Fansided

10 biggest surprise NFL teams thus far on the season

By Andrew Garda

Sep 20, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) gets away from a Cleveland Browns defender during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) gets away from a Cleveland Browns defender during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 20, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) is sacked by Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Jacquies Smith (56) in the second half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won, 23-19.Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) is sacked by Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Jacquies Smith (56) in the second half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won, 23-19.Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

New Orleans Saints: 0-2

On the flip-side of the Jimmy Graham trade is the New Orleans Saints, who might be missing him more than they expected. Without Graham, it seems as if the offense is struggling to make big plays and gain first downs, ending up in too many third down situations and struggling to overcome them (they are 14 of 32 on third down so far this year).

That Drew Brees is hurt just adds to their problems, and you could see how much the team struggles whenever he does. If Brees is down for a long time, you have Luke McCown and Garrett Grayson taking over, which means this all comes on the defense’s shoulders.

Considering how bad they have played so far (Football Outsiders has them ranked as the 31st defense in their DVOA rankings), that’s a horrible idea. Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan seems to be completely unsure what to do, and what was once a great hiring for the Saints now appears to be a bust.

So if you’re hoping the Saints can turn things around using the defense, more than likely that is not happening.

We’ve thought for a while the window for a championship was closing, but it appears as if it’s already slammed shut. The Saints are not in a tough conference, so it’s possible they might get back on track, but at the end of the day it seems like there are just too many holes and too many problems to overcome.

Next: Jacksonville Jaguars: 1-1

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