9 Remain, Whos For Real?

By: Jake

There are still 9 teams undefeated going into tonight MNF game (Colts vs. Dolphins) and some are surprises and some were very much expected. Being that it the beginning of a new season with new Head Coaches, new QBs, and new stadiums (Dallas).

New York Jets: This team seems to be a legitimate contender early in the season as Mark Sanchez has been as good as advertised throwing for 2 TDs and only 1 INT through 2 games. This goes along with his 435 passing yards and just above 60% completion percentage. Sanchez hasnt been the only bright spot for the Jets as their Defene has shined allowing only 8 points per game so far even after playing the historic offense that is Tom Brady and Randy Moss. CB Darrelle Revis has been shut down for the Jets at CB and already has 1 INT. LB David Harris is playing lights out at LB and leads the team with 16 tackles. This is definitely a team to look out for come December and later on.

Baltimore Ravens: This is somewhat of a surprise, at least to me. I was one of the few who was unimpressed with Flacco after last year,thinking that he heavily benefited from a stout Defense and strong running game. However, Flaco has proved me wrong so far this year throwing 5 TDs and only 2 INTs with the mediocre WR corps he has. RB Ray Rice has surprise a lot of people with his play so far rushing 27 times and achieving a 5.3 ypc. The defense however has not been its normal self while allowing only 41 yards per game on the ground, they've given up and astounding 290 ypg through the air. Ed Reed can't do it all I guess and Fabian Washington and Dominique Foxworth need to step up come playoff time.

Indianapolis Colts: A close game against a seemingly poor Jaguars team has me worried about the Colts. (I'd love to see them fail though) Anthony Gonzalez's injury will be a huge test for Peyton Manning. He's never not had 2 legitimate HOF receivers at his disposal, not to mention a solid offensive line to protect him. The defense has its problems with the run but that will subside a little once Bob Sanders returns, even though he'll be hurt before long after that. I haven't seen enough to make a snap decision on the Colts yet.

Denver Broncos: Oh Denver, how did this happen? You come up with one of the luckiest plays you'll ever see against one of the worst teams, and then spank the Browns. Are they legitimate? No way, everyone including the Broncos fans are amazed that they've even won 2 games this year. How the Titans are 0-2 and this team is 2-0 is mind boggling. San Diego, if you dont win this division it's gonna be one of the most embarrassing things to happen in a while.

New York Giants: Both NY teams are undefeated and its a tough decision to choose which is better. I'm not a big fan of the Giants WR corps and while they have been productive so far, I'm skeptical to say the least that they can keep up what they've been doing, after all, its Mario Manningham and Steve Smith (not the good one). The defense will keep them alive and at a contender status

Minnesota Vikings: Any team with AD Adrian Peterson is a contender and it only gets better when you look at that Defense with both Williams at DT, Antoine Winfield at CB, and Jared Allen rushing the passer. If you can somehow score against them, rookie Percy Harvin has already made his prescense felt catching 2 TDs. Opposite him is Bernard Berrian who's already a proven commodity. Bret Favre seems to have all the poise he needs to be successful in this system and really a proven QB was really all that was missing from last year. Vikings: Contender, not pretender

Atlanta Falcons: The addition of Tony Gonzalez has done wonders for this team and it gives Matt Ryan a quick option if things break down and players like Roddy White can't get open. The offense also has the weapon that is Michael Turner. Turner is a premier RB in the league who can carry the team on his shoulders if need be. The defense has star DE John Abraham and a few ex Jaguars who have already joined ex Jaguar DC Mike Smith and have made an instant impact. Brian Williams has recorded an INT already and Mike Peterson ahs recovered a fumble

New Orleans Saints: Everyone knew this team would make the playoffs this year. By finishing in last in that division last year, they set themselves up perfectly since ever since the NFC South has existed, the last place team from the year before either won the division the next year or made the playoffs as a wild card. This team can be summed up in two words: Drew Brees. He will carry this team as far as he can anf if they want it to be further than the first round, players like Malcom Jenkins and Will Smith will ahve to stop the opposing offense every once and a while.

San Fransisco 49ers: The 49ers are a surpise but kinda not. Evryone knew about Patrick Willis and Frank Gore, but no one really had faith in the receeiving corps or Shaun Hill. All has ben forgiven by 9ers fans as this 2-0 start could not have gone any better for them. Beating the defending NFC champs in Arizona week 1 and beating division rival eattle in week 2 will go a looooong way in how the playoff seeding will look come december.