After 5 weeks in the SFL there are a few teams that are starting to change the narrative on the season. New team formulas, hot starts, and gameplans are starting to change the outlook on these three franchises.
Arizona Cardinals
They were the bell of the ball when we evaluated the SFL 2003 draft and we are seeing the seeds of success starting to grow. Carson Palmer is a big reason why. Leading all rookie quarterbacks with 11 TDs in the first 5 weeks, but big change has been eliminating sacks. After taking 4 sacks in week 2 vs the Seattle Seahawks, the Cardinals O line has provided protection. Notably keeping the all-pro D line of Str Louis to 1 sack in the game. I was unconvinced at the beginning of the year that you could protect a low AWR QB with an O line that averages 77 OVR, but I?m proven wrong and the cardinals are looking really good right now. Chris McIntosh is playing WAY above his 67 OVR.
The other addition has been Chris Brown. Another bright spot on this offense, Brown might not be the fastest, but he fits the ideal for Tyler?s team. I remember a previous article where Tyler?s rebuttal fit Brown?s 6.2? 200+ shape. His performance is showing that it might be the ideal shape for the game?s HB.
These two offensive powerhouse have been enough to win out vs their opponents, and though the schedule favors the Cardinals their win vs the Super Bowl winning Rams has turned heads there might be something happening in Arizona.
Miami Dolphins
Completely overshadowed by the other teams in the AFC East, the Miami Dolphins deserve more recognition. After some big roster movements this year?s Miami Dolphins is a new beast. New GM Daren Roberts has shown he can gameplan a winning playbook. Scanning the stat leaders in the SFL you?ll see the dolphins barely cracking the top ten. There is not one super standout on this team to point at and block. It hasn?t always been pretty games, but this team is getting it done on both sides of the ball.
Their most notable win has been vs. the NY Giants. A bit of a fluke win, but held the Giants to 147 passing and 73 rushing. RE Tyler Brayton stepped up with 6 tackles in this game.
Through 5 weeks the team sits at 3-1 ahead of last years AFC east champion the New England Patriots. At the beginning of the year, we thought there might be some punch to the dolphins with a new GM, but I?m convinced there is a change in Miami.
Cincinnatti Bangals
We should be embarrassed that we didn?t talk more about the Bangals before the start of the season. There was some real playoff hype last year. This year, that same energy continues to pop in the first 5 weeks. John Kitna is leading the offense with 11 TDs, but rookie Angelo Crowell is leading the league with tackles. We talk about Carson Palmer being the pick of the draft, we might have overlooked the 12th pick MLB Angelo Crowell.
Right now the Bangles are starting to click and we?re seeing the potential of last year starting to shine. I will admit, their schedule has been a softer start, I won?t deny their win in week 1 vs the Denver Broncos had me interested. The Bangles might be playing for a wildcard spot come December.
What teams are surprising you most? What team did I miss?
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