5 Things That Have Shocked Us in the NFL This Year

Through five weeks, the NFL hasn't disappointed one bit. Regardless of the slate of games on hand, there is always three or four good ones that go down to the wire. 

The same could be said for the early games on Sunday. We saw the Carolina Panthers stand toe-to-toe with the New Orleans Saints, the Houston Texans almost complete a comeback against the Oakland Raiders and the Buffalo Bills hold off the Philadelphia Eagles. 

Instead of focusing on Week 5, I'm going to take a look at the season as a whole. There have been plenty of things that have transpired that were unexpected so far.

Here are five things that have shocked us all in the NFL this yearwell, most of us. 

Cam Newton

Nobody saw this coming this fast for Newton. Yes, the Panthers may be 1-4, but he has been absolutely terrific for Carolina early on. The Panthers went 2-14 a year ago and couldn't have been any more boring of a team. But Newton has changed the atmosphere in Carolina and has done so in just five games.

It started with back-to-back 400-yard passing performances, which took everyone by surprise. The play of Newton has led many to backtrack on negative comments about his ability to lead an NFL team. No longer are people asking if he can be a franchise quarterback, but instead focusing on how great he can be.

There's a lot to like about Newton going forward, yet the trait that is most impressive is his composure. Despite throwing a couple of costly interceptions in his rookie season, he has never let it rattle him and affect him the rest of the game. 

The play of Newton is definitely one of the biggest shockers of the season thus far.

The Collapse of the Philadelphia Eagles

Who would have thought the formerly named "Dream Team" would start the season 1-4? Even if you weren't buying into Michael Vick and the Eagles there's no way that anyone saw the collapse of the Eagles coming. 

There are plenty of reasons why Philadelphia has struggled, but none are acceptable. The talent level that is on this squad is in the top five in the NFL, yet they have played like one of the worst teams in the league. 

Vick has regressed as a passer this season, and he looks overwhelmed in the pocket. The defense has been even worse, which is puzzling considering the additions of Cullen Jenkins, Jason Babin and Nnamdi Asomugha. 

Chemistry issues were to be expected, but the struggles of the defense go past getting to know the system and one another. 

The Buffalo Bills

The Bills improved to 4-1 on the season with a win over the Eagles on Sunday. Buffalo was competitive last year but unable to close out games. That has changed this year, as the Bills have comeback to beat the New England Patriots already and held onto a close win over Oakland. 

After a disappointing loss to Cincinnati in Week 4, the Bills responded in beating the Eagles in a game in which many felt that Philadelphia would bounce back. Instead, Buffalo won its fourth game of the season and looks like a legitimate playoff contender.  

Now the Bills will travel next week to New York, where they will take on the Giants.

Passing Yards from Quarterbacks

To say that the NFL has changed from a running league to a passing league would be the understatement of the century. As of now, there are seven passers that are averaging over 300 yards a game, and Tom Brady, along with a few others, are on pace to break Dan Marino's single-season yardage record.

Rule changes over the years have allowed offensive players more of an advantage and forced defensive players to be less physical. It has led to more points being scored and gaudy statistics from quarterbacks.

Don't expect this trend to stop until the NFL allows defensive players to clutch and grab a bit more than they currently are.

The Rise of the San Francisco 49ers

Jim Harbaugh has made an instant impact and has the Niners looking like a playoff team. Regardless of the weak division that they play in, San Francisco looks like it could compete in any division right now.

Alex Smith isn't being asked to be spectacular, Frank Gore is playing well and the Niners' defense has been fantastic. If it weren't for a late game collapse against the Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco would be 5-0.

As long as the defense continues to play at a high level the 49ers will be a load to handle the rest of the way.