We are through one quarter of the 2012 NFL season, and there are definitely some thing that we have learned and are paying attention to through the next 12 games of the schedule. There is still a long way to go, but you can’t underestimate the importance of a good start. Just as Houston, Arizona and Atlanta. Or for that matter ask New Orleans.
So with that in mind, here are three things that I’ve learned since the start of the 2012 NFL Regular season going into Week 5.
1. Coaches Play A Bigger Role Than We Think
Do you honestly believe that the Saints are that much worse than they were last season? An 0-4 start, and already out of the playoff conversation unless the go on a big run midway through the season. It all points to the offseason distractions and the absence of head coach Sean Payton on the sideline for the season as he serves his suspension. Payton was the leader of this team, and I can guarantee you that New Orleans would not be 0-4 through four games of the season if he was still there. The fact of the matter is that a team can have as good of a quarterback in the league, and they do in Drew Brees, but coaching matters.
2. They Are Who We Thought They Were
The Houston Texans had big expectations coming into this season, off of their first-ever division title and playoff berth last year. Houston was set as one of the top favorites in the AFC, and one of the favorites for the Super Bowl. Through four games, there is not a team out there which has looked better than what they have going on in Houston. Two seasons ago the Texans were the worst defense in the league. Flash forward to 2012, and Houston possesses the best defense in the NFL. And with that defense now combined with Matt Schaub, Arian Foster and the dangerous offense, it looks like this could be Houston’s year to take that next step forward. How big of a step that will be remains to be seen.
3. It Took Just 4 Games For The Sanchez/Tebow Controversy to Transpire
From the moment that the Jets announced that they were trading for Tim Tebow I knew that it would only be a matter of time until they called for Sanchez’ head in New York and to put in Tebow. It would only take a poor performance or two, and boom, there it goes. A 34-0 loss at home to San Francisco appears to be that catalyst that I expected, and from here on out the Jets’ season is done. They have no chance to make the postseason. The offense just lost a playmaker in Santonio Holmes as well. Stick a fork in New York, it’s over.