Pleasant Surprises in the NFL's Early Going

The NFL season is still young with only four weeks in the books. However, those four weeks have not come without surprises both good and bad. From the winless Saints to the undefeated Cardinals, there is something refreshing about a season where you can expect the unexpected.  

With fans getting ready for another week of NFL football as the Cardinals and Rams kick off Week 5 on Thursday night, let's take a look back at some of the pleasant surprises to emerge from the first four weeks of the NFL season.  

JJ Watt: Doing It Big in Texas

With the departure of Mario Williams in the offseason, the Texans needed someone to step up and Watt answered the call in a big way.

The second-year defensive end out of Wisconsin has quickly become a player feared by offensive coordinators everywhere this season. Watt has totaled 7.5 sacks in four games so far, already topping his total of 5.5 from all of last season. His 7.5 sacks are good enough to lead the NFL to this point, as well as forcing teams to think twice before leaving him without two blockers. 

He has proven to be more than a handful for any team so far this campaign and looks to continue his dominance all season long. Not too bad for a player who five years ago walked on to the Wisconsin football team.

Watt has risen from near-anonymity to being on his way to becoming a household name. He leads a stellar Texans defense that has been superb so far this season.  

Danny Amendola: St. Louis Speedster

The St. Louis Rams wide receiver made a name for himself early on this season, setting a league record for receptions in the first half (12) and a team record for receptions in a game (15).  

After being undrafted and spending some time bouncing around on a couple of practice squads, the seventh-year man out of Texas Tech looks to have found a home in St. Louis, where he has played since the 2009 season.

Amendola's record-setting day came in Week 2 against the Redskins and he has not looked back since. His 31 receptions so far are second in the league only behind Victor Cruz (32).  

His career high for receptions and receiving yards came in 2009 when he reeled in 85 catches for 689 yards. Fans should not expect many more 15-catch games from the wideout, but expect him to surpass both of those totals.  

Clearly Sam Bradford's go-to man in St. Louis, Amendola looks to continue racking up yards and receptions this season for the Rams.

Brian Hartline: Making a Splash in Miami

A quarterback change in Miami appears to be working great for Dolphins wide receiver Brian Hartline. His chemistry with rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill has been phenomenal so far this season and especially in Week 4. Last week alone, Hartline hauled in a 12 passes for a team record 253 yards.  

Hartline is on pace for a record year, as his current totals in receptions and yards for this season are already approaching those from his previous years.

His outburst against the Cardinals was not the first time this season Hartline has proven how dangerous he can be either. In Week 2 against the Raiders, Hartline had nine receptions for 111 yards.

While Hartline has been on and off at times through the first four games, look for the Dolphins to take advantage of a receiver who has clearly developed some good, valuable chemistry with a young quarterback the Dolphins hope can be their future.

Robert Griffin III: Making an Impact Right Away

Everyone could tell that Robert Griffin III had what it took to play in the NFL last season when he dominated the college ranks with the Baylor Bears. Not very many people understood, however, how quickly Griffin III would make an impact in the pros.  

After being chosen second overall behind Andrew Luck, Griffin III has made quick work of any questions that may have been circulating about his readiness to play in the pro game. He is completing just over 69 percent of his passes this season and has only been intercepted one time through four games.  

While he has only thrown four touchdown passes so far, he also has four rushing touchdowns. Griffin III has lived up to the hype that surrounded him coming out of college and has outplayed Andrew Luck so far this season.  

Even though his numbers are not near the top of the league, Griffin III has been surprisingly good to this point and has his Redskins out to a 2-2 start.

Alfred Morris: That Other Guy in Washington

In a city where the focus is all on a rookie quarterback, sixth-round draft pick Alfred Morris has rumbled onto the scene. Morris has become as integral a part of the Redskins offense so far this season as his rookie counterpart Robert Griffin III.  

Morris, who played his college ball at Florida Atlantic, came into training camp without much fanfare and was not even mentioned among those in contention to start in the Redskins backfield. When given his shot, though, the youngster made an impression on the coaching staff and took advantage of every opportunity thrown his way.  

Morris rushed for his first two career touchdowns during the Redskins' Week 1 victory over the Saints and has not stopped since. Currently ranked fifth in rushing yards, Morris is looking more and more like a draft-day steal.    

Whether it's the lack of pressure being put on Morris or something else, Alfred Morris is emerging as a Rookie of the Year candidate. In Morris, the Redskins have one of the most pleasant surprises of the season.  

Peyton Manning: Same Old Peyton

When the Indianapolis Colts released Peyton Manning at the end of last season after Manning endured multiple neck surgeries, the future of this future member of the Hall of Fame was in great question. Experts and fans alike questioned whether or not Manning would be able to regain a semblance of his former self on the football field.  

Even after the Denver Broncos forked over a hefty payday to Manning, the doubts remained on whether or not Manning's neck could withstand the rigors of an NFL season.

Since he stepped back on the football field, Manning has been silencing all doubters, proving he can still be one of the NFL's elite.

Despite a three-interception game against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2, Manning has been stellar, throwing seven touchdown passes and zero interceptions in the other three games. Physically, Manning has shown a view signs of rust as the season has gotten started, but mentally, he seems as sharp as he was in Indianapolis.  

For a quarterback who many doubted would play again, Manning has made a large impact so far this season. Those who believed Manning would play did not expect him to return to his former self so quickly.

Manning is leading a resurgence in Denver and has the Broncos primed for a strong season.