As we approach the main slate of Week 5 games in the NFL, I have finally found time to reflect on the season so far. Having a job and a 6 month old baby has definitely delayed me sinking my teeth in to writing about this already intriguing season. Let’s get into it!
New York Giants
Well I cannot believe I am saying it, but the Giants are 3-1. For the first time in seven years they have a winning record and have started showing signs of high level coaching, and team culture. The offensive prowess is still lacking, but with the re-emergence of Saquon Barkley, they have managed to scrape together three wins against average teams. The reason to be excited is that this is a clear sign of progress, as these would be the games this team would lose in previous years.
Brian Daboll has assembled a staff that is putting legitimate gameplans together which are causing issues for teams. Only one team – The Cowboys – managed to score more than 20 points, and that was the only loss so far, which shows that Wink Martindale has got the defence playing well above their perceived level of ability. The offence however has not excelled in the ways I’d hoped for, but with Kenny Golladay and Kadarius Toney being completely and utterly non-existent through a combination of injury, lack of effort and evidently a lack of ability, it’s not surprising we haven’t scored more than 21 points. Let’s hope as the season goes on there will be some improvements.
NFC
The NFC has been bizarre. The Rams just look cooked, the Bucs look disheveled with a QB in Tom Brady who does not look completely bought in, the Packers look similar to normal but with less of an identity, and those are the teams that were supposed to be the favourites. The Eagles are the only team to remain undefeated so far at 4-0, and they have looked incredibly good so far. I’m excited for the Giants to play them just to see how badly we do. One thing is clear, the NFC remains wide open for the number one seed.
AFC
The AFC was supposed to have several dominant teams who would be fighting over each other to be discussed as the best team in the NFL. Four weeks in and the only teams in consideration for the top AFC team are the Bills and the Chiefs, and both are considered to have weaknesses. The Bills lack of ability to develop a running game outside of the QB, and the Chiefs vulnerability on the defensive side of the ball will keep the conference open as the season progresses.
As we reach a quarter of the way through the season, a lot of my pre-season picks are still intact! The Chiefs look good, Josh Allen has played like a potential MVP, Nick Bosa is playing like a DPOY, Saquon is already the Comeback POY, and not to speak too soon, but Doug Peterson could coach these Jags to the playoffs. Let’s check on the progress again in 4 weeks.
Great season so far, the NFL is still king!