NFL Week 4: 5 Things A Rookie Fan Learnt

The NFL is unbelievable.

I never thought I'd say this in my entire life, but here I am. On the day of the new 2011 regular season, I decided to learn all about the highest average attended sport in the world, and it seems it was a great decision.

After staying up late (UK) watching the updates of the Indianapolis Colts vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers last night, I learnt even the most basic games on paper can be more exciting than soccer.

LeGarrette Blount's touchdown to win the game for the Bucs yesterday had me leaping for joy! But that's probably because he is on my NFL.com fantasy football team.

Here are five things a rookie NFL fan learnt from this weekends action.

*NB: I'm learning the game in a proactive manner through writing. If my words are misguided, feel free to correct me, all knowledge is welcome. Please, please enlighten!

Eric Decker and LeGarrette Blount Are Horribly Inconsisent

First point of talking for me is in light of LeGarrette Blount's winning touchdown last night. I've seen increasing amounts of comments regarding the subject of the NFL becoming a very pass-orientated league.

But Blount came up big last night with 127 rush yards and a touchdown. In Week 2, he hit 71 yards with two touchdowns, but the other two weeks play...left Bucs fans and fantasy owners disappointed with pitiful totals.

Eric Decker paints a similar story. Big scores in Weeks 2 and 4, less than impressive in Weeks 1 and 3. Even this weekend, his receiving yards were low, but he compensated with two touchdowns.

It leads me to believe that both Decker and Blount are inconsistent performers. They are both 24, and so have not been pro for too long. Could this perceived inconsistency come down to relative inexperience?

Shonn Greene Isn't Doing the Business

Considering Shonn Greene was announced as the starting running back for the New York Jets this season, his totals are, quite simply, poor.

I'm sure much more was expected of Greene than 157 rush yards from four games. Averaging 39 yards per game isn't what Jets fans or fantasy owners will have envisioned considering the circumstances.

I was led to believe Greene would come up OK this season, and he's certainly been on my bench all year so far.

He lines up against the New England Patriots in Week 5—and although they are divisional opponents and boast a strong record, their defense has been rather porous so far this year. 

Perhaps Greene has his breakout game against the Patriots?

Tony Romo Is an Interception Magnet

Much has been made of the Detroit Lions start to this season. Going into the game against the Dallas Cowboys they were, to many peoples disbelief, 3-0. On the back of an incredible OT comeback in the previous week, few expected the Lions to pull off another one.

Down 20-3 at halftime, Calvin Johnson instigated an unbelievable comeback. Despite him taking another two touchdowns and tying the record for consecutive TDs in a stretch of four games, it was Tony Romo who really implemented the comeback.

The Cowboys were long, long gone in this game with points in the bag until Romo threw two costly interceptions resulting in a turnover in play. The Lions used this as a platform to win the third quarter and score 17 without reply in the fourth—resulting in a 4-0 record for the Lions.

Romo has thrown five interceptions already this season—is it the same old, same old for the Cowboys?

Jordy Nelson Looks a Great No. 2 Wide Receiver

Jordy Nelson is developing into what looks like a very talented No. 2 wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers.

With Aaron Rodgers throwing, you must feel blessed as a wide receiver in the NFL. If it wasn't for a friend of mine bleating about Nelson for several weeks now, I would have dismissed him—how wrong could I have been.

Three receiving touchdowns, 292 receiving yards and a vital element of consistency means Nelson is only surpassed by the formidable Greg Jennings in the ranking of preference for Rodgers.

The Packers look in fantastic shape with a real opportunity to retain the Super Bowl—could Jordy Nelson play a big part in this?

Calvin Johnson Is Absolutely Incredible

It seems there's nothing "Megatron" can't catch. He really is unbelievable.

As a starter in the NFL world, I took the loyal decision of supporting the Cleveland Browns. I support English soccer team Aston Villa and Randy Lerner owns them both, so, the correlation was simple.

But I'm developing a soft spot for the Detroit Lions at the moment, and it's not because they are in a surprise 4-0 position. It's because of this guy.

In my mind, he's the best wide receiver in the league right now, and there's not too many who will object to that statement. Two touchdowns in his next game and he breaks an NFL record, and there's no doubt it would be justly deserved if he manages it. Anyone willing to bet he won't?