Biggest Surprises of the 2022 NFL Season So Far
With just four games in the bag so far this season, we have already seen several surprises in the league. The league has everything from incredible performances to some of the most abysmal defending we have seen in ages.
If you dabble in NFL betting, are a keen fan, or are a casual viewer, you have probably spotted some of these performances. If not, here are a few of the biggest surprises in the NFL so far this season.
The Dolphins
Up until a few days ago, the Dolphins were riding high. They are currently 3-1 and are at the top of the AFC East along with the Bills. With almost 100 points to their name already, it looks like the Dolphins could finally be the competitive team their fans have longed for.
However, a devastating injury to QB Tua Tagovailoa could possibly be the thing that derails this amazing start. He is currently in concussion protocol and has even received advice to retire. If he doesn’t make it back onto the field, there is still a chance backup QB Teddy Bridgewater can keep the momentum going.
The Patriots
For a team that finished second in the AFC East and lost to the Bills in the Wildcard playoffs, it is a shock that the Patriots are currently 1-3 and last in the East. Considering they have one of the best QBs in the game, Mac Jones, no one saw this coming.
Losses to the Dolphins, Ravens, and Packers have dug them into a hole, and with the very strong Lions on the horizon, they will be lucky to make the playoffs again.
The Eagles
Nobody would have predicted that the Eagles would be the only unbeaten team in the league so far. The team from Philadelphia had a very average 2021/22 season but is now undoubtedly the team to beat, and the team opponents should be the most worried about.
Jalen Hurts is proving to be one of the best young QBs in the league, and the addition of Haason Reddick at OLB has been a great bit of business. With the defensively weak Cardinals and the lowly Cowboys, Steelers, Texans, and Commanders coming in the next few weeks, the Eagles could be 9-0 by mid-November.
The Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions have been one of the worst teams in the entire league for a few seasons now. While their current record of 1-3 isn’t great, they are showing signs of turning the tide, most notably, actually being able to put points on the board.
Their three losses were only by a combined 10 points; they have also managed to score 140, with 18 touchdowns. While they may not make it to the playoffs this season, they are showing tremendous promise for a team that went 3-13 last season and 5-11 in 2020.
Jalen Hurts
He has been mentioned already, but many are starting to believe in the Jalen Hurts project. He didn’t fill the shoes of Carson Wentz last season, but now he is looking like he was born to play QB.
He is finding passes and touchdowns seemingly with his eyes closed and has turned the Eagles’ offense into one of the most formidable units in the league. He is also keeping them on the winning side away from home, a big job for a young man only in his second season.
Curtis Samuel
The Washington Commanders are simply not a very good team at the moment. Carson Wentz does not fit into the team as he should, and the rest of the offense is suffering. However, there is a standout light at the end of the tunnel.
WR Curtis Samuel, along with Antonio Gibson, is giving their team the best chance to score almost every time they make a run. Samuel can carry and receive, can definitely gain yards, and can score when given the opportunity. If the Commanders are able to build a better team, Samuel could be the go-to man in the coming seasons.
Cardinals Defense
For a team that has historically been so relatively decent in defense, it is a shock to see just how bad the Cardinals’ D-line is. Currently 2-2, along with the other three teams in the NFC West, the Cardinals need to make major changes if they are to get close to a playoff spot.
Currently, it isn’t the end of the world, considering the rest of their division isn’t too hot either, but the 48ers and Rams will fire up and get going soon. If the pass defense of the Cardinals remains just as poor, they will leak points like a dam in the coming weeks. Their next game against the Eagles is crucial, already this early on in the season.