NFL Week 4 matchups are upon us and, while the
season is still very young, we’ve seen some interesting surprises so far this
season. Let’s examine the top five out-of-nowhere stories of 2009 through three
weeks.
5. The New
York Giants wide receivers
Wasn’t Eli Manning supposed to struggle without
Plaxico Burress and Derrick Ward in the passing game? Instead, plucky Steve
Smith and Mario Manningham have blossomed into uber-reliable targets. Each guy
already has a 10-catch game under his belt. Looks like the Giants will be
rock-solid NFL picks
after all.
4. Cedric
Benson’s rebirth
So much for Cedric Benson, laughing stock. The
versatile back has morphed into an every-down guy for the surprising Bengals
and ranks third in the NFL in rushing through three weeks. There’s nothing to
suggest his solid play won’t continue.
3. The
rough, tough San Francisco defense
We knew Mike Singletary would stamp his
fingerprints on the team and maximize its defensive potential, but the 49ers
may be ahead of schedule. Patrick Willis is an absolute monster and rookie
Dashon Goldson has been a nice surprise at safety, registering 20 tackles and a
pick already. Amazingly, the 49ers lead the NFC in run defense despite having
faced Adrian Peterson already. Impressive.
2. The
Broncos are the best instead of the worst
Raise your hand if you bet at the sportsbook on
Denver being 3-0 at this point. The Broncos’ schedule certainly hasn’t been
difficult so far but many pundits picked Denver to be the AFC’s worst team
after a nightmarish offseason. Instead, the Broncos rank first in total defense
in the NFL. They’ve done their damage with their offense still dormant. Can
they keep up the good work if Eddie Royal and Brandon Marshall wake up?
1. Gang
Green reigns supreme
The New York Jets were hot sleepers among betting services
entering 2009 since we knew Rex Ryan would have this team playing strong
defense, but the Jets are even better than expected. Whereas Denver is a hollow
3-0 after beating Cincinnati, Cleveland and Oakland, the Jets beat Houston, New
England and Tennessee to open the season. Darrelle Revis is rapidly emerging as
a fantastic cornerback, capable of blanket coverage and big plays. Mark Sanchez
has been an adequate caretaker as a rookie quarterback so far too. Watch out
for these Jets!