NFL Team Stock Up, Stock Down at Season's Quarter Mark
Four weeks into the 2014 NFL season and we have a pair of undefeated teams and two clubs looking for their first wins of the season.
It’s safe to say that it won’t be hard to guess where the stock of both the Arizona Cardinals and Cincinnati Bengals stands, considering both teams are 3-0. Likewise for the winless Jacksonville Jaguars and Oakland Raiders, both 0-4 on the year.
But what about the other 28 clubs in this always-entertaining, topsy-turvy league? We are also giving them the stock-up and stock-down treatment (although we may sneak in a stock-even or two).
What are the criteria? Our judgments are based on the team’s overall performance to date and our feeling where each club may be headed. We will also point out where a team has improved or fallen off from a year ago.
Are we putting the teams with the positive marks in the playoffs? Nope? Are we counting out the clubs off to sluggish starts? That’s hardly the case as well.
So take your time, check out the other 31 clubs after you view your favorite team and let us know if we are on track.
Arizona Cardinals (3-0): Stock Up
1 of 32
Be honest. A lot of prognosticators figured the Arizona Cardinals were a very good football team.
However, starting the season 3-0 with wins over 2013 playoff participants San Diego and San Francisco had to be a little unexpected.
Now add in the fact that Bruce Arians’ resilient team has managed the feat with two different starting quarterbacks (Carson Palmer and Drew Stanton) and with its share of new faces on the defensive side of the ball, and you have to be impressed with these Cards to date.
Todd Bowles’ surprising unit, minus linebackers Karlos Dansby, Daryl Washington and John Abraham and defensive tackle Darnell Dockett, has remained one of the best in the league. Arizona has limited each of its first three opponents to 17 points or fewer. And the Cardinals defense is ranked among the league leaders in fewest yards allowed…again.
It’s hard to ask for anything more so far.
Atlanta Falcons (2-2): Stock Even
2 of 32
After four games, it has been pretty easy to gauge the performance of the Atlanta Falcons.
Mike Smith’s club is 2-0 at home and 0-2 on the road.
Only the Indianapolis Colts (136) have scored more points than Smith’s team (131) so far this season. Then again, only two teams have been easier to score against than the Falcons, who have allowed 28.3 points per game in four outings—and 34 or more points in two of those contests.
Atlanta has scored 17 total touchdowns and given up 13 touchdowns. The offense has averaged an impressive 444 yards per game, but the defense is allowing 429.8 yards per game.
The defense looks about the same as it did in 2013. Coordinator Mike Nolan is still looking for a pass rush (three sacks in four games), and his unit has allowed 153.5 yards per game on the ground.
On the other hand, quarterback Matt Ryan has enjoyed a solid start, and having a better running game certainly helps.
So what are we to make of a team that seems to give up as many points as it scores?
Entertaining and average to date.
Baltimore Ravens (3-1): Stock Up
3 of 32
After falling short at home in the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals, John Harbaugh’s club has been pretty impressive ever since.
The Baltimore Ravens ran their current winning streak to three straight games thanks to Sunday’s 38-10 win over the Carolina Panthers.
This looks like a much more confident team than a year ago. And that could be the fact that the defense continues to improve and the franchise addressed its biggest shortcoming this offseason.
The biggest issues for the Ravens in 2013 were a problem-plagued offensive line and one of the worst running games in the league. A year ago, this club totaled 1,328 yards on the ground, the worst performance in the team’s brief history.
In four games this season, Baltimore has already totaled nearly half of that amount (538), averaging 134.5 yards per game rushing.
Conversely, quarterback Joe Flacco has been far more effective. He’s gotten a big assist from feisty wideout Steve Smith, who has shown he has plenty left in the tank.
This is a very intriguing club that won’t be flying under the radar much longer in 2014.
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Buffalo Bills (2-2): Stock Down
4 of 32
A promising beginning to 2014 for the team that owns the longest current playoff drought in the league has quickly faded.
And now the Buffalo Bills will apparently make a quarterback change, as second-year pro EJ Manuel has been far from OK.
Via Chris Brown of BuffaloBills.com, head coach Doug Marrone has benched the 2013 first-round pick and will go with veteran Kyle Orton this week when the Bills travel to meet the Detroit Lions.
As for the rest of the club, an improving defense has not been able to overcome Buffalo’s stagnant offensive unit, which has scored only six touchdowns in four games.
Unless Orton lights a fire under the Bills’ struggling attack, the 2-0 start could mean little or nothing by midseason.
Carolina Panthers (2-2): Stock Down
5 of 32
For a change, the Carolina Panthers got off to a respectable start during the Ron Rivera/Cam Newton era.
A lot of good it has done them.
After opening 2-0 for the first time since 2008, Carolina now appears to have a lot on its mind.
The team that gave up a combined 21 points in defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions has allowed a whopping 75 points in back-to-back losses to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens.
Does not having Pro Bowl defensive end Greg Hardy make that big of a difference? One wouldn’t think so, but this is a club that has allowed exactly 454 total yards in each of its last two contests.
Meanwhile, Cam Newton has taken his share of punishment—bad news, as he was coming off surgery and a rib injury suffered during the preseason.
The team’s biggest bright spot has been rookie wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin, who has superstar qualities. But none of that will matter much if Rivera’s team can’t stop the recent bleeding.
Chicago Bears (2-2): Stock Even
6 of 32
In recent seasons, the Chicago Bears have gotten off to decent starts only to fall apart late and miss the playoffs. The team hasn’t been to the postseason since hosting the NFC title game in 2010.
In 2014, Marc Trestman’s club is unbeaten on the road (2-0) and winless at home (0-2). And the Bears still haven’t solved the mystery that is the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field. Sunday’s 38-17 loss to their longtime rival was the fifth straight to the Pack in Chicago, starting with that aforementioned playoff loss.
While quarterback Jay Cutler has had his good moments, he’s also turned over the football five times in four outings. Nine of his 10 touchdown passes have gone to wide receiver Brandon Marshall (five) and tight end Martellus Bennett (four). Marshall and Alshon Jeffery have been battling their share of injuries in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, Mel Tucker’s defensive unit continues to be a work in progress.
The Bears play four of their next five games on the road. Then again, the way this season is playing out so far, that may be a very good thing.
Cincinnati Bengals (3-0): Stock Up
7 of 32
Record-wise, the Cincinnati Bengals are off to their best start since 2006.
On the field, it’s hard to imagine a team playing better football these days.
Marvin Lewis’ deep and talented club has been efficient on both sides of the football—most notably on offense, and all without quarterback Andy Dalton putting up huge numbers.
In three games, the Bengals have committed just one turnover, have not fumbled and have not given up a sack. The ground game is led by Giovani Bernard and rookie Jeremy Hill, while wide receiver A.J. Green remains one of the best in the business. And starting wideout Marvin Jones will eventually be back.
Defensively, Cincinnati has allowed just 33 points in three games, including a mere 10 points in the first three quarters of play.
And in case you’re wondering, we’ll cross the playoff bridge when and if the Bengals get to it.
Cleveland Browns (1-2): Stock Up
8 of 32
Unfortunately, the more things change, the more they stay the same for this franchise.
Still, the Cleveland Browns look like an improved football team on both sides of the football. Unfortunately, they boast a losing record in three games and both of their losses came to AFC North rivals.
Quarterback Brian Hoyer has more than held up his end of the bargain, completing 64.2 percent of his passes for 716 yards and three touchdowns without a turnover. In fact, Mike Pettine’s team has yet to cough up the football in three contests.
Third-round draft choice Terrance West and rookie free agent Isaiah Crowell lead a much-improved ground game that also features Ben Tate when healthy. Andrew Hawkins and Miles Austin have been the team’s top two receivers.
This is a club that appears primed for some good things. It’s just a matter of learning how to win those games within the division.
Dallas Cowboys (3-1): Stock Up
9 of 32
What have we got here?
The Dallas Cowboys are two games above .500 and riding a three-game winning streak?
No, we are not getting ready to put Jerry Jones' favorite toy in the 2014 playoffs. But you have to give credit where credit is due, and the team’s change of offensive philosophy is helping all-around.
A year ago, Dallas totaled 336 rushing attempts for 1,504 yards in 16 games last season. Four weeks into ’14, the Cowboys have rolled up 130 carries for an NFL-high 660 yards, 534 of those yards by running back DeMarco Murray.
Since his one-touchdown-pass, three-interception implosion in Week 1 vs. the San Francisco 49ers, quarterback Tony Romo has thrown for six scores and been picked off just once. A sturdy offensive line has allowed one sack in the last two games.
Meanwhile, the much-maligned Cowboys defense is living off takeaways these days, as well as the fact that Jason Garrett’s club is averaging 33:37 per game in terms of time of possession.
How ‘bout that, Dallas fans?
Denver Broncos (2-1): Stock Up
10 of 32
Looking for those explosive numbers from a season ago?
That hasn’t been the case so far for the defending AFC champions. And that might not be the case all year for the Denver Broncos.
And that could be a good thing if John Fox’s club can continue to try and develop a little offensive balance. So far it has been slow in coming, as Denver is averaging just 75.3 yards per game on the ground.
Veteran quarterback Peyton Manning has thrown “only” eight touchdown passes in three games this season, quite a contrast from a year ago, when he opened 2013 by throwing for seven scores in Week 1 vs. the Baltimore Ravens. The Broncos have scored just 75 points in three games compared to 127 points during the team’s 3-0 start of a year ago.
Yet it was the team’s Week 3 overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks that showed the direction this club is headed in. The Broncos defense couldn’t get off the field in the extra session, but for the most part that unit, as well as the offense, matched the defending Super Bowl champions in terms of physicality.
And that will eventually pay off in a very positive way.
Detroit Lions (3-1): Stock Up
11 of 32
Are we going to get teased once again?
The Detroit Lions, now under the guidance of head coach Jim Caldwell, are off to a 3-1 start.
A year ago, this club opened 6-3 only to drop six of its final seven contests.
In 2012, the Lions split their first eight games only to go 0-8 the remainder of the season.
Why will it be different under Caldwell? Here is a somewhat interesting number. After committing eight penalties for 85 yards in the first half of their Week 1 tilt with the New York Giants, the Lions have been flagged just 16 times for 106 yards in their last 14 quarters.
Detroit’s pass rush has already come up with 10 sacks in four games. The Lions totaled just 33 sacks a year ago.
And while quarterback Matthew Stafford has had his ups and downs, Detroit has played turnover-free football in two of its three wins.
Per usual, this is a very intriguing team. It’s just a matter of how long the intrigue lasts in 2014.
Green Bay Packers (2-2): Stock Down
12 of 32
Relax?
This past Sunday, the Green Bay Packers did what they usually do—beat the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Still, there’s a sense that all is not right with the team that has been to the playoffs five straight years and has won three consecutive NFC North titles.
Despite Sunday’s 38-17 victory in the Windy City, there are plenty of question marks surrounding Mike McCarthy’s club.
The running game of a year ago has not shown itself, as the Pack are averaging just 73 yards per game on the ground. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has thrown nine touchdown passes compared to only one interception but has also been sacked 10 times. And Dom Capers’ defensive unit continues to have its issues, especially against the run.
For now, one impressive victory over the Bears doesn’t warrant a thumbs-up here…at least not yet.
Houston Texans (3-1): Stock Up
13 of 32
When you come off a season like the one the Houston Texans just experienced, it’s quite easy to temper any enthusiasm, even with a 3-1 start.
After all, the club opened with two victories in 2013 and the winning stopped after that.
It’s also not like quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has played exceptional football to date. The veteran signal-caller has thrown just as many touchdown passes as interceptions (five) and has already fumbled three times.
J.J. Watt's play is exceptional, as he leads the team with two sacks and is second on the club with two touchdowns (via a reception and an interception return). He leads a defensive unit that has not allowed a point in the first quarter in all four games this season.
Under Romeo Crennel, the Texans have already forced nine turnovers, only two less than the team managed all of last season.
We’re not quite sure if Bill O’Brien’s team is indeed a serious contender for the AFC South title. We’ll know a lot more when it hosts the Indianapolis Colts in two weeks.
But it’s certainly nice to be in the discussion.
Indianapolis Colts (2-2): Stock Even
14 of 32
In each of his first two seasons in the league, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck threw exactly 23 touchdown passes during the regular season.
It’s safe to say that trend is about to end in a big way. After a so-so start, the improving signal-caller has been red hot as of late. Luck has thrown eight touchdown passes and just one interception the last two weeks, leading Chuck Pagano’s team to a combined 85 points and a pair of divisional wins over the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans.
Luck has already thrown for 13 scores in 2014 and he may have to continue this pace, although the Indianapolis defense has begun to show some signs of life in recent weeks. The Colts have forced six turnovers in their last two outings.
Still, until the team’s ground attack becomes more of a consistent factor, it’s recent business as usual for the defending AFC South champions.
Jacksonville Jaguars (0-4): Stock Down
15 of 32
Following a dismal 0-8 start last season, the Jacksonville Jaguars showed a lot of heart by winning four of their next five games before closing 2014 with three straight losses.
Is that the plan once again this year?
After a promising first half in Philadelphia in Week 1, the team’s plans for this season have gone awry. Since leading the Eagles 17-0 in the second quarter, Gus Bradley’s squad has been outscored a combined 152-41 by the Eagles (34-0), Washington Redskins (41-10), Indianapolis Colts (44-17) and San Diego Chargers (33-14).
The Blake Bortles era, slated to begin in 2015, began in the second half of that Week 3 setback to Indianapolis.
Then again, while there’s been a lot of onus on the offense, we are still waiting for the Jacksonville defense to awaken as well. Bradley’s club has allowed a league-worst 451.3 total yards per game, as well as an NFL-high 152 points.
Kansas City Chiefs (2-2): Stock Up
16 of 32
Where did this come from?
After looking like one of the worst teams in the league the first two weeks of 2014, Andy Reid’s Kansas City Chiefs have awoken…with a vengeance.
Off Monday night’s dismantling of the New England Patriots, the Chiefs have evened their record after an 0-2 start. Reid’s club has outscored the Miami Dolphins (34-15) and Pats (41-14) the last two weeks by a combined 75-29 count.
Having all of your offensive pieces in place certainly helps. The line has been a who’s who, wideout Dwayne Bowe missed the first game of the season due to a suspension and running back Jamaal Charles has returned after being injured in Week 2.
The defense has also shown up in a big way in recent weeks, shades of the group that allowed only 111 points during the team’s 9-0 start a year ago.
Perhaps we will be hearing from this Chiefs team after all in the coming weeks.
Miami Dolphins (2-2): Stock Down
17 of 32
It’s been feast or famine for Joe Philbin’s club one month into the 2014 season.
Until last Sunday in England, the Miami Dolphins had played one complete half of quality football. A season-opening win over the New England Patriots saw the team rally from a 20-10 halftime deficit thanks to a 23-0 second half.
Of course, the important victory was followed by a pair of lopsided losses to the Buffalo Bills (29-10) and Kansas City Chiefs (34-15). But quarterback Ryan Tannehill and Co. took out their recent frustrations on the Oakland Raiders in London last Sunday, cruising to a 38-14 victory.
There are certainly some encouraging signs when it comes to this club. The ground attack has been solid and Miami’s defense is getting the job done in terms of sacks (11) and takeaways (eight).
But it’s Tannehill and the Miami offense in general that has been nothing short of erratic. The team has scored 71 points in its two wins and a combined 25 points in the setbacks to the Bills and Chiefs.
Unfortunately, it’s stock down for a team that has to become a little more reliable before it earns our trust.
Minnesota Vikings (2-2): Stock Up
18 of 32
We are prepared to take a little leap of faith here when it comes to Mike Zimmer’s Minnesota Vikings.
Back in Week 3 at the Superdome, veteran quarterback Matt Cassel was lost for the season with a foot injury. Enter rookie and 2014 first-round pick Teddy Bridgewater, who took a few lumps in that eventual loss to the Saints but certainly made an impression his first NFL start on Sunday vs. the Atlanta Falcons.
The former University of Louisville standout threw for 317 yards, ran for 27 yards and a score and completed a pass for a two-point conversion in the club’s 41-28 win. Bridgewater wasn’t sacked and didn’t commit a turnover. However, he did suffer a sprained ankle late in the game. According to Ben Goessling of ESPN.com, he hopes to be available Thursday night at Lambeau Field.
After a rough two-game stretch due in part to the Adrian Peterson situation, the team appears back on track. We will know a lot more in the next two weeks after Thursday’s meeting with the Green Bay Packers and a Week 6 clash with the Detroit Lions.
New England Patriots (2-2): Stock Down
19 of 32
Back in Week 1, the New England Patriots squandered a 20-10 halftime lead at Miami and were outscored 23-0 in the second half in a 33-20 loss. It was the first time since 2003 that the Pats had lost their first game of the season.
Monday night at Arrowhead Stadium, they lost their most recent game of 2014. Bill Belichick’s club fell behind 27-0 in a 41-14 setback to the Kansas City Chiefs. A New England team that had not given up a touchdown in seven straight quarters allowed running back Jamaal Charles to score three on his own.
But the real issue is on the other side of the ball. Veteran quarterback Tom Brady isn’t getting a lot of help from his offensive line, which is now without guard Logan Mankins after he was traded away just before the start of the season.
Brady has been sacked nine times in four games and has thrown just four touchdown passes compared to committing five turnovers, including three lost fumbles. The Patriots have scored a combined 30 points in their last two games after scoring exactly that many points in a Week 2 win at Minnesota.
For the first time in a long while, the Pats look extremely vulnerable—most notably on offense. It will be interesting to see if they can turn this thing around sooner rather than later.
New Orleans Saints (1-3): Stock Down
20 of 32
Remember back to 2012, when the New Orleans Saints allowed the most total yards in a season in NFL history?
We are not there yet, to say the least. But the less said about Sean Payton’s defense these days, the better.
Rob Ryan has been under fire so far in 2014, and that’s being kind. The Saints are allowing 396 total yards per game and have already surrendered 110 points. They finished fourth in the NFL in both fewest total yards allowed and points given up in 2013.
Consider this as well: New Orleans has totaled just five sacks and forced just one turnover during the team’s 1-3 start. Dating back to the start of last season, the Saints have totaled a mere 20 takeaways in 19 regular-season outings.
That’s certainly not the direction Payton and Co. thought they were headed in on the defensive side of the ball. Fortunately for the Saints, the rest of the NFC South is having its own issues on defense.
Meanwhile, Drew Brees and the offense are having their own problems. The Saints have scored 37, 24, 20 and 17 points, respectively, in four games this season.
It’s been quite a start for a team that a year ago opened the season 4-0 on its way to the playoffs.
New York Giants (2-2): Stock Up
21 of 32
Fortunately for Tom Coughlin’s club, we opted to do this piece after four weeks of play and not two games.
What a turnaround for the New York Giants, who, after looking like one of the league’s doormats after losses to the Detroit Lions and Arizona Cardinals, have suddenly awoken…in a big way.
Led by a suddenly potent attack, quarterback Eli Manning and friends have scored a combined 75 points in wins over the Houston Texans and Washington Redskins. Running back Rashad Jennings has answered the call with 341 yards on the ground. And after throwing two interceptions in each of his first two games this season, Manning has connected for six scores while being picked off just once the last two weeks.
The biggest revelations on offense have been tight ends Larry Donnell and journeyman Daniel Fells, who have combined to catch seven of Manning’s nine touchdown passes in 2014.
Add in the fact that New York’s defense is starting to show signs of life, and perhaps the Philadelphia Eagles do have something to worry about when it comes to defending their NFC East title.
New York Jets (1-3): Stock Down
22 of 32
A little suggestion for the Green and White faithful, who were calling for the backup quarterback during Sunday’s loss to the Detroit Lions, the third in a row for the New York Jets.
Perhaps instead of chanting “We want Vick,” they should opt for “We want (a) pick.”
Yes, we are all more than aware of the struggles of second-year quarterback Geno Smith, who has been erratic on occasion. In four games in 2014, he’s thrown for four scores and run for one touchdown while committing seven of the team’s eight turnovers.
But let’s look at the other side of the ball. No team has allowed fewer rushing yards per game, only the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks have given up fewer total yards and Rex Ryan’s club leads the league with 14 sacks.
However, the club failed to corner the market on cornerbacks. Despite the pressure from the front seven, the Jets have a mere two takeaways in four games—including zero interceptions.
Perhaps Michael Vick can line up in the secondary?
Oakland Raiders (0-4): Stock Down
23 of 32
Four games into 2014 and the Oakland Raiders have already played in four different venues.
It’s safe to say that a weekly change of scenery hasn’t done the Silver and Black much good.
Now here comes an even bigger change. Late Monday night, Jay Glazer of Fox Sports (as documented by Will Brinson of CBSSports.com) reported that the Raiders have fired head coach Dennis Allen. Oakland is off in Week 5 following its trip to London, which resulted in a 38-14 loss to the Miami Dolphins.
In four games this season, the Raiders have basically been doubled up on the scoreboard, outscored a combined 103-51. The team has lost 10 straight games dating back to 2013.
Looking for positives? Good luck.
Philadelphia Eagles (3-1): Stock Up
24 of 32
Obviously, the Philadelphia Eagles are a team that is not very comfortable playing with a lead.
They are a pretty resilient club that has its flaws but can’t be counted out until the final gun.
Philadelphia’s offense failed to score a touchdown in the team's 26-21 loss at San Francisco, a game in which the Birds led 21-13 at the half, only to see the Niners respond with 16 unanswered points.
Still, Chip Kelly’s club had its chances late in the contest but came up short. Philadelphia’s offense remains potent despite its struggles on Sunday. However, the defense has already given up 10 touchdown passes in four games.
All told, the positives far outweigh the negatives when it comes to the Eagles.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2): Stock Down
25 of 32
No doubt that Pittsburgh Steelers fans are still gagging on their Iron City Beer after letting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers come into Heinz Field and walk away with a 27-24 win.
For the most part, Mike Tomlin’s team looked like it had picked up where it left off during the second half of 2013. After a 2-6 start last season, the Steelers won six of their final eight games.
But so far in 2014, these Steelers have been a roller-coaster ride on both sides of the football. The team scored 27 points in their first two quarters of the season and then went into a touchdown lull for eight consecutive quarters.
The defense has been hot and cold due to injury and youth.
It’s not like the team hasn’t had its bright spots. Running back Le’Veon Bell is among the league leaders in rushing, and wideout Antonio Brown has looked like one of the league’s best players.
Still, the erratic nature of this club is disappointing to say the least. Perhaps the Steelers are still trying to find themselves, but so far, they have had a very funny way of showing it.
St. Louis Rams (1-2): Stock Down
26 of 32
The St. Louis Rams haven’t been to the playoffs since 2004 and haven’t even enjoyed a winning season since 2003.
Three games into 2014, they don’t look like a team ready to make a postseason run.
Yes, it is early, but there have been some disturbing signs for a club looking to escape the NFC West basement from a year ago. It was blown out on opening weekend, 34-6, by the Minnesota Vikings. Two weeks later, it blew a 21-0 lead en route to a 34-31 loss to the visiting Dallas Cowboys.,
While the club’s quarterback issues have been well-documented, it’s the defense that has really disappointed. St. Louis has allowed 155 yards per game on the ground in its first three outings, and a pass rush that produced a combined 105 sacks the previous two years has totaled one sack in three contests. The absence of defensive end Chris Long is certainly a factor, but those numbers remain very surprising.
The Rams return to action this week at Philadelphia, followed by back-to-back home tilts with the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks. Holding serve against those clubs may be the key to the remainder of the club’s season.
San Diego Chargers (3-1): Stock Up
27 of 32
Can you say dangerous?
After blowing a fourth-quarter lead in Week 1 to the Arizona Cardinals, Mike McCoy’s club has rebounded with a vengeance.
Three straight wins over the Seattle Seahawks, Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars have the San Diego Chargers atop the AFC West for now.
Give a lot of credit where it is due. The Bolts have scored a combined 85 points in those contests and have not committed a turnover. The team is averaging just 69.5 yards per game rushing but is also running the ball nearly 30 times per game.
Meanwhile, the defense has totaled 10 sacks while already forcing six turnovers. In 2013, San Diego totaled only 17 takeaways in 16 regular-season outings.
And what can you say about quarterback Philip Rivers, who could be in contention for league MVP honors one year after being named NFL Comeback Player of the Year? He’s completing 70.1 percent of his passes and has thrown nine touchdown passes compared to only one interception.
Dangerous indeed…
San Francisco 49ers (2-2): Stock Down
28 of 32
On Sunday in San Francisco, the 49ers avoided the first three-game losing streak of the Jim Harbaugh era with a resilient win over the previously unbeaten Philadelphia Eagles.
But do we truly believe that all is right with this talented club?
Many felt that the Niners may struggle early in the season, especially on defense, but on Sunday vs. Philadelphia, they prevented the Eagles offense from reaching the end zone.
On the other hand, watching quarterback Colin Kaepernick and company move the ball down the field has been tough at times. The fourth-year quarterback has committed all five of the team’s turnovers in 2014 and has been sacked 10 times in four games.
Perhaps Sunday’s win over the Birds will jump-start this talented club. But all does not appear to be right with a club that has reached three straight NFC title games…and counting?
Seattle Seahawks (2-1): Stock Even
29 of 32
Champions until dethroned.
There will be no perfect season for Pete Carroll’s Seattle Seahawks in 2014. And we’re sure that’s perfectly fine with the talented head coach.
In between home wins over the Green Bay Packers and Denver Broncos, the Seahawks were punished by the San Diego Chargers. It was a humbling setback for Carroll’s team. And yet the ‘Hawks did what champions do, rebounding a week later to thwart Peyton Manning and co. in overtime.
Third-year quarterback Russell Wilson has looked like a charm, running back Marshawn Lynch continues to skittle his way down the field and wideout Percy Harvin has been a factor everywhere.
On the other hand, it’s worth noting that this club has allowed five touchdown passes in its last two games, all to tight ends.
In truth, the Seahawks have yet to get it really revved up...the key word being yet.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-3): Stock Even
30 of 32
It would be easy to simply dismiss the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, considering it took them all month to get their first win of 2014.
But give credit where credit is due. Ten days earlier at the Georgia Dome, Lovie Smith’s team was drubbed by the Atlanta Falcons, 56-14. Prior to that, the Bucs came up just short of the Carolina Panthers (20-14) and St. Louis Rams (19-17).
With second-year pro Mike Glennon now at quarterback, you can look for the team to cut back on the turnovers that plagued it the first three weeks of the season. The young signal-caller showed his mettle on Sunday at Pittsburgh, stunning the Steelers with a game-winning touchdown pass in the final seconds.
We expected the Buccaneers to be much better in 2014. That may still be the case. It may just be taking a little longer than expected.
Tennessee Titans (1-3): Stock Down
31 of 32
Following an excellent Week 1 win at Arrowhead Stadium, there’s been nothing memorable when it comes to these Titans from Tennessee.
After going to Kansas City and making easy work of the Chiefs, Ken Whisenhunt’s Titans have been less than memorable, rolled by the Cowboys (26-10), Bengals (33-7) and Colts (41-17) by a combined 100-34 score.
Once again, Jake Locker has been bitten by the injury bug. The former first-round pick was off to a shaky start before going down, and on Sunday at Indianapolis, backups Charlie Whitehurst and rookie Zach Mettenberger weren’t much better. The Titans have committed seven turnovers in four games, including six interceptions by their three quarterbacks.
And so much more was expected from Ray Horton’s defense, which has come up with a respectable number of sacks and takeaways but certainly not enough stops.
Disappointing to say the least.
Washington Redskins (1-3): Stock Down
32 of 32
It didn’t take long for there to be a little drama in the nation’s capital this season.
Of course, now what do you do when the understudy starts having his issues as well?
Last Thursday night, a seemingly revived Washington Redskins offense totaled two touchdowns and committed six turnovers in a 45-14 loss to the New York Giants. Five of those miscues came via third-year quarterback Kirk Cousins, thought to be the answer to Robert Griffin III’s recent inconsistencies and penchant for injury.
Meanwhile, a team that allowed a combined 27 points in its first two games gave up 37 in a three-point loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and 45 points in the aforementioned loss to the Giants.
The Redskins have now also lost eight straight games to their NFC East rivals.
It will be interesting to see if this team digs itself a significant hole over the next few weeks or can turn things around. It starts next Monday night when the Seattle Seahawks visit FedEx Field.
Some statistical support for this piece was provided by Pro-Football-Reference, NFL.com and ESPN.com.
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