltimore, Matt Ryan shows no sign of a let down in season two with the Falcons.
In the middle of the NFC are the Redskins and Cowboys, both from the NFC east. The Cowboys lost their home opener in Jerry Jones new toy in front of a record crowd for an NFL regular season game and Tony Romo is doing his usual, blowing it in big moments. The Redskins haven't done much better.
It's still early but not that early. There are a lot of teams who have dug themselves a hole that will nearly be impossible to climb out of. There are also teams that are looking great and just like always, most of the teams are teetering on a knifes edge, ready to fall out of a playoff spot or ready to jump into the postseason. It's still early though... just not that early.
Remember to tune into Gridiron Gurus this Wednesday night from 6-8 on www.bearcastradio.com to hear me and Terique. Call us at 513-556-4529
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