NFL Update: Surprises in ’09
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By Harrison Payne, Freshman
October 21, 2009
Filed under Sports
THIS season not much has changed. The Giants are still dominating the NFC, Peyton Manning and the Colts are still near the top of the division, and Brett Favre still wants to play. Even with those expectancies, many events have happened in ’09 that would have been thought crazy at the end of 2008. Who expected with the loss of Hall of Fame Head Coach Mike Shanahan, replaced by rookie Josh McDaniels, and the great talent of Jay Cutler that this team would be undefeated? Or that Brett Favre would be in purple and gold?
Many experts predicted that the Tennessee Titans would be a strong Super Bowl candidate this year, but with a zero-five record, only one team since 1990 has made it to the playoffs let alone the Super Bowl with that starting record. And much to the Vikings’ surprise, they are undefeated because of unbelievable performances from Brett Favre, thought to be a non-factor because of his age, and young Adrian Peterson who has proved to be the main part of this team. But is this too good to be true?
The Broncos, whose toughest opponent was the New England Patriots, has a much harder schedule a head of them. Facing the Ravens, Eagles, Colts and a hot Jets team, who knows if they will be prepared? Also, with three out of the five Vikings’ wins coming from teams with losing records, they also have tougher opponents to play. With the Giants, Ravens, and Packers at Lambeau, fans do not yet know how the Vikings will fare against high-caliber playoff teams, a factor if they are to go deep into the playoffs.
Next year new surprises will appear in the NFL. Who knows, maybe the Lions will have a winning record…or maybe not.
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Should we also be surprised at the disappointing play of the Cowboys or we should we expect to see them not live up to expectations every year? How many years has it been since they have been in the playoffs? I think it has been at least 5 years now. Also, what about the 49′ers leading their division. Who expected that?
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