Best Offensive and Defensive Player on Each Team at Quarter Mark of 2014 Season
The first four weeks of the 2014 NFL season are in the books. The early goings of a football season feature many surprises as players get injured or have a setback, while the door of opportunity opens for other players who take advantage.
This season is no different. All 32 NFL teams, regardless of their record, have an offensive and defensive player who the players, coaches and fans strongly rely on to help the team.
In this slideshow, we will review the best offensive and defensive player for all 32 teams.
Arizona Cardinals
1 of 32
WR Michael Floyd
Michael Floyd came through in his second season, and his success is carrying over to his third year in the NFL. Despite playing with two different quarterbacks under center, Floyd has played well, pulling in 11 catches for 252 yards. Arizona’s offense is off to a quiet 3-0 start, but with consistency from the quarterback, the Cardinals can do a lot of damage with Floyd and Larry Fitzgerald.
ILB Larry Foote
The Cardinals allowed just 45 points during their 3-0 start, and Larry Foote deserves a lot of the credit. He’s had three tackles for a loss and an interception while being second on the team in tackles. The Cardinals have given opposing defenses trouble, not allowing more than 20 points this season.
Atlanta Falcons
2 of 32
QB Matt Ryan
Atlanta has the hottest offense in the NFC, leading the conference in scoring. Matt Ryan is second in the league in passing yards with 1,263 and has 10 touchdown passes to go along with them. Ryan has gotten plenty of offensive players involved in Julio Jones, Devin Hester, Roddy White and Harry Douglas, hence the high-scoring success.
LB Paul Worrilow
Despite struggling defensively, Paul Worrilow has been a bright spot for the Atlanta Falcons. He is second in the NFL in tackles with 44 and also forced a fumble during Atlanta’s big 56-14 win over Tampa Bay. With an unbalanced start, Worrilow is a player the defense can build around to try and improve.
Baltimore Ravens
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WR Steve Smith
Joe Flacco deserves a lot of credit for how he’s rebounded this year, but Steve Smith’s name made it on this list by proving he has still got it after being released by the Carolina Panthers this past year. Already on pace to surpass his numbers from 2013, Smith is third in the league in receiving yards with 429 while also catching three touchdown passes.
OLB Elvis Dumervil
In his second year with the Baltimore Ravens, Elvis Dumervil continues to make his presence known. In his ninth season, Dumervil is on pace to have double-digit sacks after coming up with multi-sack games twice already in 2014. Dumervil owns 3.5 of the four sacks Baltimore has collected.
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Buffalo Bills
4 of 32
RB Fred Jackson
Despite all of the issues at the quarterback position, Fred Jackson has remained consistent during Buffalo’s 2-2 start. Jackson has rushed for 152 yards and has 170 receiving yards while moving the chains 15 times for the Bills. He could be a bigger threat if the offense does well with Kyle Orton under center.
CB Leodis McKelvin
When you look at the four games together, Buffalo’s defense has played above average in not allowing a lot of scoring plays. Leodis McKelvin has stepped up in grabbing two of the five interceptions by Buffalo in addition to playing good defense.
Carolina Panthers
5 of 32
QB Cam Newton
Cam Newton looks a little bit different than what we saw from him in the past three years, making very few plays with his feet. After missing the season opener, Newton completed 64 percent of his passes, on pace for a career high in a season, while committing no turnovers.
ILB Luke Kuechly
After leading the league in tackles his rookie season and finishing in the top five the following year, Luke Kuechly leads the NFL in tackles to start off 2014. As one of the best defensive players in the NFL, he currently has 46 tackles and has been a big building block for Carolina.
Chicago Bears
6 of 32
QB Jay Cutler
Jay Cutler has plenty of weapons surrounding him in Chicago, with viable targets in each direction. Cutler ties for second in the NFL in touchdown passes with 10 while distributing the ball, getting all the pass-catchers involved.
DE Willie Young
Jared Allen wasn’t the only newly acquired defensive end for the Chicago Bears. In fact, Willie Young, coming from Detroit, has been more effective on defense. He leads the team in sacks with four, already a career high for most in a season.
Cincinnati Bengals
7 of 32
RB Giovani Bernard
Perhaps this pick is a surprise on the list, but Andy Dalton has thrown just two touchdowns (and caught one on a trick play) so far on the season. But the Bengals have gotten some big plays from Giovani Bernard, who picked up 18 first downs so far for the offense and has three touchdowns on the ground.
DE Carlos Dunlap
Carlos Dunlap has always been a key pass-rusher for the Bengals while still seeking double-digit sacks. However, Dunlap could be on his way to double-digit sacks after collecting one in each of the three games. His ability to rush the passer has even helped Bengals defensive backs.
Cleveland Browns
8 of 32
QB Brian Hoyer
Starting 1-2 is never a good thing, but Cleveland has lost by a combined five points in its two defeats. Despite drafting Johnny Manziel, Brian Hoyer has managed to do well under center, throwing three touchdown passes and having yet to commit a turnover.
FS Tashaun Gipson
Cleveland has gone up against some strong offenses. At best, it has played average against those teams. But Tashaun Gipson has managed to get the best of some quarterbacks, as he has been the team’s best defender with two interceptions, including a 62-yard interception return for a touchdown.
Dallas Cowboys
9 of 32
Tony Romo is playing pretty well this season with a 70 percent completion rate, but you have to give DeMarco Murray a lot of love. He leads the league in rushing with 534, and it is not even close between the leader and the second-highest rusher, as he's lifted the Cowboys offense.
ILB Rolando McClain
Rolando McClain has appeared in only three of Dallas’ four games, yet he’s had a hand in nearly every part of the defense. He’s gotten a sack, forced a fumble and had an interception in three games as he looks to bounce back in 2014.
Denver Broncos
10 of 32
It should certainly not be a surprise to anyone that Peyton Manning made this list for Denver. With eight touchdown passes, just one interception and a more respectable match against the Seattle Seahawks, Manning always finds a way to get everyone involved.
DE DeMarcus Ware
DeMarcus Ware was one of the biggest offseason acquisitions by an NFL team, and he has been good for the Broncos so far this year. He leads a strong pass rush with 2.5 sacks and also has a forced fumble to go along with his nice start.
Detroit Lions
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Averaging just 3.1 yards per carry, the Detroit Lions have relied more on their passing game, which has delivered well. Standing at 3-1 atop the NFC North, Stafford is fourth in the league in passing yards with 1,176. He has plenty of viable targets to throw to, which will continue to make Detroit a threat on offense.
OLB DeAndre Levy
Coming off a season soaring as one of the best linebackers in the league, DeAndre Levy has made a major impact for the Lions this year. As the leader in tackles (38) and tackles for a loss (six), Levy also has an interception, benefiting Detroit’s defense.
Green Bay Packers
12 of 32
After a rocky 1-2 start to the season, Aaron Rodgers remained calm and came out strong last week against Chicago. Rodgers has thrown nine touchdowns on the year, including four against the Bears last week. He has not thrown an interception since the NFL’s season opener.
OLB Clay Matthews
Clay Matthews has been the heart and soul of this defense since he joined in 2009. So far this year, he's recorded a sack, forced a fumble and had an interception and a pair of tackles for a loss to help Green Bay's defense.
Houston Texans
13 of 32
WR DeAndre Hopkins
With a new quarterback under center for the Texans, DeAndre Hopkins is surging as a big playmaker in his second season. He already owns more touchdowns this year with three than he did his rookie season with two, along with 291 receiving yards so far through Houston’s 3-1 start.
DE J.J. Watt
J.J. Watt’s two sacks aren’t enough to describe the kind of force he’s been. An offensive and defensive touchdown puts him second on the team in scoring outside of kicker Randy Bullock. Watt also has a block on the season. He’s making plays everywhere for Houston and is a strong early candidate for Defensive Player of the Year.
Indianapolis Colts
14 of 32
QB Andrew Luck
Despite a grueling 0-2 start to kick off the season, Andrew Luck has turned it up in the last two games for Indianapolis, throwing four touchdowns in each of the last two weeks, giving him 13 on the season. He leads the league in passing yards and touchdowns.
ILB D’Qwell Jackson
In his first season with Indianapolis and as one of the leaders on defense, D’Qwell Jackson leads the team in tackles and sacks. The nine-year veteran, who spent eight seasons with the Browns, is on pace to set single-season career highs in sacks and forced fumbles.
Jacksonville Jaguars
15 of 32
WR Allen Hurns
Even as a rookie who has been hurt a little bit early on, Allen Hurns has been the only bright spot offensively for the Jaguars. Shining in his NFL debut, he’s one of the top rookie receivers in the league with 12 catches for 254 yards and three touchdowns. Things don’t look good now in Jacksonville, but to build for the future, the Jaguars have a cornerstone franchise player in Hurns.
DT Sen’Derrick Marks
Sen’Derrick Marks played for the Jaguars for the first time last year after spending four years in Tennessee. He saw career highs in a couple of categories and is on pace to do better than last year. He has two sacks in four games this season, half of what he had all of 2013. If he keeps this up, he becomes a key player on a struggling defense.
Kansas City Chiefs
16 of 32
QB Alex Smith
Alex Smith got off to a shaky start in Week 1, throwing three interceptions. Since that week, he has not thrown an interception and is coming off back-to-back games in which he’s thrown three touchdown passes. Despite a myriad of injuries, Smith has helped the Chiefs improve to 2-2.
OLB Justin Houston
The Kansas City Chiefs have two scary Pro Bowl outside linebackers. Justin Houston is just one half of a dangerous tandem, combining for eight sacks so far. Houston is tied first in the NFL for five sacks and has forced plenty of hurried passes.
Miami Dolphins
17 of 32
WR Mike Wallace
Lamar Miller has been a big asset on the ground, but Miami is getting some big production from Mike Wallace. Wallace has scored a touchdown grab in three games, which has helped Miami stay on top of the AFC East.
OLB Jelani Jenkins
With 38 tackles altogether in 2014, Jelani Jenkins ranks sixth while leading the team. He’s been productive for the Dolphins against the run and also has gotten to the quarterback with 1.5 sacks so far.
Minnesota Vikings
18 of 32
RB Matt Asiata
Although Adrian Peterson is currently inactive, Matt Asiata has filled in well to help the Vikings on the ground and through the air. He has 270 yards of total offense and has scored four touchdowns on the season. The Vikings hope he and Teddy Bridgewater can flip the script and compete in the NFC North.
FS Harrison Smith
Harrison Smith has managed to make plays all across on the field. While getting a sack and a pair of interceptions, including one taken back 81 yards for a touchdown, Smith is fourth on the team in tackles. The Vikings haven’t been able to contain offenses, but Smith has been a bright spot for them.
New England Patriots
19 of 32
QB Tom Brady
Granted he had a really bad game on Monday Night Football and has had a rough start to 2014, but you can never count him out. If the Patriots want a quarterback to help them bounce back, Brady is the perfect guy for the job. His 59 percent completion percentage and 79.1 quarterback rating is low, but he will get things going in the right direction.
DE Chandler Jones
Chandler Jones has rose to the occasion over the past two years with the Patriots and is on track to do better this season. He leads the team in sacks with 2.5 and also has a block to go along with his impressive defensive start.
New Orleans Saints
20 of 32
TE Jimmy Graham
Jimmy Graham has been quarterback Drew Brees’ biggest target since 2011. After a single-season career-high 16 touchdown receptions in 2013, Graham is already off to a fast start with three touchdown grabs. As the Saints are off to a slow 1-3 start to the year, Graham and Brees will look to pick up the intensity to help the Saints be more competitive.
OLB Junior Galette
Junior Galette had a career year in 2013 when he collected 12 sacks, more than any season he’s had combined. With a lackluster defense, Galette is one of the very few bright spots on the team, collecting 40 percent of the team’s sack total.
New York Giants
21 of 32
TE Larry Donnell
Larry Donnell has more touchdown catches this year than he had total receptions as a rookie last season. Donnell’s four touchdowns have made him quietly one of the top tight ends in the league. He is seventh in receptions with 25 and fifth in touchdown grabs.
CB Prince Amukamara
In his three years out of Nebraska, Prince Amukamara had three interceptions coming into this season. This year, he’s close to already matching his career total, as he has two picks while also leading the team in tackles.
New York Jets
22 of 32
RB Chris Ivory
New York’s offense has been quiet this year as Geno Smith has struggled. However, Chris Ivory comes through any time his number is called. He has a 5.5 yards-per-carry average while carrying the ball 50 times for 274 yards and two touchdown scores. If the Jets can’t fix their passing woes, Ivory could see more touches on offense.
DE Muhammad Wilkerson
Muhammad Wilkerson is becoming one of the better defensive linemen in the league after he had 10.5 sacks last year. He’s already collected three sacks and has played well against the run, trying to lift the Jets in any way he can.
Oakland Raiders
23 of 32
WR James Jones
Even with his three fumbles against Houston, James Jones is still the only player worth mentioning on Oakland’s roster right now. He’s done his best to help rookie quarterback Derek Carr, while catching 21 passes for 272 yards and two touchdowns.
FS Charles Woodson
The Raiders took a big blow losing Tyvon Branch to injury and now rely more on Charles Woodson, a 17-year veteran who has played for the Raiders for 10 seasons combined on two different stints.
Philadelphia Eagles
24 of 32
QB Nick Foles
The Eagles have a dynamic offense with plenty of weapons across on the line of scrimmage and in the backfield. Nick Foles, who’s fifth in the league in passing yards, is one of the more fortunate quarterbacks in the league. If he improves on his 58 percent completion rate, Philadelphia will be hard to stop.
FS Malcolm Jenkins
A change of scenery seems to have made a big difference for Malcolm Jenkins. Jenkins has three interceptions, already the most he’s had in a season, as he ties first with Kyle Fuller in the NFL.
Pittsburgh Steelers
25 of 32
Out of Ben Roethlisberger’s six touchdown passes, five of them have gone to Antonio Brown. Brown is one of four players tying first for most touchdown receptions while also placing fourth in receiving yards with 427.
Even in his 12th year in the league, Troy Polamalu remains as one of the best defensive players and more aggressive, hard-hitting safeties in the league. He is currently second on the team in tackles with 28 while being a mentor for the younger defensive backs on the team.
San Diego Chargers
26 of 32
QB Philip Rivers
Since Mike McCoy has become the head coach of the San Diego Chargers, Philip Rivers’ numbers have gone up. With nine touchdowns and just one interception, Rivers places in the top six in touchdowns, completion percentage, passing yards and has the best quarterback rating with a 114.5.
ILB Donald Butler
Donald Butler got off to a slow start with the Chargers this year, but his total tackles have gone up each game. He currently leads the team in tackles with 24 and also has two fumble recoveries to help the defense.
San Francisco 49ers
27 of 32
Colin Kaepernick has a lot of reliable players around him and has been successful getting them involved. In addition, he’s made plays with his feet, as he’s ran for 187 yards, the most by a quarterback so far this year.
DE Justin Smith
San Francisco has a lot of talent all across the board on defense. Justin Smith is off to one of the fastest starts in his 14-year career with three sacks. He’s never had double-digit sacks in his career. As he told The Cincinnati Enquirer's Mark Curnutte back in 2002, the former Missouri Tiger would like to capture that milestone. And he has a legitimate shot this season.
Seattle Seahawks
28 of 32
Russell Wilson hasn’t dominated statistically, but he’s the most successful quarterback from the 2012 draft class. With a 69 percent completion rate, Wilson has six touchdowns and just one interception with the third-best quarterback rating in the league at 108.9.
CB Richard Sherman
After back-to-back eight-interception seasons, Richard Sherman has turned into the most feared cornerback in the league. In the season opener, Aaron Rodgers threw in his direction zero times. Statistically, Sherman has been very quiet. At the same time, Sherman has silenced opposing wide receivers for most of this year, giving them very few chances to make plays.
St. Louis Rams
29 of 32
WR Brian Quick
Although the Rams are without Sam Bradford, it hasn’t set Brian Quick back. Quick has 16 catches for 235 yards and a touchdown during St. Louis’ 1-2 start. Coming off a bye, Quick will be looking to improve his on-field chemistry with quarterback Austin Davis.
DT Aaron Donald
Rookie Aaron Donald is one of the few bright spots on the team. He has the Rams’ only sack with four tackles for a loss to go along with his impressive rookie year.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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WR Vincent Jackson
It is never easy for a receiver to adjust to a different quarterback, as Josh McCown has been injured. But Vincent Jackson has managed to hang in there and help Tampa Bay’s offense. He has 13 catches for 134 yards and two catches in the end zone with Mike Glennon and McCown under center.
OLB Lavonte David
Lavonte David is off to another good start with the Buccaneers. David leads the team in tackles with 38, putting him sixth in the league, and he also has eight tackles for a loss along with two forced fumbles.
Tennessee Titans
31 of 32
TE Delanie Walker
After joining the Titans last year and having the best season of his career, Delanie Walker is on pace to surpass last season’s success. All three of Jake Locker’s touchdown passes have gone to Walker, as Walker is 10th in touchdowns and 10th in receiving yards with 317.
FS Michael Griffin
Michael Griffin had a very quiet 2013 season and wants to put that behind him. So far, he’s managed to do so with an interception and 23 recorded tackles, the second most on the team.
Washington Redskins
32 of 32
With Washington’s mess at the quarterback spot, Alfred Morris has tried to become a bright spot for the Redskins. He’s fifth in the NFL in rushing yards with 316 and has three touchdowns to go along with his strong running game to start this season.
OLB Ryan Kerrigan
Washington’s defense has seen success in rushing the passer with its front seven. Ryan Kerrigan has led the way with five sacks for the team, which ties for first in the NFL. Kerrigan also has a forced fumble this season while terrorizing quarterbacks.
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