NFL: Detroit, Washington, Green Bay and Teams Winning Without Big Free Agents

The Philadelphia Eagles dream team is having a nightmare season.

They were the offseason champions bringing in big name free agents, including Nnamdi Asomugha, Cullen Jenkins, Jason Babin, Steve Smith, Ryan Harris, Ronnie Brown and Vince Young. They re-signed Michael Vick to a monster contract and traded away Kevin Kolb for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and appeared to be set.

It seemed that Andy Reid would plow over the competition and march seamlessly into the Super Bowl with the amount of talent on the field. They were the offseason champions in the NFL. They signed some big-name players and got all of the hype and media frenzy that came with it.

Too bad hype and media attention don't win football games. The NFL isn't fantasy football, where a collection of stars equates to more points.

If that were the case, then Dan Snyder's Washington Redskins would be the greatest dynasty in football.

Chemistry is the most undervalued criteria for great teams when they are ranked in the offseason. Following a lockout, it makes logical sense that making drastic changes and bringing in multiple superstars and personalities into a locker room is not good for a team in contention.

When you look at the vast majority of Super Bowl champions they all have a common theme. They are teams that build through the draft and supplement with free agents. Teams don't win the Super Bowl by building a team of big-name players

Here are five teams starting the season with success because they didn't go crazy in the offseason.

5. Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers have started the 2011 NFL season 4-0 without a single big name addition to the roster. Actually, they are winning after the loss Cullen Jenkins and Nick Barnett from their defense.

It is not as big of a deal for the defending Super Bowl champions to not make waves in the offseason, but it still shows that a team united can continue to excel. The talent level on the Packers was developed over time. Even past acquisitions, like Charles Woodson, were with the team for years before their championship season.

4. San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers lead the NFC West with a surprising 3-1 start to the season.

I know the NFC West has been the doormat of the NFL, but it is still quite the accomplishment for a team that hasn't sniffed success in years. Their rushing defense is currently ranked fourth in the NFL, holding teams to 79 yards per game.

Fans of the 49ers were very critical that the team's biggest acquisitions were Braylon Edwards at receiver and David Akers, the kicker from the Eagles. Most of the criticism was in the fact that they kept Alex Smith as the starting quarterback.

The team still has areas they can improve, but they are overcoming their shortfalls. They have started the season with a spark, and the team is beginning to look more like a contender under Jim Harbaugh than they have since the early Steve Mariucci years.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers biggest offseason addition was their punter, Michael Koenen.

The team upset some fans when they didn't sign new players to compliment the team that just missed the playoffs in 2010, despite compiling a 10-6 record. Instead, they parted ways with Barrett Ruud and Cadillac Williams.

It didn't seem logical to have a rookie like Mason Foster starting at middle linebacker, but, so far this season, it is working for Raheem Morris' squad. The team has improved its rushing defense to 11th in the NFL, and the offense is still making strides against a tougher schedule than they had last season.

They are sticking to their culture of retaining talent and having a "next man up" mentality. So far, it is paying off, as they are tied with the New Orleans Saints for the NFC South lead at 3-1.

2. Washington Redskins

The Washington Redskins had a very uncharacteristic offseason for Dan Snyder's team. Normally, they are the team that spends without regard for scheme or chemistry.

This year, they trimmed the fat and overrated by saying goodbye to Albert Haynesworth and Donovan McNabb. Rex Grossman is not a better football player than McNabb, but he is better under Mike Shanahan's system.

Now they are sitting on top of the NFC East with a 3-1 record. They are currently the sixth best rushing team in the NFL and boast the fifth best defense.

This is a team that can make a good run and surprise some people when they are still playing after the regular season has come to a halt.

1. Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions have been in the basement of the NFL for quite some time. Now they find themselves undefeated with a 4-0 record.

That's largely in part to the development of Matt Stafford, Calvin Johnson and their seventh-ranked passing offense. The Lions drafted both players and have continued to add the necessary pieces around them to build a team that can compete.

They made some additions in the offseason through free agency, but none of them were the players that make big splashes on headlines.

The Lions strength comes through the talent on the roster and the adversity that they have worked through as an organization. The hurdles they have overcome are part of what is making their phenomenal start possible as a franchise.

Jamal Wilburg is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report.

Follow his thoughts, insights, and ramblings on Twitter @JWilburg