It’s hard to believe but the first quarter of the NFL season has already passed, and it has been full of excitement. From familiar faces dominating the league to new, young exciting stars taking the league by storm, we have seen many players have amazing starts to the season and contribute meaningfully to their team winning games. There have been a few teams and players that have stood out with how well they have performed compared to their expectations. Here are a few of the biggest surprises this season and how they have been able to defy all expectations.
Sam Darnold and the Panthers
Without a doubt, the Panthers early season success has been the biggest surprise in the league. The analysts and scouts appear to have been right about Darnold just needing a change of scenery, because ever since he stepped on the scene for Carolina, he has played phenomenally. Through the first four games, he has helped lead the Panthers to a 3-1 record, thrown for 1,189 yards (more than half of last year’s total passing yards), and has become a rushing threat by rushing for five touchdowns, which currently leads the league. He has also found a new favorite target in DJ Moore, who is also in the midst of a breakout season. Moore is in the top five of receiving yards with 398 yards for the year and has three touchdowns. He is finally living up to his billing of a number one receiver. and he and Darnold both have shown no signs of slowing down. Darnold is making the Jets look real foolish for the way they “developed” him, and has proved many of the doubters including myself wrong.
The Panthers also have one of the league’s best defenses so far, and they just acquired Stephon Gilmore to add to their riches. Their secondary took a hit losing Jaycee Horn for the season, and his leadership presence and lockdown defense will go a long way for their squad. Although the Panthers defense faced a tough challenge against the Cowboys (a top offense in the league), they were the top ranked defense the first three weeks. They had the least amount of yards and points allowed per game, and led the league in sacks and quarterback hits. Brian Burns and Hasson Reddick have given this defense a new identity as one to be reckoned with and to fear every Sunday.
Trevon Diggs
The league knew that Trevon Diggs was a promising young player in the Dallas secondary, but nobody predicted the huge jump he has made in year two. Diggs has been a top corner in the league so far. He has gotten an interception in every single game so far, and currently leads the league with five interceptions. He is one of only three players ever to start with an interception in each game for the first four weeks, and is halfway to the all time record of eight consecutive games with an interception. Diggs’ emergence has been huge for the rebuilding Cowboys defense, and he has quickly become an elite building block for the previously weak secondary.
Kyler Murray
Everyone has known that Kyler Murray is a good, promising young quarterback, but his first two seasons he faced battles with inconsistency and questionable coaching decisions that held him back from making the jump from pretty good to elite. So far in year three, he has finally taken that next step. He is currently a favorite in the MVP conversation. The Arizona Cardinals are currently the league’s last unbeaten team, and while the defense has played a huge part in making them elite, Kyler Murray deserves his share of love for making this team the league’s best. Kyler has 1,273 passing yards, thrown nine touchdowns and has three rushing touchdowns throughout the first four weeks. His big win against the Rams and their elite defense last week proved his first three weeks were no fluke, as he had a 75% completion percentage (24/32), and threw for 268 yards and two touchdowns to secure the 37-20 victory on the road. He has played a huge part in making the Arizona offense electric and has shown zero signs of slowing down anytime soon. He is my personal pick to win the MVP award barring any unforeseen injuries.
These are my top three biggest surprises this season, and I personally think that Darnold, Diggs and Kyler are all the real deal. I think they are all on their way to career years, and I am excited to see what they can do for the remainder of the season.
Which players do you think I snubbed from the list? Let me know in the comments.