SFL 1st Quarter Review - 2022

by Crimsion | 4 years ago | 5 Comments

The SFL is in full swing once again and we have now entered into week 5, seemingly powering through the first four weeks of games and activity seems to be at an all time high. So far, we've seen some teams arise from the ashes, some have fallen while many have stayed the same to no surprise of mine. 

Here are a few takeaways I've found through the first four weeks of the 2022 SFL season.

NFC North

Green Bay Packers - (4-0) - The Packers are one of the less surprising worst to first stories this season, as they are coming off a year where they finished dead last in the SFL, the season 1 championship still sits atop B's desk. This team is firing on all cylinders despite Jordan Love throwing the second most interceptions within the division. I have no doubts that this team will retain this top spot throughout the year. 

Detroit Lions - (3-1) - It's now Tua Time in Detroit and the 3rd year man out of Alabama seems to have this team in the hunt for a post season spot, although it is early. This Lions' front office made a somewhat questionable move this off-season by trading away one of their better wide outs, but veteran Kenny Golladay has picked up the slack, leading the division with 682 yards on the year. Time will tell if this offense can keep them afloat, but they've certainly shown out during the first quarter of the season.

Minnesota Vikings - (2-2) - The D'Eriq Milton experiment continues to take place in Minnesota and it may be time for that to be put to an end. Sporting a 2-2 record at this point, Milton has thrown a total of 3 TDs and 12 INTs. The team did draft a potential replacement this off season, so maybe he gets a crack here shortly. 

Chicago Bears - (0-4) - If you thought things were bad in Minnesota, then you certainly had not taken a look at the Chicago Bears. While their defense continues to age, their Quarterback play isn't something to write home about either, Likely sitting at the bottom of the league, North Dakota State product, Trey Lance, has recorded 1 touchdown and 15 interceptions, not to mention he has already been replaced by rookie Joe Milton who added 4 INTs of his own. This franchise needs a lot more than a QB change to make any sort of noise here. 

Biggest Surprise: The Quarterback play of the Chicago Bears, it's simply awful. A 2:19 ratio when it comes to touchdowns and interceptions has to be some sort of record through four games.

NFC South

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - (4-0) - Although the departure of Tom Brady wasn't a surprise to anyone, the success found by 3rd round pick Matt Corral is. He brings a dynamic not held by Tampa Bay for quite some time, and that's mobility. He isn't a fast quarterback, but is able to avoid pressure when needed. This division is loaded with rookies and a single potential hall of famer, but Corrall seems to be leading the charge.

Carolina Panthers - (2-2) - The Carolina Panthers are putting a lot of stock into rookie QB Mac Jones and things are working out for the most part. Sitting at 2-2 this team still shows some weakness on offense, but their defensive core is keeping them in games for the time being. 

Atlanta Falcons - (2-2) - Atlanta also had a changing of the guard this off-season, handing the keys of the offense to Desmond Ridder. While he may be the most explosive quarterback out of this past class, he does lack accuracy. Thankfully for the Falcons their defensive front has been wreaking havoc over the first four games. Expect this team to challenge for the top spot in the South.

New Orleans Saints - (0-3) - Not much can be said about this team that hasn't been said already. Lead by a veteran quarterback and a celebrated veteran coach, Chan just doesn't seem to be the same when it comes to getting it done. This should be a division that is easily his year in and year out, however here he sits at the bottom of the barrel. 

Biggest Surprise: The fact that three of the four teams are rostering and starting rookie Quarterbacks and they are outplaying a legend in Aaron Rodgers. 

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys - (3-1) -  Mike and his Dallas Cowboys are looking to redeem themselves this season after missing the post-season the past two years. Quarterback Dak Prescott is leading the charge as the team has made a long term commitment to him, but it has been Tony Pollard that is the glue holding it all together. Recording a division high 564 yards so far, Pollard has propelled this team to a 3-1 record. 

Philadelphia Eagles - (3-1) - Looking to hold onto his chokehold on this division, Zach is keeping pace with the Cowboys at 3-1. While he may not have the best offense in the division, his defensive unit has been doing damage in the trenches. Fletcher Cox is leading the NFC East in QB tackles with 6.5, while the likes of Darius Slay Jr. is tied atop the division with 3 interceptions. This is a battle that will surely last well into the later weeks of the season between Zach and Mike. 

Washington Football Team - (1-2) - Gharl and the Washington Football Team are off to a rocky start, sitting at 1-2 and looking for answers. Dwayne Haskins' leash surely needs to be on the short end as he once again is underperforming. Washington hasn't done a great job giving themselves options to replace the Ohio State product however, so until that changes I don't expect much from this team. 

New York Giants - (0-3) - An early bye surely was needed for this 0-3 Giants team. The one positive takeaway from this team is that Justin Fields seems to be actually finding the end zone.

Biggest Surprise: None as this division is playing out as I thought it would, however I am surprised that Wentz is still the guy in Philadelphia.

NFC West

Seattle Seahawks - (1-2) - Somehow the NFC West has adopted the ways of the AFC East in where every team looks terrible to start the season. Here sits Malek and the Seattle Seahawks, although they are 1-2, I'm certain that we'll have to hear he's still "playoff bound" but won't see many articles about his success. This team is now exposed for what it is and that is one that aims to funnel targets to DK Metcalf. I don't expect much from this division, but I will have my eyes on this shit show. 

Los Angeles Rams - (1-3) - There isn't much here that I like in regards to the Rams, but there certainly is something alarming about this squad. Rookie QB Sam Powell has yet to throw his first NFL touchdown, but has already turned the ball over a total of nine times. They've still got a shot as good as any to make some noise, but need to become a threat in the air to do so.

Arizona Cardinals - (1-3) - This Cardinals team on paper had a really solid offensive attack, but it has not translated to much so far this cycle. Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins should make it easier for this team to take the next step, but it's up to the coach behind them to ramp things up.

San Francisco 49ers - (1-3) - They may have given up prematurely and now just found their first win of the season, but this 49ers team is the one I'd expect to turn things around quickly and reclaim the division for themselves. They've shown that their running attack can find wins on its own and being currently locked in a four way tie, Bryce and company are in the thick of things again.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens - (4-0) - The reigning Super Bowl champions have not missed a beat so far, starting off with a 4-0 record. Lamar Jackson has thrown a division leading 14 touchdowns, while remaining the third best rusher within the AFC North. This team did not lose any crucial pieces in the off-season and is certainly looking to capture another Super Bowl, along with another AFC North title.

Cleveland Browns - (3-1) - Going into the off-season the Cleveland Browns were looking for pieces as they needed to revamp their passing attack. The Detroit Lions played a huge role in reviving it as they shipped Rashod Bateman over to the Dog Pound. Alongside Jarvis Landry we've seen Bateman record the most receiving yards within the AFC North with 504. Nick Chubb still remains one of the best backs in the league and the Cleveland Browns are still starting off like they never left. 

Pittsburgh Steelers - (3-1) - N/A

Cincinnati Bengals - (2-2) - The Cincinnati Bengals worked their way back into the post-season conversation last year, and are still apart of that even though they sit at 2-2. This is one of the more competitive divisions within the SFL, so you cannot write off a team like this where their Quarterback/Running back tandem seem to be in sync still.

AFC South

Tennessee Titans - (3-1) - Once again this division is very top heavy, featuring a toe-to-toe battle between the Titans and Jags for the top spot. Yet another division playing host to a few of the younger quarterbacks in the league, the Titans Jamie Newman is off to a rocky start. They hold the top spot now, but that could all come crumbling down if his play does not improve.

Jacksonville Jaguars - (3-1) - Jacksonville decided to turn to a rookie quarterback in Spencer Rattler this off-season, but a compound foot fracture would be the near end to the Oklahoma product's season. In steps Matt Stafford now to lead the charge. This Jaguars' squad has a solid WR duo that will produce with anyone under center, let alone Stafford, so I don't expect this battle to die down any time soon.

Indianapolis Colts - (2-2) - Kyle Trask was gifted another weapon this off-season in former Brown Odell Beckham, giving this team even more life when it comes to passing the ball. Sitting at 2-2 the Colts have some work to do defensively, however I feel as if this team will breathe in new life this season.

Houston Texans - (0-4) - DeShaun Watson continues to fall off slowly in this Houston system, the run game is near non existent and their record shows. There's a lot of work needed to be done here for the Texans.

Biggest Surprise: Indianapolis sitting at 2-2, not that this team is on the wrong side of the fence, but they're in striking distance of the top spot.

AFC East

Buffalo Bills - (2-2) - The AFC East isn't a division filled with competition wall to wall like some others, but it still acts as the rest do. The Buffalo Bills may have ended their 1st quarter with a loss, but that did nothing to change where they sit within the division. 

New York Jets - (1-3) - Now that he's travelled to the mountains, Goins and the New York Jets are looking to pump new life into this Jets' team. This division is such a crap shoot that even he now has a shot to repeat as AFC East Champion.

New England Patriots - (0-4) - There isn't much to be said about this team. Struggle all around and I do not see this team getting any better anytime soon.

Miami Dolphins - (0-4) - It's a shame that the Miami Dolphins have yet to find a win, because I truly do believe with some consistency here that Brad could overtake the division. He isn't in a spot where he's out of it yet, however things need to be corrected ASAP.

Biggest Surprise:  Absolutely nothing.

AFC West

Denver Broncos - (4-0) - Being atop of the so called "Death Divison" is never an easy task, however Q and the Denver Broncos are currently the top dogs. Although LB and AC are on his heels this new look Broncos team is looking better than ever. No lead here is safe, but he's done everything just about perfectly through the first four weeks. 

Los Angeles Chargers - (3-1) - LB may only be steps behind Q in regards to the division lead, but he's yet to get into the bulk of his divisional games. Like many, this is where the standings will be decided. This is a team that is solid on both sides of the ball, so I am excited to see how the battle for the top plays out here. Herbert and company have found success here before, and I expect them to follow the blueprint once again.

Kansas City Chiefs - (3-1) - Things in Kansas City looked to take a turn for the worst through the first two seasons of this cycle, but I knew it wouldn't be long until we saw things work out as they should. Defensively they could sure up some things, however this offense is just as elite as it was during their 2019 Super Bowl run, it's only been four weeks so I fully expect for those rankings to change for the better. 

Las Vegas Raiders - (1-2) - Last but not least, the Las Vegas Raiders and Austin have found themselves in a rough situation. This team has talent and can put up points in a hurry, however if you're not on your A-Game always in this division, you'll find yourself behind in a hurry. Austin has shown he can compete here, but I find it hard to believe he'll be back to that form this season.

Biggest Surprise: No one has died yet.