NFL Midseason biggest surprises and disappointments: Eagles, Giants, Rodgres, Brady...

There have been some unexpected events and performances across the NFL this season. We’re taking a look at some of the more memorable ones, so why not join us for a review.

The journey so far in the 2022-23 NFL season

It’s one thing to highlight the week-to-week surprises that the NFL tosses up, but it’s a completely different story to analyze those which sustain their shock factor during an extended period of time. As we head into Week 9, we’re reflecting on what’s been one heck of a ride so far. From Rodgers, to Brady and let’s not forget those high-flying Eagles, here’s a look at some of the more notable surprises so far:

Something is wrong in Green Bay

Here’s the thing, before the 2022-23 NFL season started, it was glaringly obvious that the Packers were light in the offensive department. On the other hand, many of us were almost certain that with Aaron Rodgers at the helm, it wouldn’t be so bad. In the end, that’s not how it went down and not just for footballing reasons. Indeed, what shocked us the most, was the ease with which Rodgers - once the going got tough - started to publicly criticize his teammates, even outrightly calling for some of them to receive less playing time. That, from a QB who has four interceptions and 1,800 yards on the season which currently ranks him at 12th in the league. To be clear, the Packers have loss four games on the trot and are looking at possibly missing the post season if they don’t correct their course right here and now.

Tom Brady is in a bind

Here’s the second thing: We genuinely thought - as we did with Rodgers and the Packers - that Tom Brady and the Buccaneers would be contenders this season. Yes, Todd Bowles was promoted to coach after the legendary Bruce Arians stepped away in March, but even then, we were convinced that when the season came to an end, the Bucs and Brady would be amongst the last standing. That seems a distant memory now. With the Bucs sitting on a 3-5 record and Brady with just nine touchdowns - consider that he led the league with 43 last season - the Bucs are in real trouble. On top of that, Brady’s personal life has overshadowed everything football related. With the seven-time Super Bowl winner, recently announcing that he and now ex-wife Gisele Bündchen have divorced, the question remains as to whether we can return to regularly scheduled programming.

The NFL trade deadline was lit

Just as the NFL is associated with big plays and big bucks, it’s ironically enough not so when it comes to trade deadline drama. Yet, this year D-Day was significantly differently. Indeed, even the number of deals that took place - 10 to be precise - was more than normal. Of those deals, the biggest without doubt have got to be Christian McCaffrey’s move from the Panthers to the 49ers and Bradley Chubb’s jump from the Broncos to the Dolphins.

The Eagles are still going

Even if the Eagles had lost a game or two, we’d still have said they were the surprise package of the season, but the fact that they haven’t is nothing short of exceptional. Jalen Hurts and Co. have been firing on all cylinders since Week 1 and don’t show any signs of letting up. Indeed, after Thursday night’s win against the Texans, the question of whether or not they could actually go all the way to a Super Bowl title is becoming a legitimate one.

What about the NY Giants?

At 6-2 the New York Giants are off to their best start to an NFL season since 2012, when they finished 9-7. With running back Saquon Barkley having rushed for 779 yards and five touchdowns so far, it’s not really hard to see why. That’s also before we mention just how their defense has pounced on every opportunity they’ve been given. Add to that Daniel Jones’ stellar performances and you might find yourself wondering just how far the Giants can go. We know that we’ll be keeping an eye on them.