Early Surprise Sleepers

Two weeks into the season, these non-playoff teams from last season are making early statements:

New York Jets (2-0)

They probably aren’t much of a sleeper pick by now, especially after beating the Patriots, but they weren’t expected to be this good. Rex Ryan promised defense, and he has delivered so far. The highlights from their Week 2 game consisted of Brady being constantly harassed by relentless blitzing packages. Cornerback Darrele Revis held Randy Moss to four catches for 24 yards, and did so essentially with single coverage. Kerry Rhodes plays great at safety, Kris Jenkins clogs the middle at defensive tackle, and David Harris leads the linebackers. Basically, there is incredible playmaking at every position. So far, the offense has been solid enough to back up the defense. Rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez is protected by a strong offensive line, though besides Jerricho Cotchery (177 yards in the first two games), he doesn’t have much to throw to. The running game is a little sketchy, but Leon Washington is always a play away from changing the game. To me, this all adds to a possible formula for a strong playoff run.





Darrele Revis is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL.


San Francisco 49ers (2-0)

Sure they play in a crappy division, but that just makes it easier for them to make the playoffs. In Week 1, the 9ers defense held last year’s NFC champions to sixteen points. They completely held Kurt Warner and the Cardinals’ high-powered passing offense in check. Warner was forced to dump off to running back Tim Hightower (12 receptions) for most of the game. In Week 2, they held the Seahawks to ten points, and the offense even helped out a little (Frank Gore ran for over 200 yards and Shaun Hill was efficient). I don’t expect them to make the playoffs, but they are off to a good start.

Houston Texans (1-1)

They looked horrible in Week 1, but they were playing the suddenly terrific Jets. Their young defense needs some work, but the offense is potent. Andre Johnson is a top five receiver and routinely uses his unique blend of size, speed, and athleticism to pull in miraculous catches. When healthy, Matt Schaub can be a very good quarterback, mainly because he gets to throw to Johnson. Steve Slaton leads a running attack that has been in hiding so far, but I think it will click as the season progresses. The defense, led by Mario Williams and DeMeco Ryans, has potential room for growth. Any team that allows Chris Johnson over 200 total yards and still wins deserves some praise.





Andre Johnson pulls in another freak touchdown. (Yes he caught this.)


Denver Broncos (2-0)

First of all, I don’t actually think they’re all that good. They required a miracle touchdown by Brandon Stokley at the last minute to beat the Bengals, and they were able to hold on and beat the powerful Cleveland Browns. Not necessarily a tough schedule so far. But, they have only allowed a total of thirteen points, an apparent improvement from last season. The run-by-committee approach has worked well so far, with Correll Buckhalter leading the way. If those guys can avoid the running back death curse that resided in Denver last year, then they should do well. Kyle Orton just needs to be smart and efficient, things he routinely struggles with. Defensive end Elvis Dumervil got four sacks in Week 2, tying the franchise record. The best part of this team? The great Brandon Stokley has 157 yards after two games.

Oakland Raiders (1-1)

Don’t let the record fool you; they could very well be 2-0, if not for some horrendous officiating. In Week 1 against the Chargers, Oakland rookie Louis Murphy caught what everyone knew was a touchdown, only to see it amazingly overturned by the referees (apparently a football move has to include clicking your heels three times and doing a backflip). The Raiders ended up settling for a field goal and…oh how about that…they lost by four points. It’s okay, they made up for it by beating the Chiefs in Week 2. Quarterback JaMarcus Russell sucks, but the running game (tag team of Michael Bush and Darren McFadden) is solid. They have an up-and-coming tight end in Zach Miller. The defensive line received a sudden boost when the team traded for Richard Seymour, who applies constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks. They also have possibly the best cornerback in the league in Nnamdi Asomugha (though the entire secondary is just awesome). Next week, they face a division rival and other surprise sleeper in the Denver Broncos. One will be proven a super sleeper and the other…will probably just come off the list. Winner claims the divison!...right? Too soon?





Louis Murphy hauls in a touchdown (the one that wasn’t reversed).



Honorable Mention:

Buffalo Bills- One retard short of a victory versus the Patriots and 2-0.

Green Bay Packers- Screw that, they can’t even beat the Bengals.

Cincinnati Bengals- (see above) Should probably be 2-0, held Greg Jennings without a catch and Antwan Odom gets 5 sacks. (Jared made me add them.)

Detroit Lions- Just kidding.

-Scott