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!
bilbo
Guest
Still amazed at how many helmets I see aimed at players legs for first contact (arms re tackle an optional extra). Also the sideways body roll into a players legs can't be legal. The only thing stopping more injury is the agility of the receivers and rushers. Bottom line: you can't attack the head or helmet, but you can use helmet as a weapon in a ???TACKLE??//. What gives? Good to see Denver and Seahawks in mode.
Cadence Meadowbank
Guest
What riled me the most on the weekend was Skins' Meriweather's hit on Eddie Lacy. It was a devastating shot but was regarded as perfectly legal. No head shot should be. If the NFL is serious abour reducing concussions they could start by outlawing this kind of action.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Agreed haha :)
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Had to get around the Broncos and the Bengals!
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Makes you wonder if they regret giving away Smith after his recently good start to the year! :)
HEMI
Guest
STEELERS IN ALOT OF TROUBLE IF THEY DONT SORT OUT MORE PROTECTION FOR BIG BEN.THE BEARS GOT TO HIM TO EASILY AND SACKED HIM 2 OR 3 TIMES.DEFENCE WASNT THERE,THE BEARS MADE THEM LOOK LIKE LITTLE KIDS,MADE 5 0R 6 FIRST DOWNS FROM VERY FIRST KICK OFF,MIND YOU THE LAST SUPERBOWL WE WON WE LOST OUR FIRST 4 GAMES.CANT SEE THAT HAPPENING AGAIN THOUGH.
Chop
Roar Guru
For the first 3/4 of their games the chargers look great, then they manage to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
Jarlath Prendergast
Roar Rookie
The Chargers are looking kinda nice this year! Haha.
Seano
Guest
True about the giants, but that's how Eli has always played, go hard, big passes first up ect, the Giants should spend more on offense less on defense, Eli will get them as much points as they need if he has a good offensive line and recievers. The interceptions seem to be caused by a lack of cohesion not caused by a 2 time Super Bowl MVP quarterback! ps I am not a giants fan I'm a chargers fan and they are always disappointing! -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
Jarlath
Guest
Don't get me started on the Packers...
Jarlath
Guest
I completely agree, the Bengals have been great. I tried to keep it to 0-3 or 3-0 teams though, the 49ers would have been there if not too.
josh
Guest
Very interesting start so far.
Kevin
Guest
Guru the bengals are smoking, well done!! Pats winning " fugly" , peytons mob are a peach, Green Bay playing like dogs, interesting times
Gurudoright
Guest
My Bengals never get any love loo
Jonathan
Guest
I'd put in 49ers as one of the least impressive teams After reaching the Superbowl last year, they've suffered 2 bad defeats, the first consecutive losses in Harbaugh's rein and Kaepernick has been well off-colour considering all the hype surrounding him last year Coming from a niners fan, it's been a massively disappointing start to the season but there's a long way to go!