NFL Busts: Who Is Stinkin' It Up So Far In '09?

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

See those gloves Braylon Edwards is wearing in the picture on the right?

With his stat-line so far in 2009, looks like he's not using them.

Or any part of his six-foot-three frame, including his brain buried under his over-inflated ego, which caused him to apparently punch LeBron James' friend after a night on the town for virtually no reason.

Or the fact that James is the only major athlete in Cleveland that is consistently producing.

Braylon is not alone.

There are a myriad of players that came into the season with high expectations, and were the first and second round fantasy picks of many owners that are currently not producing.

Coaches are sitting on fire pits for seats, and fans are becoming antsy in some cities as their beloved teams are facing huge deficits that have implications on their playoff chances.

How does a guy like Edwards who was at the point of stardom suddenly fall into a deafening slump that confuses everyone around him?

I'm sure Eric Mangini would love to know the answer to that. Somewhere Romeo Crennel is laughing at the notion that somehow he was blamed for Cleveland's failures.

Well, on the bright side, we don't have to watch those terrible 5-hour energy commercials featuring Edwards.

So much for the much publicized "quarterback mystery" before the season between Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn. At this point, they both look like Don Majkowski.

For the purposes of this article, I took 15 players and grouped them into three separate categories based on their performances so far.

Don't worry, this won't all be ugly, I promise.

The Tina Fey Group For, "I'm Naturally Good at What I Do, and Look Good Doing It"

1. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts

The three-time MVP of the NFL just keeps doing what he does best: throw touchdowns, and play in entertaining commercials.

Manning is mustering up another possible MVP season, leading the league in QB rating and passing at a 71 percent clip with nine TD's to just three picks. Oh, and his Colts are undefeated. Again.

2. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings

A.D Peterson has been running through teams so far with his new running mate, Brett Favre.

Peterson ran for under 60 yards Monday night against the rival Packers, but it was Brett's night to gash them where it hurt most: in the win column. Peterson took a back seat and scored a touchdown on 25 carries.

With 412 yards rushing, Peterson is 2nd in the league rushing, and long as he stays healthy, don't expect too many games like Monday night out of him.

3. Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans

The good: Johnson currently leads the league in rushing with 434 yards and a 6.3 per carry rushing average.

The bad: His QB is 36-years-old, and has thrown more INT's than TD's.

The ugly: The Titans are 0-4 and have Vince Young as a backup.

4. Steve Smith, New York Giants

After Plaxico Burress declared war on himself, everyone wondered who would fill his spot once he graced the halls of the pen.

Enter the unknown No. 12.

Smith has been Eli Manning's go-to-guy, with 411 yards and four touchdowns so far, and has exhibited excellent route-running and has helped that Giant team to again be the beast of the NFC East.

5. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

Brees has slowed down in recent weeks, but his start to the season was on a downright ridiculously scary path, as he threw nine TD's in two games.

He has zero in the last two games, but has not turned the ball over in boasting a 108.4 passer rating and nearly 70 percent.

Not to mention, his Saints are 4-0.

The Jay Leno Group For, "Who Cares What You've Done? If You Don't Get Better Soon, You're Getting Canned"

1. Kerry Collins, Tennessee Titans

Collins and the Titans are 0-4, he's nearly lost all of his hair, he's thrown more interceptions than touchdowns, he can't blame the running game and your team is already having to come out and publicly stand by you.

As a QB, you know it's bad when your team and coach are defending you at Week Four.

Is the only reason Collins is still starting because Vince Young is the alternative? Jeff Garcia, Jeff Garcia, Jeff Garcia.

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