Numerous teams have been hyped up over the 2013 off-season, due to personnel changes and winning reputations.
Each year there are a number of disappointments and surprises, so let’s take a look at who fits the bill this season.
For some teams this doesn’t provide any indication of the final result of the season, but getting off to a slow start is a historically bad omen.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New York Giants, Washington Redskins, Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers were all considered playoff chances three weeks ago, but three straight losses have essentially buried post-season hopes.
Most impressive teams: Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City underwent a major overhaul during the off-season, bringing in a new head coach, general manager and quarterback.
There was a lot of hope and hype surrounding them after a 2-14 campaign, and the Chiefs have dominated in en route to a 3-0 record. Alex Smith has been his ever-efficient self, completing 61 percent of his passes for four touchdowns and no interceptions.
The defence has been stout too, allowing just two touchdowns in three games.
Miami Dolphins
This team threw around some cash in free agency, bringing in Mike Wallace as a deep threat and strengthening the defence with Danell Ellerbe, Phillip Wheeler and Brent Grimes.
The moves triggered conversion in the football world, experts were split on whether the Dolphins could finally contend with the rival Patriots. Second year quarterback Ryan Tannehill has improved dramatically this season, his accuracy and decision making noticeably getting better.
The Dolphins are sitting on top of the AFC East at 3-0, beating quality teams like the Colts and Falcons. Four of the next six weeks consist of the Saints, Ravens, Patriots and Bengals though, and that stretch will tell whether the fins are finally relevant.
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears dominated the Pittsburgh Steelers in a prime-time embarrassment.
They rank third in the league in points per game, with 31.7. Jay Cutler has played well in Marc Trestman’s new offensive system, throwing six touchdowns, three interceptions and completing 67.3 percent of his passes.
The Bears have collectively ran for just over 300 yards in three games, headed by Matt Forte. The defence has been it’s old self, even without Brian Urlacher.
They have recorded five interceptions and seven forced fumbles with a turnover ratio of +6. This Bears team is looking good at 3-0, and should be the favourite to win the NFC North.
Honourable mention: New Orleans Saints
Least Impressive Teams: New York Giants
Fresh off a 38-0 shutout at the hands of the mediocre Carolina Panthers, the New York Football Giants are staring at a 0-3 record in one of the weakest divisions in the league. The NFC East’s fall from grace is owed to defence, the Redskins, Eagles and Giants all suffering.
Turnovers have been a major issue for big blue, Eli Manning has thrown five touchdowns to eight interceptions and David Wilson’s fumbling woes continue.
Their turnover ratio is the most worrying statistic, at -9.
The schedule they will face is one of the easiest in the league, which will make this season look better than it really will be.
Minnesota Vikings
The NFC darlings from a year ago, the Vikings made a surprise playoff appearance on the back of Adrian Peterson’s MVP season.
In the draft, they traded up to secure three first round picks, and things were looking up.
Then the season started, and their most recent loss came at the hands of the Cleveland Browns, without Brandon Weeden and Trent Richardson. Christian Ponder is the problem. He has thrown just two touchdowns in the three games played, with five interceptions.
Peterson hasn’t been able to be as effective because they find themselves playing catch up football. The defence has intercepted six passes, bringing the turnover ratio to 0. Ponder needs to show improvement this season or he will be replaced when it ends.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers are a team I had high hopes for, but all the talent hasn’t come to fruition under scrutinised head coach Greg Schiano.
Darrelle Revis has been solid in his return, but the defence isn’t the reason the Bucs are 0-3. The offense ranks second last in points per game and yards per game. Josh Freeman has been underwhelming, and is in danger of replacement this off-season.
Recent speculation that Freeman and Schiano aren’t happy with each other only fuels that fire. Is Mike Glennon the answer?
He could be, he flashed brilliance in the preseason but will be hard-pressed to succeed if he is called to start in 2013. The Buccaneers should be playing better, and Schiano’s 1-8 record in his last nine games could have him in the hot seat too.
Not-so honourable mention: Pittsburgh Steelers
Do you agree? Are there any other teams worthy of listing? Let us know!
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