Hard to believe were are already a quarter of the way through the 2017 season. And while a main topic and focal point for this season so far has unfortunately been politicized, lets take a look at some of the players and teams who are off to a great start and those who have hit a speed bump and need to get back on a smooth path.
Studs
Tom Brady
The G.O.A.T continues to age like fine wine! After a rough start in Week 1, Brady has so far compiled and leads the league with 1,702 yards through the air and has 11 touchdowns and only 1 interception (this is including their 5th game they played on Thursday). While the Patriots are not quite playing as a whole as many expected entering the season, Tom Brady continues to prove that age is just a number.
Kareem Hunt
Going from young to old, Kareem Hunt is living up to expectations and proving himself as an elite NFL caliber player. Only a rookie, Hunt leads the league in rushing yards thus far with 502 yards and has 4 touchdowns to go along with his season totals. Hunt has done a nice job taking over the reigns that current Denver Broncos running back Jamaal Charles was doing when he was healthy in Kansas City. Safe to say that Hunt has been a key part to Kansas City's early season success
Kansas City Chiefs
Speaking of Kansas City, they are arguably the hottest team in the NFL right now and the only undefeated team left. On opening night they got pressure on Tom Brady and would not allow him to get into a groove as he barely completed 50 percent of his passes and had no touchdown passes. Combined with an offense that leads the league in rushing yards (thanks in large part to Kareem Hunt) and a sound defense that is 2nd in the league with forced fumbles (6), the Chiefs are sitting pretty and hope to keep this momentum up moving forward throughout the rest of the season.
Duds
Ezekiel Elliot and Dak Prescott
After tremendous rookie campaigns, both Dallas Cowboys stars, Ezekiel Elliot and Dak Prescott have seemingly been plagued with the "sophomore slump." Elliot (who has been dealing with off the field issues as well) only has 277 yards on the ground, which is still good for 9th best currently in the league. But at just 3.6 yards a carry, this a concern for the Cowboys. As for Prescott, he's been about average (ranks 15th in passing yards and has 8 touchdowns and 3 interceptions). If Elliot and Prescott want to turn their seasons around, it's going to have to be now especially with Green Bay coming into town. And with the heartbreak the Packers caused for the Cowboys last year in the playoffs, One would think they have a chip on their shoulder.
Brandin Cooks
Say what!?!? You have arguably Tom Brady's number one go to guy (outside of Gronkowski) as a dud? Allow me to explain. After so much success as Drew Brees number one target and coming over to New England, I thought Cooks would lighting up the score and stat sheets. Yes he is third right now in receiving yards, but only has two receiving touchdowns to show for it. In my opinion, I think he has under performed a bit considering all the hype and talk about how being Brady's new go to guy would have him putting up huge numbers.
Oakland Raiders
Considered a Super Bowl contender by some as well as a favorite to win the AFC West, the Oakland Raiders now find themselves at 2-2 after winning their first two games. What's troublesome is that Derek Carr went down with an injury and there's no telling how serious it may be or how much effect it could cause Carr should it linger. But if Carr isn't 100% we already know that this is a complete different Raiders team without him as evident as last year's AFC Wild Card round loss to the Houston Patriots.
So those are my studs and duds thus far for the 2017 season. Feel free to let me know what you think and who some of your studs and duds are as of right now!
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