One of the problems with the extended hiatus of BtC is that we have got behind with some of the more important sporting events in recent times. After a pre-season that for all intents and purposes appeared to be heading towards stalemate with the furore over the negotiations for a new CBA, the NFL returned with very little time for teams to prepare themselves for the attrition ahead.
As ever, we are looking to count down the top 5 performances from each week's play on the gridiron. However, for catch-up purposes, here are the top 5 performers so far as we each call it:
Ryan's Top 5
5. Cullen Jenkins and Jason Babin (Eagles) - 22 tackles, 11 sacks, 1 FF between them. For a team at 1-3, it may seem unusual to pick a couple of D-Linemen, but then you forget how bad Philly were against the pass last season. The Dream Team tag has been shot out of the water, as Andy Reid's men have proven that building through free agency is not the way to win a Superbowl. However, Jenkins from the Packers and Babin from the Titans appear to be much better business that star CB Nnamdi Asomugha, who just does not seem to fit into the Eagles' scheme. Maybe time will change things. For now, the D-Line is proving to be extremely effective against the pass. The inexperienced LBs and secondary are like a colander against the run. Sort it out.
4. Cam Newton (Panthers) - 1,386 yards, 5 TDs, 5 INTs. He's an entertainer. He's an icon. He's 1-3 as well. But hey, who deserves praise just for winning? It's not as though Carolina have no running game - DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are more than capable of carrying the football and pounding out the yards. But the faith that the Panthers have shown in the No.1 overall draft pick has more than been rewarded. The former Auburn QB has a big arm, more accurate than many of us thought, with the ability to scramble out of the pocket for positive yards as well. He's not been perfect, but then he's playing in a terrible team. The potential that he's shown must have the fans in Charlotte licking their lips.
3. Wes Welker (Patriots) - 40 receptions, 616 yards, 5 TDs. The Pats offense has been on fire. Save for a surprise second half implosion to the Bills where Tom Brady threw 4 INTs obviously, but even then you cannot take away from the effect that Wes has had. On that day alone, he had over 200 receiving yards and remains a nightmare matchup in the slot. God knows how he does it, lacking in the physical attributes that some of the other players in this countdown do (hint hint No.1...), but Welker has truly stepped up to be Brady's go-to guy since Randy Moss moved on.
2. Darren McFadden (Raiders) - 75 carries, 465 yards, 3 TDs. Finally, an Oakland first-round pick who came good. There is hope yet for Darrius Heyward-Bey. McFadden really is the Oakland offense, given the limited capabilities of Jason Campbell and the lack of any really consistent receivers. They may only be 2-2 but McFadden has stood tall and made big plays with pace, power and an eye for the holes in other defences. Which, given the limited preparation time in pre-season, there have been plenty of!
1. Calvin Johnson (Lions) - 24 receptions, 321 yards, 8 TDs. A beast. There is no other way to describe him. Given his towering frame, it has been easy for Matthew Stafford to find his favourite target in the endzone over and over again. It's basically like a basketball game. Detroit are 4-0 thanks to two ludicrous comebacks from Stafford and his offense, the highlight of which was a 24 point turnaround on Sunday against the Cowboys, where Megatron managed to haul the ball in for six whilst in triple coverage. A secondary's nightmare. More or less than 25 TDs when the season is over? If Stafford stays healthy, who knows what might happen in Motown? And let's be honest, who would grudge them any success?
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