With the NFL now telecast on Fox Sports, ESPN and on free to air thanks to One HD, there’s no excuse for Aussie NFL fans to miss out on the news and highlights around the league.
With bye weeks now upon us and most teams having already played four matches, the season is officially 25 percent of the way through.
So let’s take a look at the things that have caught my eye – from more than 12,000km away.
1) Contrasting Mannings
Whilst big brother Peyton Manning is setting records and dominating defences across the league, two-time Superbowl MVP Eli is having his worst ever stretch of his career.
Eli is currently leading the league in interceptions thrown and looks a shell of himself with the whole offensive unit in disarray.
Peyton has weapons in Wes Welker, Julius and Demariys Thomas and tight end Eric Decker who are all benefiting from Manning’s genius.
2) Trouble in the South?
Two teams expected to be in Superbowl contention have made inauspicious starts to the 2013 season.
Reigning AFC South champions the Houston Texans are 2-2 and sit a game behind divisional rivals Tennessee and Indianapolis.
Such is the disappointment at the Texans start, fans were seen setting quarterback Matt Schaub jerseys alight in Houston following the cough-up 23-20 loss to Seattle this past Sunday.
Even worse, Atlanta – with its loaded offence – are off to a 1-3 win-loss ratio following their home loss to an undermanned New England crew.
Star running back Steven Jackson has missed the past two matches and is not expected back for close to a month whilst Pro-Bowl wideout Roddy White is battling a dodgy ankle.
Veteran Tony Gonzalez only returned for this season because the Falcons convinced him they were on the brink of glory – at this stage, they are much closer to the wine cellar than trophy cabinet.
3) Saints are marching
Essendon AFL coach James Hird would be well served to make a call to New Orleans coach Sean Payton.
Superbowl-winning coach Payton suffered a 12-month ban due to the Saints bounty-gate scandal that de-railed the sustained excellence achieved in season’s gone by.
But with Payton back at the helm and Drew Brees breaking records (some he already owned) the Mercedes Benz Superdome is once again a venue to be feared for opposing teams.
Brees is among the league’s top QBs, all-purpose back Darren Sproles rejuvenated and Jimmy Graham fast-becoming the league’s premier tight end, the Saints are again marching in – maybe towards another title.
4) Steel City under construction
In American sports, it is expected that certain teams perform at a high level more often than not.
The LA Lakers in the NBA, the Yankees in baseball and among others, Pittsburgh in pro football.
Four weeks in and the Steelers are zip and four and in big trouble.
They haven’t even looked like getting a win so far and following their 34-27 loss to Minnesota at Wembley Stadium in London, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger stated that his team was currently the worst in the league.
A far cry from the three conference titles (2005, 2008, 2010) and two Superbowl victories (2005 and 2008).
5) Jacksonville Jokers
Roethlisberger claimed it was his Steelers that were the worst club in the league but it’s by far and away Jacksonville who take that mantle – and quite comfortably.
In four consecutive losses, the Jaguars have only managed three touchdowns whilst their opponents have chalked up 15.
They’re dead last in the NFL for yards per game and points per contest.
It’s getting ugly in northern Florida – maybe Tim Tebow isn’t such a silly idea.
There are a million more story lines across the first quarter of the season and that’s what makes the NFL so enthralling.
Every snap of the pigskin means so much to so many.
I can’t wait to see what the rest of the season has in store!
Shane
Guest
Why has the One HD coverage of Thursday night football suddenly stopped and also reduced it's Monday morning coverage to 2 games instead of the usual 3?
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
Bengals fell for a trap game. It will be very defining how they react against the Patriots, who haven't been playing that well themselves, but they have been winning which is all you can ask.
Distant Knight
Guest
They should avoid Tebow like the plague.... tank their way to the first pick in next years draft and then get ready for Teddy time! Why pick up a below average QB now, and risk the chance at a true game changer for next year...?
Chop
Roar Guru
Have to agree, he's under pressure on most plays, the Giants look terrible.
Chop
Roar Guru
I'm surprised at San Fran, seems that Kapernik isn't having near the success of last year, isn't running as much or connecting with his WR's. My Packers aren't looking good either, Rogers getting no protection and the Defence looks horrible. Peyton and the Bronco's look phenomenal along with Drew Brees and his Saints. Seattle look awesome I think they've got the NFC wrapped up if they can stay healthy. New Orleans their biggest threat. Indi and New England and KC are all in with a shot at knocking the Bronco's come playoffs but the Bronco's will have to help them out with a bit of choking like they did in the playoffs last year.
astro
Guest
Hard to blame Eli...he is getting ZERO protection from that front line.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
The way the Jags are going the Tebow fans will be getting louder and louder there.... He couldn't do any worse than the current QB
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Broncos are looking scary good aren't they? Agree with you on the Jaguars, they need to get something going or they are going to be getting smashed every week. Jones-Drew has been awful for them so fair but to be fair he has been injured. I can see Brees and Manning fighting it out for MVP this year! Great read Josh.