Is this 2007 or 2023? It’s hard to believe we are less than a year removed from the 2006 season after watching the NFL over these first 4 weeks.
The Philadelphia Eagles, San Diego Chargers, and New Orleans Saints are all cellar dwellers heading into week 5 action.
Weird. But, don't worry, it gets weirder.
The Green Bay Packers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Oakland Raiders are all leading their divisions.
I told you it would get weirder.
The 6 teams that drafted first in April, typically perennial losers, are a combined 14-9 and all of them are .500 or better.
The bottom 6 teams in the draft, typically regular winners, are a combined 10-13 (although the 49ers weren’t in the bottom 6 based on their wins and losses from 2006).
Regardless, the NFL has to be loving this. More teams are in the mix than ever before. It’s October and fans in Houston, Cleveland, Detroit, and Arizona ALL still have hope for a playoff berth. It’s been so long since these teams have won ANYTHING, their younger fans have probably never watched football after September. They’ll be in for a surprise when they find out how long the season lasts.
Even the strengths of the individual teams seem to be upside down this year. The Bears defense is no longer dominant. Either is the Dolphins. The worst offenses in the league now include the Rams, Saints, and Chargers?
Huh?
Even individual players appear to be confused as to their place in society. Larry Johnson and Ladanian Tomlinson are both healthy and are well BEHIND guys named Chris Brown and Derrick Ward in rushing yards ………….. who the heck is Derrick Ward? Didn’t he start the season as the 7th string running back of the Giants?
Drew Brees and Marc Bulger both look more like Ryan Leaf than, well, Drew Brees and Marc Bulger. Among the top QB’s in the league this year? …… David Garrard and Joey Harrington …………… Joey Harrington?
It’s official, we’re all in the twilight zone.
Granted, the season has just begun, but it is shaping up to be one of the strangest in years. If you’re someone who doesn’t like change, never fear ........... don't stick your head in the sand ........... there appears to be one consistency that has not changed…………. the Patriots and Colts are headed towards another collision course in the playoffs.
