The first ten weeks of the 2024 NFL season has provided fans with much shock and excitement. Every offseason, NFL fans wait and debate various topics between players and teams. Each offseason is filled with storylines that get determined through the play on the field. This column will focus on the biggest surprises in the NFL so far, focusing on teams who have fallen short and teams who have performed above expectations.
Disappointments
New York Jets
I have touched on how badly the Jets have performed in a previous article, as they are the biggest disappointment in the league. The Jets currently own a 3-7 record, and just got embarrassed by the Arizona Cardinals, 31-6, on Sunday. In that game, the Jets couldn’t do anything well on any side of the ball. This has been the case throughout the year, no matter who is coaching the team. The overall synopsis of this New York squad is that all of their star players have underperformed. Aaron Rodgers, Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson, Davante Adams and Sauce Gardner have all played well below their standing, resulting in the team’s subpar record.
Caleb Williams
The No. 1 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft was considered by many to be one of the most talented prospects of all time. While Caleb Williams may have had some character concerns, many believed he would become one of the best quarterbacks in his rookie season. This has not been the case, as the Bears signal caller has struggled so far. In Chicago’s last game, a 19-3 loss to the lowly New England Patriots, Williams was sacked nine times and missed wide-open throws. This season has not all been bad for Willams, as he’s shown flashes of potential, most notably in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, Williams has not been good in the grand scheme of things, and his head coach, Matt Eberflus, may pay the price for it.
AFC East
This column has already touched on how bad the Jets have been, but the AFC East in general has been dreadful. The Buffalo Bills have been amongst the league’s best and sit at 8-2, but everyone else in the division has fewer than three wins. New England was projected to be amongst the league’s worst teams and have fit that bill. While Drake Maye has shown flashes in a few games, the team around him is subpar and it will take years to build a contending team. The Miami Dolphins previously demonstrated progress in the first two seasons under Mike McDaniel and were expected to build on that in his third year. However, after another concussion for Tua Tagovailoa and a lack of consistent quarterback play, the squad faltered.
Better than expected
Washington Commanders
When the Washington Commanders hired Dan Quinn and selected Jayden Daniels second overall, they were preparing for a successful future. What they did not know was that success would come right away. The infusion of Daniels into the franchise has made them a contender immediately. Daniels has been one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and has built a lethal connection with star receiver Terry McLaurin. Quinn’s defense has played up to his standard and is one of the best in the league. Washington may win their division in Quinn and Daniels’ first season, which would be a massive shock to all.
Bo Nix
The Broncos drafted Bo Nix with the No. 12 pick in the 2024 draft in what many called a reach. Nix and head coach Sean Payton worked exceptionally well together in the first ten weeks. Last week, Nix outperformed Patrick Mahomes, leading the Broncos into field goal range for the win, though the field goal was blocked to give Kansas City the win. Nix has shown his athletic prowess as he can run at a high level. Not to mention, the signal caller has even caught a touchdown pass. Nix and Payton are the perfect combination and with an influx of cap space in the offseason, Denver will be replenished with weapons for the future.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Mike Tomlin’s Pittsburgh Steelers are at the top of the AFC North, owning a record of 7-2. The Steelers started an impressive 4-2 with former Bears QB Justin Fields before switching to established veteran Russell Wilson, citing a need to influx spark into their offense. This move has made the Steelers an elite offense and has unlocked young receiver, George Pickens. Pittsburgh has one of the best defenses and one of the best special teams’ units in the game and are balanced on all sides of the ball. This is one of Tomlin’s best teams in a while and could return the Steelers to glory.