10/13/11

The Top 5 Biggest NFL Surprises

Only five short weeks into the 2011 season, the NFL has been filled with a plethora of unexpected events. Here are the top 5 surprises so far:

1) The Bills are actually good. With a 4-1 record and convincing wins over the Raiders and Patriots, the Bills look like the real deal. Fred Jackson is averaging nearly 100 rushing yards a game and Ryan Fitzpatrick looks solid, if not good. If their defense can step up a little bit, the Bills will continue to pleasantly surprise fans week after week.


2) The Eagles aren't doing so well. The self-proclaimed "Dream Team" is having a living nightmare. A 1-4 start is not the way most analysts and fans saw this season starting. Although they did face decent teams (Falcons, Giants, Bills), most people were clearly expecting more from them. There's still time to turn the season around, but playoff chances are growing slimmer each week.

3) Cam Newton's quick transition to the NFL. He is averaging over 320 passing yards per game and is on pace to break Dan
Marino's single season record. Few expected him to throw for over 420 yards in his debut and even fewer expected him to throw for over 430 yards again against the Packers the following week. Not to mention, he's also ran for five rushing touchdowns so far. Based on this, Cam Newton appears to be a legitimate NFL quarterback at the moment. Before you start thinking too highly of Cam, keep in mind interceptions have been a bit of a problem. He's thrown six of them in just five games so far, but interceptions are very typical for rookie quarterbacks.


4) The Lions are 5-0. Here are some fun facts: The Lions have not made the
playoffs since 1999. The Lions have not started 3-0 since 1980. The Lions have not started 5-0 since 1956. Despite all of the negative history that surrounds the Lions, they are tied for 1st place in the NFC North with the Packers. Matt Stafford is playing very well with 13 touchdown passes and Calvin Johnson could
very well be one of the best wide receivers in the NFL for the time being. With a strong 24-13 win over the Bears last week, the Lions look like they could make a serious push for the playoffs. At the very least they should finish above .500...for the first time since 2000.


5) The NFC West. In the darkest depths of the worst division in the NFL, many would expect to find the 49ers. However, the 49ers actually sit atop the division with a 4-1 record. Their defense is holding opposing teams to just 15.6 points per game and their running game has a spark with Frank Gore in the backfield. The team that most would expect to find in first: The St. Louis Rams, are in last with an 0-4 record. A pitiful defense that allows 28.2 points per game and an even worse offense that has managed to score just 46 points so far this season, potentially makes the Rams the worst team in the NFL at the moment. Even Sam Bradford must shake his head at his 70.8 QB rating.



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