It’s a great opportunity to review teams
each quarter mark of the season, and review the upcoming schedules. So far
after Week 4 this is what we know!
NFC EAST
Philadelphia Eagles (3-1)
The Eagles have been what they should be so far through 4 weeks of
the NFL season. The defensive front seven has looked dominate with the
secondary having its issues. Notable injuries have occurred (Ronald Darby,
Darren Sproles), but based on depth the Eagles have overcome. Close games have
been the mantra for this squad which suggests they haven’t perfected their
philosophy, but I feel they are very close. Carson Wentz is progressing in the
right direction however the biggest piece missing from this offense is a full
time three down back. If Blount can step up and carry the load like he did in
New England Philly might be poised to win the NFC East.
The Eagles upcoming schedule consists of; ARZ, @CAR, WAS, SF, DEN,
BYE, @DAL. Having majority of the upcoming games at home will undoubtedly put
the Eagles in the driver seat to run away with the division. Very winnable
games in the near future.
Washington Redskins (2-2)
The Redskins have impressed on both sides of the ball this season.
The most impressive aspect of the Skins has been the play of their defensive
front seven, as well as scat-back runner Chris Thompson. That Skins front seven
anchored by two rookie sensations from Alabama have lifted them into a dominate
category. The pressure they provide allows their secondary to often be in the
right position to make a play. Offensively they’ve had many great moments
sprinkled with average play. Chris Thompson has been a spark plug with the
on-field absence of free-agent addition Terrelle Pryor & return player Jamison
Crowder. The knock was, could the Skins overcome the losses of Garcon and
Jackson installing new additions while continuing chemistry. It quite apparent more
work needs to be done, but once they figure it out they could be dangerous.
The Redskins upcoming schedule consists of; BYE, SF, @PHI, DAL,
@SEA, MIN, @NWO. After the bye the Skins have a difficult schedule ahead of
them which should result in entertaining games. They find themselves in some
injury trouble which could derail their success. Will be interesting to watch.
Dallas Cowboys (2-2)
The Cowboys have somewhat underachieved to this point of the season.
I fully expected the Dallas defense to be an improved unit which they have only
shown from week 1. Outside that, the defensive unit has been absolutely average
not doing the offense any favors. Saying that, the offence hasn’t been much to
right home about. They’ve had moments of brilliance and others leaving you
scratching your head. I believe the Cowboys are a good squad to make a push for
the post-season but will have to come together on both sides of the ball as
either side doesn’t seem able to carry this team. The looming Elliott legal
situation remains a dark cloud over the team and will have a negative impact if
Zeke misses time.
The Cowboys upcoming schedule consists of; GB, BYE, @SF, @WAS, KC,
@ATL, PHI. The Cowboys will be tested with their difficult schedule. If they
can’t find ways to win they will be on the outside looking in.
New York Giants (0-4)
The Giants have been an utter mess all around dropping them to share
the worst record in the NFL. This isn’t surprising to us at ADF because New
York failed to address the major flaws on this team in the offseason. The
Giants have no offensive line or run game to speak of. This flaw was identified
and shown last season hence the confusion why nothing was done to fix this. The
addition of Brandon Marshall appeared to be a great move, however, he has shown
his age with abysmal play. That Giant defense still has playmakers trying to
right the ship, however this season is likely a wash.
The Giants upcoming schedule consists of; LAC, @DEN, SEA, BYE, LAR,
@SF, KC. The schedule doesn’t favor New York to make any sort of push, lick
your wounds and prepare for the draft.
NFC NORTH
Detroit Lions (3-1)
The Lions have impressed me with sound play all over the field.
Their defense has quietly turned into a unit recognized by all teams for their
sound play. Offensively Matt Stafford has taken his money and is proving to the
league he could be worth every penny. His solid play has opened the run game
with a healthy Ameer Abdullah preforming very well. The Lions addressed their
OL to provide Stafford the ability to have time in the pocket to find the
various playmakers at WR. Still underrated in most circles, Tate has been
absolutely solid, while Jones has provided consistency as a deep threat. Once
rookie Golladay understands how to effectively run routes he will be a force as
seen from week 1. If it wasn’t for a week 3 clock run off vs ATL, the Lions
could be undefeated atop the league with KC.
The Lions upcoming schedule consists of; CAR, @NWO, BYE, PIT, @GB,
CLE, @CHI. The Lions schedule enters the most difficult stretch of games, post
week 9 we should see if the Lions are in-fact contenders.
Green Bay Packers (3-1)
The Green Bay Packers with Aaron Rodgers running the show will
always be vying for top spot in the division. I had my reservations that TY
Montgomery could replicate his success from last season to which he hasn’t
disappointed. The major concern was, could his wide receiver frame hold up to
the direct punishment the running back position takes? That has been answered
as Monty should miss time with a rib injury suffered in week 4. Jordy Nelson
has again proved his critics wrong with his excellent play. Jordy deserves to
be in the top 5 WR conversation, health has been his only downfall. The Packer
defense has improved on paper housing the 6th best unit in the NFL.
The concern on the defensive side is the secondary. Aside from Clinton-Dix,
that unit has looked like swiss cheese (no pun intended - cheese heads).
Reviewing the film vs. the Bears, it was apparent that the under-skilled WR
core had massive separation and effective route running making the Packer
secondary look foolish. The division games against the Lions should be very
interesting.
The Packers upcoming schedule consists of; @DAL, @MIN, NWO, BYE,
DET, @CHI, BAL. The Packers will be tested in numerous contests coming up,
should be in for some exciting football.
Minnesota Vikings (2-2)
The Vikings came out the gate looking like a world beater punishing
the Saints week 1 at home. Bradford looked precise on almost every throw
carving up the secondary with utter ease. Rookie super-star in the making
Dalvin Cook also flew out of the gates proving he could be the best running
back to come out of the 2017 draft. Since then, the Vikings misfortune has come
in bunches! Bradford hasn’t played since week 1 due to a knee injury, where
Case Keenum has had his ups and downs. The biggest blow came in week 4 to the dismay
of the Minnesota faithful as they watched their wonder-boy (Dalvin Cook), fall
to a non-contact knee injury. Later confirmed he was lost for the season with a
torn ACL. The Vikings defense will be called upon to pitch shutouts from here
on in, we have seen what the lack of a run game does to the Vikings offense.
We’ll wait and see what Diggs and Thielen can provide in the form of play
making post Dalvin Cook as the run was opening up the pass! Might be tough
sledding moving forward.
The Vikings upcoming schedule consists of; @CHI, GB, BAL, @CLE, BYE,
@WAS, LAR. Going into the bye the Vikings could be 5-3 viewing these upcoming
games. They will have to be pin-point on defense to make that happen.
Chicago Bears (1-3)
The Bears haven’t been much to speak of this season with terrible
play and frequent miss-ques. The run game has been the lone bright spot for an
offense destined to fail once Mike Glennon signed his over paid contract. On
the positive the Bears actually have an upstart defense that does possess
talent. A couple more drafts and this could be a unit that will be feared in
the NFL. Enter week 5 and the hype has increased for Bears fans. Mitchell
Trubisky has been given the green light and will make his first start on Monday
Night Football. What I’ve seen from Trubisky from the preseason, I did like,
but where he lacked was understanding of the playbook thus reserved his seat on
the bench. This may not be the best opportunity (MNF) for Mitchell to get his
feet wet, but I believe the kid will show flashes of greatness that will
hopefully turn into reality.
The Bears upcoming schedule consists of; MIN, @BAL, CAR, @NWO, BYE,
GB, DET. Playing in the NFC North is a difficult task for a Bears team
unequipped to keep up. If the Bears continue to build and Trubisky does indeed
turn out to be their franchise QB, this could be the best division in football
in two years.
NFC SOUTH
Carolina Panthers (3-1)
The Panthers haven’t been anything special after the first 4 weeks
of the season. Newton has obviously been playing injured effecting his ability
to be accurate as we’re all accustomed to seeing. The Panther defense as per
usual has kept this team afloat to start the season. They rank among the league
worst in yardage allowed, however rank among the top for points allowed. True
to form they are a bend but don’t break squad. The disappointment of the usage
of Christian McCaffery (CMC) has been addressed somewhat these last two weeks.
Understanding that he may never become a between the tackles runner but rather
a full-time scat-back/slot player. CMC is extremely dynamic and can make plays
all over the field, the Panthers need to get creative. The biggest fundamental
problem with most of these teams is not understanding how to take advantage of
the talents of players. CMC along with Curtis Samuel, should provide a one-two
punch that most in the NFL would never be able to stop. Samuel is a Percy
Harvin clone based on ability, however it looks that way with his injury history
as well. Once Samuel figures out how to remain on the field watching them play
together should be poetry in motion. The Panthers could be a very good team
moving forward just need all the pieces to come together.
The Panthers upcoming schedule consists of; @DET, PHI, @CHI, @TB,
ATL, MIA, BYE. Very winnable games in the future for the Panthers. Depending on
what the Saints can do this could be a two-team race for the title, (ATL).
Atlanta Falcons (3-1)
The best game the Falcons played thus far through four weeks was
week two vs. the Green Bay Packers. That game showed the domination this team
is capable of. Everything was done to perfection as they utilized every
playmaker while game-planning with shear brilliance. After that, the Falcons
have come back down to earth with uneven play. Week four vs. the Bills showed
the flaws in the Falcons game. Injuries did force their hand against a Bills up
and coming defense, prompting them to adjust the game-plan thus falling to
Buffalo. The bye week came at the right time for the Falcons to regroup and get
healthy for the long season push they will endure. The Atlanta defense still
isn’t where Coach Quinn would like it, but I’m sure he’ll iron out the
inadequacies. Devonta Freeman has shown he is in the top 5 RB category in the
NFL, no question. Julio Jones still is the best WR in the NFL, but again
injuries could be his downfall. The supporting cast is finally making a name
for themselves allowing Matt Ryan the ability to search for the best option.
This team is still one of the top contenders in the NFC.
The Falcons upcoming schedule consists of; BYE, MIA, @NE, @NYJ, @
CAR, DAL, @SEA. This schedule is full of beautiful match-ups that will test the
Falcons resolve. Post bye week is the toughest and will see three straight road
games weeks 7 thru 9.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1)
Utter disappointment could describe the beginning to the Bucs
season. The ambitions of improvement were solidified on paper with all the
additions Tampa Bay made in the offseason. This team looked primed to take the
next step forward to which they haven’t shown that resolve. Terrible
progression from potential star Jameis Winston has lowered his floor where
criticism isn’t far behind. His inability to find his receivers consistently is
a growing issue that I wonder he can overcome? Having Doug Martin return to the
fold after serving his suspension will help Winston and this offence. The
defense has unfortunately dealt with the injury bug recently sidelining top
tear talent on a unit also poised for a big jump. Injured players such as
David, Alexander, & Ward have taken a toll but should be rectified once
they return. Once the defensive unit becomes healthy the league should take
notice to what they can do! Tampa is far
from out but need drastic improvement to keep pace with the pack.
The Buccaneers upcoming schedule consists of; NE(played), @ARZ,
@BUF, CAR, @NWO, NYJ, @MIA. Three out of the next four games will be on the
road. Tough task for a team that is struggling.
New Orleans Saints (2-2)
Beginning the season at 0-2 put the Saints in a very difficult
situation. To start, it appears Coach Peyton had no idea how to utilize all the
talent they have at the RB position. The odd man out seems to be newly acquired
future hall of famer Adrian Peterson. Peterson is a volume runner that requires
carries to get going, much like a train finding its top cruising speed on the
track. It didn’t help the Saints drafted spark-plug rookie Alvin Kamara to
crowd the back field. Brees still looks the part at age 38 and will do anything
in his power to keep this team moving. The offence (minus Peterson), isn’t the
issue on this team. Yet again the brain trust has failed to provide adequate
talent on the defensive side of the ball. Being carved up in the first two
weeks they seem to have settled down somewhat to help get victories. I wouldn’t
count Brees out of this race just yet as this may be his last dance in New
Orleans.
The Saints upcoming schedule consist of; BYE, DET, @GB, CHI, TB,
@BUF, WAS. Some very competitive teams in the future for the Saints, will be
interesting to say the least.
NFC WEST
Los Angeles Rams (3-1)
The talk of the town, the up & comers! This is the best way to
describe this Rams team. They have preformed with shear brilliance for a team
with a first year Head Coach and a QB that should basically be viewed as a
rookie. Coach McVay is one of the brightest young offensive minds in the NFL and
he’s proving that on a weekly basis. The stoke of genius to bring defensive
coordinator Wade Philips to man the fort on that side of the ball allowing
McVay to concentrate 100% on the offence. The great play and constant
progression of Jared Goff undoubtedly should be credited to McVay. This team is
definitely on the rise and should only continue to improve. The amount of
talent on this squad is baffling and they are just scratching the surface.
Taking down a Cowboys team in week 4 was enough for us at ADF to confirm the
thought of how good this team could get. There will be bumps in the road, no
question, but this is about building something to sustain. Offensively they
have a power three in Goff, Gurley, and Watkins that could prove to be a
fantastic trio for a long time. Defensively the talent oozes off the paper but
have yet to understand Wade and his complex scheme. Watch out for the Rams,
they are climbing.
The Rams upcoming schedule consists of; SEA, @JAX, ARZ, BYE, @NYG,
HOU, @MIN. If the Rams can beat the Seahawks at home the will take a hold on
this division and it could be theirs to lose. Very winnable games past the
Hawks.
Seattle Seahawks (2-2)
The Hawks haven’t looked like the team of old to start 2017. It’s no
surprise when the brain trust spent most of the cap dollars on the defensive
side of the ball greatly underpaying and underinvesting in the offensive line.
Russell Wilson has done his best while running for his life virtually every
play. The Hawks are hard pressed to form any run game behind that weak line
thus putting more pressure on the defense. Speaking of that side of the ball,
the Hawks defense has shown wear from many years of domination. We could be
witness to the start of the demise of a once great unit called the “Legion of
Boom”. I’m not ready to fully endorse that sentiment simply because they have
played so much this year thanks to the enigmatic offense. Wilson has looked
good in week 3 and 4 so I’m not ready to right off the Seahawks by any stretch,
they will continue to push.
The Seahawks upcoming schedule consists of; @LAR, BYE, @NYG, HOU,
WAS, @ARZ, ATL. Playing at home still is an incredible advantage as the 12th
man is always ready to support. Week 5 vs, the Rams should be very interesting.
Arizona Cardinals (2-2)
The ambitions of the season were completely derailed when super-star
running back David Johnson went down with a fractured arm removing him for
almost the entire season. Carson Palmer looks to have potentially gasped his
last breath and should ride off into the sunset after this season concludes.
Larry Fitzgerald seems to have found the fountain of youth continuing to play
at an ultra-high level, the hall of fame is already knocking. The offense isn’t
the only issue on the Cardinals squad. This defense is greatly underachieving
on a weekly basis. Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu have again been the
bright spots helping them to two of four victories. This team under the
microscope has major concerns forthcoming being masked with the luxury of playing
in a weaker division. If they can keep themselves in the playoff conversation
until David Johnson comes back, there may be a slight chance they squeeze in.
The Cardinals upcoming schedule consists of; @PHI, TB, @LAR, BYE,
@SF, SEA, @HOU. This slate isn’t something to fear and the Cardinals could
count themselves lucky.
San Francisco 49ers (0-4)
And finally, we have the lowly San Fran 49ers. This was to be
expected for a team that lost a multitude of talent in a mass exodus to
retirement thus firing their previous head coach and installing genius
offensive mind Kyle Shanahan as the lead dog. The 0-4 record doesn’t
appropriately encapsulate the games the 49ers have been in. Three of the four
losses have come with 3 points or less! The 49ers have been riding Carlos Hyde
and finding a way to get Garcon the ball. Defensively they are extremely
under-rated. This unit is starting to build and under Shanahan they will build
the right way. I believe we will see the 49ers competitive thought-out the
entire season. Its not in their best interest to win because we know that
Shanahan needs a QB, he’ll get a good one in the 2018 draft. Chin up 49er fans
the future will look bright again.
The 49ers upcoming schedule consists of; @IND, @WAS, DAL, @PHI, ARZ,
NYG, BYE. Just looking at this it appears San Fran will only have one victory
and that should be week 5 vs. the Colts.
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